By Len Jorge

How many times have we heard, “Iba ang Pasko sa Pinas”, your relative or family abroad wishes “Gusto ko mag-Pasko sa Pinas, kasama ang pamilya”

Having spent every Christmas in the Philippines, I’ve never experienced the season anywhere else. Let me share a few little insights that might inspire you to rekindle your joy and ways to celebrate this festive season.

They say Christmas here is a season steeped in joy, love, and cherished traditions. This year, we take a closer look at some timeless customs that might just spark a sense of nostalgia and wonder as you relive the magic of the season.

Simbang Gabi a cherished Filipino tradition, is a series of nine masses beginning on December 16.  It is said that completing all nine, your prayer wishes will come true.  In the Old days, these dawn masses were accompanied by the delightful aromas of puto bumbong, bibingka, and salabat, with pink-and-yellow popcorn adding a playful touch. Teenagers often lingered outside, enjoying time with friends under the early morning sky.  Nowadays:the tradition has shifted, masses happen in malls or open courts, and the early morning magic has a new rhythm, but the sense of community and anticipation remains as strong as ever.

Noche Buena a midnight feast on Christmas eve, typically featuring traditional dishes like ham, queso de bola, spaghetti and infinite fruit cocktail salads.  Old ways: children are asked to sleep and wake before 12 midnight.  Nowadays: it is now merely celebrated and done at midnight, either they have their dinner feast at 7 p.m. or have this eaten at morning after the first mass.  And recent updates, as it is now being challenged that we can have a bounty Christmas Eve with PHP 500 budget.

Parols star shaped lanterns, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, often handmade and displayed proudly in homes and communities.  Old ways: I remember, me as elementary student, each students are required to bring at least one parol, to decorate in our classroom, sometimes the bought one or the ones that is made with recycled materials.  Nowadays:  kids don’t even know the word Parol.  Parol these days comes in many forms, and shaped, most popular is the parol made in Pampanga.

Caroling going from house to house, singing Christmas Carols, one being popular is JINGLE BELLS” and spreading joy to neighbors.  Old ways: caroling is a the most awaited small business  and income generating activity for children below 12 years old, they will make a musical instrument using flattened bottle crowns, improvised drums, and will recruit they know can sing good.   This is also where we learn how to pick best musician and singers in town, divide equally the earned money and plan for tomorrow’s gig.