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CHRISTMAS IN FILIPINOS HEART.

Christmas in the Philippines is like no other. It is filled with celebrations and customs. Filipino Christmas means lights, music, feasts, and time spent with family and friends.

Filipinos love to celebrate this season for as long as they can. Normally, the Christmas seasons starts as soon as the “Ber” months draw closer. This is very apparent when the popular Jose Mari Chan song starts playing on radios, malls as soon as the first day of September comes.

Filipinos are known for their love for music. And because it is the holidays, popular songs and carols are a Christmas staple.

One of the most famous songs you will hear is Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas In Our Hearts.” When you hear this song, you will know that the holidays are just around the corner. This song truly encapsulated the spirit and tradition of Filipino Christmas. Aside from Christmas in Our Hearts, Filipinos also look forward to various songs that really capture the spirit of Christmas in the Philippines. These songs include Kumukutikutitap – a song written by the famous composer, musician, and conductor Ryan Cayabyab. Filipinos also love hearing the song from APO Hiking Society, “Malamig ang simoy ng hangin/Kay saya ng bawat damdamin,” this song really sets the mood. And the last song that Pinoy’s also look forward to hearing is the song of Aegis called Christmas Bonus. Filipino’s normally sing this song at Christmas with the favorite line "Kaya’t ibigay mo na ang aming Christmas bonus.” 

Caroling is a popular Christmas tradition. Carolers are normally groups of kids who travel from house to house at night. They sing their favorite Christmas carols and use their musical instruments like tambourines and maraccas made with tins or soft drink caps. Some famous Christmas are Sa Aming Bahay Ang Aming Bati, Mano Po Ninong, Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit, Jingle Bells, etc. After giving them money as a gift for singing, the kids will thank the house owner in a form of a song.

   Simbang Gabi is a tradition where Filipinos attend a nine-day series mass in preparation for Christmas. It starts from the 16th of December until Christmas Eve. 

The last day of the Simbang Gabi falls on Christmas Eve. It is also known as Misa de Gallo. There is a saying that if you finished attending the Simbang Gabi, you can have your wish granted. 

In the Philippines, we celebrate right after the Christmas Midnight Mass. 

Noche Buena is a meal that Filipino families share during Christmas eve. It is when families decide to prepare their favorites like Lechon, spaghetti, Morcon, bacon, Queso De Bola, and fruit salad.

Not only do you get to fill your belly with good food, but you also get to spend time and bond with your family and loved ones over a meal.

Christmas is a time where families, friends, and loved ones reunite. For kids, it is one of their much-awaited time for their Aguinaldo or gifts. They normally start with the traditional “mano” which is a sign of respect. Then, you will hear them say the phrase, “Namamasko po.” 

 I believe that Filipino Christmas can be experienced whether you are in the Philippines or not. It is part of who you are whether you have been born, grew up, or spent times of your life in the Philippines.