Paskong Pinoy Pride!

Christmas in the Philippines is arguably one of the best and most festive celebrations in the world.

Since the start of ber months, Christmas songs have begun playing in establishments and on the radio. At around this time, the Christmas countdown begins, and decorations are brought out. Starting from September until December, Christmas in the Philippines is the longest Christmas celebration in the world.

When you see these, it’s definitely Paskong Pinoy!

Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo)
Starting on the 16th of December, Filipinos flock to the church at 4 AM for the religious masses held for 9 days straight. It is believed that if one has completed the 9 days, his or her wish will come true.

Puto Bumbong (rice cake)
After the Misa de Gallo, the aroma of puto bumbong fills the air. This Filipino delicacy is most popular during the Christmas season, and buying these has been a traditional side trip among churchgoers every morning.

Puto Bumbong is a purple colored delicacy made of steamed sticky rice partnered with coconut meat.

Bibingka (rice cake)
Another Filipino favorite when December rolls around is bibingka or rice cake baked in charcoal. This dish is made from galapong (ground rice), sugar, egg, and coconut milk. The mixture is placed on a banana leaf and baked in a clay oven with charcoal. To evenly cook the bottom and the top of the bibingka, a pan with charcoal is placed on top of it.

Christmas Carols
Ang Pasko ay sumapit . . . We wish you a Merry Christmas. . . these are only some of the favorites that are usually sung by carolers. Caroling is an important part of Filipino tradition, composed by kids and elders. You can hear these Christmas crooners hopping from one house to another every night starting on the 16th of December.

Musical instruments used by carolers are usually handmade. Tambourines made from bottle caps and milk cans are used as drums.

The Belen
The star of the Filipino Christmas is the Belen, made of miniature statues of the Nativity— the center of which is the Baby Jesus. Christmas in the Philippines is the celebration of His birth.

Parol
These are lanterns that serve as a symbol of the Christmas star that guided the three wise men in finding Baby Jesus. Pampanga is best known for making parol, traditionally made of bamboo sticks shaped into a star, and covered in Japanese paper. Some are made of capiz and decorated with lights.

Noche Buena
This is a Filipino tradition, which comes from Spain and Mexico. It is a feast or traditional dinner served during Christmas Eve. In the Philippine setting, members of the family gather around the table and feast together. Some of the favorites are fruit salad, lechon, quezo de bola and a variety of rice cakes.

So this December, take a moment from the frenzied preparations to reflect why Christmas in the Philippines is special. Immerse yourself in its true spirit of giving and keeping in mind who the real celebrant is.

sources:
https://www.shopback.ph/blog/post/5-reasons-why-paskong-pinoy-is-the-best
http://erovanmonti.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-am-writing-this-on-last-day-of.html