Christmas

Christmas: The Pinoy Way

4:04 PM

Christmas is always the favorite time of the year. Many people look forward to this day. Now that it’s only a blink away, I’ll be sharing the things I’m excited for about Pinoy Christmas.


  • Misa de Gallo

Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) is a Filipino tradition which begins on December 16th and ends on December 24th. The celebration is held at around four o’clock in the morning (now there’s variation: like in Manila it’s held at night). This is also a time wherein we have to prepare ourselves for the Lord's coming. Moreover, a well-known folk belief among us Filipinos is that if a devotee completes all nine days of the Misa de Gallo, a request made as part of the novena may be granted. For me, it’s true! I’ve already completed the novena for four years now and all my wishes for the past years were all granted!! :D (Thank you, Lord!) So I’m excited for this year since it’ll be my fifth time to have my wishes come true again. (Hopefully I get to attend nine days straight!) J

Mass held in Cathedral Church in Cebu City

  • Trendy Pinoy Delicacies

I always look forward for the Misa de Gallo ‘cause right after the early mass, my breakfast would be Pinoy classic favorites! During Christmas season, Pinoy delicacies like puto maya & sikwate, puto bumbong and suman (budbod in Bisaya) are found almost everywhere! All these are made out of glutinous (sticky) rice we call “malagkit”. Take a look at these yummy foodies and you’ll agree with me that they’re all worth looking forward to! J 

Puto Bumbong with Brown Sugar and Desiccated Coconut-- yum!

Puto Maya, Sikwate (Hot Chocolate Drink) and Mangoes-- perfect combination! 

Chocolate flavored Suman / Budbod 

If you’re interested on how to make these goodies, you can check it out! How to make Puto BumbongPuto and Sikwate and Suman (Budbod) here.

  • Shopping and Looking for Gifts in the Night Market

“Night market” is rampant these days. It is where business- minded people gather and sell affordable gift ideas! From the word itself, it’s only open during the night. Like around 6pm- 12mn. Well, these independent stall owners sell cheap yet useful items perfect for your gifts this season. This is really a big help for people who have a lot to give gifts to. J 

Night market in Colon, Cebu City

And if you want more ideas ‘bout where to buy your gifts and you’re living in Cebu City, you can check THIS

  • Gifts and Parties

As the song tells us, “ Give love on Christmas Day”. Most often than not, that ‘love’ is expressed through the gifts we give to our loved ones. I think this is also the main reason many love or look forward to Christmas since it’s the time wherein we receive gifts (of course, aside from our birthdays). Other than that, Yuletide is also a season for parties here, parties there, parties everywhere! Parties are great venues to build strong camaraderie between you and your friends or families. And don’t forget that these are also the perfect moments to showcase your fashion style. I mean, everybody dresses up for Christmas parties, right? Well, who doesn’t anyway? J




The gifts I received last week. You can check all the details HERE J

  • Noche Buena (that includes Lechon Baboy and Fruit Salad)

In the Philippines, Christmas is NOT Christmas without Noche Buena. It is a traditional dinner held on the 24th  (Christmas Eve). Everything lavishly cooked meals and desserts are on the table! YUM!! Of course, the most- awaited foodies are lechon baboy or roasted pig and the all- time favorite (and best dessert ever!) fruit salad! 

Crispy, juicy and yummy lechon (Best with Sukang Pinakurat or Spicy Vinegar)

Delicious, sweet and healthy fruit salad!

  • Fireworks  

Few people welcome Christmas colorfully, and one of them are our neighbors (not us.. ‘cause it’s expensive to buy fireworks as they say..haha!). My family, relatives and I go out of our houses and we all watch the amazing burst of color in the sky together. J

Look at all the colors! 


  • Going to Church with my Family

It’s a Filipino tradition to go to church with your family on the 25th of December. I look forward to this day since it’s the only time wherein we are complete in going to church (You see, I have four sisters and three brothers—huge family, yeah—and for the entire year we go to church separately). So after a year, we go to church together again! J We greet and kiss Baby Jesus (his image) on this day, and thank Him for the blessings and gifts we received not just on Christmas but during the entire year as a whole. J

Jesus was born in the manger 

  • MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) Day!

