Christmas dinner, Santa Claus, and Christmas trees might be the whole picture of how we imagine Christmas. However, the Philippines don't simply celebrate it but “splurge” on this day.
As the only Catholic country in Asia, the Philippines has the most Christians and the longest Christmas season in all Asian countries. Since the first day of September raises the curtains on, the following four months have been ready to dance out all Christmas days! The “Ber” months (September, October, November, and December) include the Yuletide season, the All Souls’ Day, Black Nazarene Festival, the Sinulog, and the Epiphany…etc.
Additionally, the Christmas lights are one of the reasons that the Philippines would get excited for. “Paról”, as a symbol of the Filipino Christmas spirit and a representation of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Kings to the manger of the newly born Jesus Christ, enriches the Philippines with colors and fairy lights. The origins of Paról can be traced back to the era of the Spanish which brought Christianity to the islands, and Paróls were initially used to light the way to church in the past. With time changes, the Philippines has also used these beautiful shining lanterns to welcome the coming of Christmas.
Besides, on this day of national celebration, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) also celebrate it and send their love back to their homes. “Balikbayan box”, a symbol of Filipino diaspora and a bridge between families separated by thousands of miles, expresses those overseas workers’ love and concern back to their families and the country. The boxes are usually full of gifts, such as sweets, clothes, school supplies…etc. As the Christmas approaches, balikbayan boxes become important because these boxes are being sent with their great love when they can’t get together in the Christmas season.
Moreover, during the Christmas season, “All Souls’ Day” is the day when they remember their loved ones who have passed away. Most Filipinos would go to the cemetery to visit the graves of relatives and friends. When they arrive at their loved ones’ mausoleum. They would first clean the tombs, light up candles, greet with flowers, and say a prayer for the souls. As lunchtime approaches on that day, every family sets a table for various dishes including their loved ones’ favorite food, and they would place a plate of food in front of the tomb to serve the soul of our relatives and friends.
When it comes to Christmas cuisines, the Philippines might be the one who has done it with extreme levels. There are at least 10 dishes that would serve on that table: Lechon (the world's best pork dish), Spaghetti, Pancit Malabon (yellow-colored noodle treat), Sotanghon Soup (meaning longevity), Bibingka - A soft and tasty rice cake, Lumpiang Ubod (a spring roll variety), Christmas ham (as sweet as honey), Keso de Bola (the Filipino term for Netherland’s Edam cheese), Fruit salad (mixed with condensed milk and cream), Puto Bumbong (the ultimate Christmas delicacy). Are you hungry? Get yourself some classic Philippine Christmas food!
