Nothing says Christmas like Christmas in the Philippines.
Parol and decorations adorning houses and street lamps, those Capiz shells and bright colors, the three wise men and Jesus in the manger. Giant Christmas trees and light shows being set up in towns and hotels. Even Fiesta Carnival is back in Cubao after closing in the 2000s.
Come December 16, people start Simbang Gabi, waking up early, walking to the church, and enjoying the cold temperature. It is not just a time for religious celebration. It is also a gathering place for communities and friends. It ends with bibingka and puto bumbong, purchased from street vendors or eaten in restaurants that decide to open early for churchgoers. There’s hot chocolate too, or coffee in thermos among students who go on dates during Misa de Gallo.
Music is another huge part of our Christmas. Children go around the neighborhood for caroling, from one house to the next, sometimes bringing musical instruments made of tansan, anything to get the attention of the residents. A more formal rendition of songs is also done by choirs and school organizations to raise funds for student projects, and their audience would invite them to their home and prepare snacks.
On the day before Christmas, families once again attend mass. The best time is after dinner, and it often ends with everyone singing a Christmas carol — with so much enthusiasm. Smiles and greetings are exchanged. Grandchildren hold hands with their lolos and lolas. If you find the airport scene in Love Actually endearing, these midnight masses will definitely warm your heart.
Then it is time for Noche Buena. There’s fruit salad and fruit cake, hamon and pandesal, nilaga and embotido. Christmas Eve, it seems, is the most wonderful time of the year for us Filipinos.
All these are reflections of our traditions and our character. We are so rich in rituals and festivities. We value community and sharing, the interaction kind and not just the write-a-check-and-get-it-over-with mentality. We express ourselves through food.
Most importantly, it is about love.
Which is why there are parents who spend Christmas Eve visiting their daughter who is on hospital duty. And workers who spend their salary to prepare meals for street children. And government officials who … wait, we can stop right there.
Christmas is a time for us to be together and gather one’s family however you define it. It speaks of bliss, and faith, be it in God or in humanity, and everything that is good in this world. This is why we embrace it wholeheartedly.
It is also true that the holidays could be tremendously difficult. Some of us may be feeling lost or lonely or grieving or seething with anger. When Christmas brings out emotions that make the rest uncomfortable, it would help to seek out the grace of the season. If we are unsure of telling someone, “it’s okay,” we can also whisper, “you matter.” In the silent night, in all its simplicity, that can be our Christmas message.
“Pasko, Pasko, Pasko na namang muli. Ang pag-ibig naghahari.”
(“Pasko Na Naman” was composed by Felipe de Leon, National Artist for Music.)/PN