A lot of movies are released every December 25th as part of the MMFF. Pinoys as we are, we love to watch movies most of the time. That’s why on Christmas Day, malls all over the country are open because of this event. And mind you dearies, it’s always a struggle to watch movies on this day ‘cause a lot of people line up since it’s holiday. But it’s all worthy because you’ll be sharing this moment with your family and relatives dear to you! J This year, I’m excited to watch “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2”, “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll XV”. You can check the entire list of movies for 2014 HERE





Gosh! Christmas season in the Philippines will officially start next week, Tuesday, 16th of December! And I’m just so excited for all of these!

How about you, dearies? What are you excited for this Christmas? I’d love to hear your thoughts about it! J J

Dearest yours,
Jong J

P.S., 
Credits to these links for the pictures I used: 
http://tipsnikatoto.blogspot.com/2012/08/tips-sa-pagluto-ng-puto-bumbong.html
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/553731716655533841/ 
http://www.pangbahay.com/2012/07/suman-budbud-sticky-rice-sticks/ 
http://www.snipcebu.com/2011/12/16/cathedral-dawn-mass/
http://tenminutes.ph/join-weekend-shopping-madness-cebu-city/ 
http://www.metrodeal.com/deals/Metro_Manila/Lydias-Lechon/307550716
http://pinayforeverythingpinoy.blogspot.com/2011/12/food-for-noche-buena.html 
http://dreamatico.com/fireworks/2/
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2181591556/photos/1618303

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58 comments

  1. Hello!
    Congratulations!
    Welcome your blog is to accept, in the "International Directory Blogspot"
    Philippines Division # 683
    Have a great day
    Sincerely
    Chris

    On the right side (see green) whole Country list! By clicking on it you will have the blog list of this country! And so the ability to communicate and interact with them. Language problem? Use the Google translator!
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    Imperative to follow our blog to validate your registration.Thank you for your understanding

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ahhhhh budbod! Nomnomnom! :)

    Followed you on GFC already Jong!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same here Jan!! Yum-yum! :D :D

      thankies ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  3. Wow, really interesting learning about this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ^_^ thanks for dropping by my blog, dearie! :)

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  4. great post, love to see how others celebrate christmas :)
    thank you for visiting my blog.
    maybe we can follow eachother, let me know and I follow back :)

    - www.angelaah91.blogspot.nl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for that dearie! ^_^ Surething! ;)

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  5. I love this post the photos are amazing so Holiday Inspired!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. aww... Thank you for that, dearie! :D :D ^_^
      credits to the pixx stated at the last part of this post! ;)

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  6. Merry Christmas!! :D
    now, im craving for puto bumbong. saraaaap.

    drop comment on my blog too
    xx, Monique
    sheismonik.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yay..! merry Christmas too, dearie! haha.. Me too! ;)

      surething! :D

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. Thanks! that means a lot to me! ;) ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  8. What amazing photos!!! Would you like to follow each other on GFC?! Let me know and follow me on my blog, I will follow you right back on both GFC and Bloglovin!
    xx
    Annie
    www.the-lostangeles.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks dearie!! ^_^ Surething! ;)

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  9. Thanks for sharing! I didn't know about this holiday at all! That Puto Bumbong looks so unique I want to try it, and the Misa de Gallo sounds so fun since you all gather at 4am! :)

    Chelsea
    Chowing Down by the Bay

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your welcome dearie! ^_^ not a problem at all.. Glad you liked this post.. :D

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  10. Fantastic blog post! So many exciting things going on. Misa De Gallo sounds like such a lovely tradition :) Xx

    THEFASHION-JUNKIE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh, thank you so much for that dearie! :D :D
      Yes it is! ;) The most- awaited tradition during Yuletide season! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  11. Replies
    1. thanks for that dearie! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  12. THANK YOU SO MUCH! :D ^_^ :)

    Dearest yours,
    Jong :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. oh my goshhhh the food!!!!! cute xmas way!!!
    http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aren't they delicious? :D XD
      thanks for dropping by my blog dearie!! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  14. Wow you have such great photos!! Really makes me excited for the holiday season!! I would love it if we could follow each other!


    xoxo,
    Michelle

    michababyyboutique.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks for that dearie! :D surething! ;)

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  15. thanks cutie ! sure, let me know where you followed and I'll follow back.
    love ya

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ^_^ thanks for dropping by my blog, dearie! :)

