They say nothing compares to celebrating Christmas the Filipino way. From the bright and colorful light decorations along major highways to the mouth-watering dishes on dining tables during Noche Buena (the special dinner offered on Christmas eve)… these are all reflections of how everyone in the Philippines looks forward to this very special occasion.

Why do many foreigners decide to celebrate this wonderful time in our country and why do Filipinos overseas spend a lot of money just to come back for this occasion? What makes a Filipino Christmas extra interesting?

Just how do you know you’re in ‘Pinas on a Christmas season? Let’s see what people from different walks of life have to say about this:

“Mas malaki ang kita ko dahil mas maraming gising sa madaling-araw para magsimbang-gabi. (I get higher sales because more people are awake for early-morning mass.)”

Edwin, 37, Balut Vendor

“You know you’re in the Philippines during the Christmas season when a lot of people are already awake at 4 or 5 in the morning.”

Jan-ace, 16, High School Student

“Since it’s an awaited event, most of the households secure that they’ll have food served for Noche Buena even at the expense of incurring debt. There’s also this rush to collect newly-produced bills for aguinaldo, that even banks make sure there are adequate supply of 20s, 50s and 100s.”

Tania, 23, Research Analyst

“Mahirap na magpareserve for provincial flights dahil unahan ang mga taong nasa Maynila sa pagpapareserve para makauwi sila sa probinsiya to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. (It’s hard to place provincial flight reservations as many people in Manila want to go to their provinces and spend Christmas with their loved ones.)”

Christy, 43, Office Clerk

“Pasko na kapag tumataba na ako kasi every week may reunion or dinner… at naglalabasan na rin ang mga tiangge na pare-pareho lang din ang binibenta. (I know it’s Christmas when I gain weight due to weekly reunion or dinner… and stalls start to be seen everywhere although they just sell the same items.)”

Lianne, 24, Fresh Grad

“It’s when tiangges and night markets are crowded with people and when you find your neighbor already selling puto bumbong and bibingka.”

-          Maro, 23, Pizza Parlor Shift Manager

“Pagpunta mo sa malls, nakakatuwa kasi marami nang available promos especially sa groceries. Companies always make it easy for people to choose gifts kasi marami nang especially made packages for Christmas. (When you go to shopping malls, it’s amazing because there are many available product promos especially in groceries. Companies always make it easy for people to choose gifts because there are already  especially made packages for Christmas.)”

Sally, 47, Housewife

“Everybody’s excited for the 13^th month pay, bonus and raffle prizes to be given away during company Christmas parties. I’m so excited myself.”

Lala, 29, Nurse

“Pasko na ‘pag ‘yung teachers namin nagpapadala na ng mga parol para ipangdecorate sa classroom. (I know it’s Christmas when my teachers already ask us to bring Christmas lanterns to use as classroom decorations.)”

Marvin, 9, Elementary School Student

“’Pag nakasakay ka sa jeep, maraming aakyat para mangaroling… ‘yung iba mga batang lansangan, ‘yung iba naman mga may sinusuportahan daw na foundation para sa mahihirap kuno. (Whenever you ride the jeepney, many people get in to sing Christmas carols in exchange of coins… some are street children while others claim to represent some charitable institutions.)”

Mitch, 23, Call Center Agent

“As soon as September starts, Christmas countdowns on radio and TV are excitedly highlighted.”

 Alvin, 32, Teacher

The times are tough but Filipinos sure know how to get by. No matter how hard it is, as the famous Apo Hiking Society Christmas song says, "Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!".

Back to top
Comments or suggestions