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  16. Love to hear how other people spend this wonderful season, great post! :)

    http://floralsandsmiles.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for that, dearie! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  17. This is such a great list... So Pinoy talaga... Now I miss Christmas in the Philippines... Won't be coming home this year 😔

    http://littlemisshoney.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hehe... Thank you miss Honey! ;) Hm.. It's fine as long as you'll be celebrating Christmas with your family 'cause "Home is where the heart is!" ;) ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  18. Awww. I am so excited for the Misa De Gallo! Nice post, Dear!
    PS. I am following you on Bloglovin. I hope you'll do the same.
    Cheers,
    -FOXMYSTYLE.COM - Men's Fashion and Design Blog
    -FOLLOW on BLOGLOVIN

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. wow thanks for that dearie! :D ^_^ So happy to hear that comment! ^_^ :D
      Surething! :D

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  19. Oh gosh, i love that Chocolate flavored Suman / Budbod very much. looked very yummy, isn`t it?

    new post on my blog

    http://www.fashionculturediary.blogspot.it/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too!! :D delicious right?! XD
      thanks for dropping by my blog dearie! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  20. Everything you listed is absolute truth for me too!
    I am a fireworks fanatic, and spending time with my family is the greatest part of the holidays:)
    amazing post !

    | The girl with the dreamcather tattoo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. wow.. glad to hear we're in the same boat, dearie! ;)
      Thank you for that! ^_^ It really means a lot to me ;)

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  21. Hi, thanks for commenting on my blog. Your blog seems very nice, followed you on G+, instagram and bloglovin. (GFC didn't work for some strange reason?? it says unable to make request, maybe it's just at the moment). Hope you'll follow me back :D
    http://gelicnailart.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ^_^ thank you so much for that, dearie! :D :D
      surething! ;)

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  22. Hey! I would be so happy if we support each other on GFC, Facebook and maybe Instagram!
    Do it and let me know! xx

    Blog | Facebook Page | Bloglovin | Instagram

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hy dear! Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog! I'd be glad to follow each other! Somethings wrong with your GFC follow buttom and I can't follow you! Let me know when you fix it so I can follow! Meanwhile, you can follow me if you want to =)

    http://crisisbeauty.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thnaks for dropping by my blog.. And sure thing! :D

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  24. Sorry for being so late, Jong. Finally I found your GFC box and just followed you back. Beautiful post and pictures. The dishes look so delicious. I wish you and your love ones happy holidays. Please keep in touch, I always try to comment back on the blogs, it just takes time, there are so many, so please bear with me and so sorry again, honey.
    hugs
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not a problem miss Lenya ;)
      aww... Thank you so much for that! I also wish you'll have a great time this Christmas! ^_^
      It's really okay. Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog miss! :D

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  25. Wow that food looks so different! Thanks for checking out my blog
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yeah.. true ;) thanks for dropping by my blog dearie! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  26. I should celebrate Christmas in the Philippines lol!! The Christmas season looks great and enjoyable!! :) It's nice to see how you love to talk about Christmas ^-^ 'Misa da Gallo' is a great tradition :)!!
    Yours truly, Jenny
    http://itsmeeejennyy.blogspot. com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha... That's the spirit Jenny! :D It's always fun to celebrate Christmas here in the Philippines.. Hope you can come one day :D Yup, Misa de Gallo is something to look forward to every Yuletide season ;)
      Thanks for dropping by! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      iamjoannalanojan.blogspot.com/

      Delete
  27. the food looks yummy. Following you on Bloglovin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. they sure are..! :D thanks for dropping by my blog miss Amy! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  28. I would love to try the food. Great blog btw :)

    www.londonmckenzie.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yeah you should!! :D aww... Thank you for that, dearie! It means a lot to me :) ;) ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  29. i miss all these!!!! as a kid, i'd always wake up for simbang gabi! and i would remember eating hot choco and puto bumbong after. and all the firecrackers (we can't do it within our own neighbourhood in Canada).

    Animated Confessions

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paskong Pinoy is always something people would miss when they are not here to celebrate.. ;)
      BTW, thanks for dropping by my blog, dearie! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete
  30. Hello, what a great post. the food looks so exotic to me. I am taking up your offer to follow, follow me back?

    (via gfc)

    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. aww.. Thanks for that Mrs C! ^_^ you should try to eat them! They're delicious!! :D
      surething! ^_^

      Dearest yours,
      Jong :)

      Delete