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 Bumbong, Puto 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! J
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
58 comments
Hello!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
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!
The activity is only friendly.
I give you badges for your blog
http addresses are those where you will find the badge image
http://nsm05.casimages.com/img/2012/07/12/12071211040212502810092867.gif
http://nsm05.casimages.com/img/2012/09/06/12090603083012502810288938.gif
http://nsm05.casimages.com/img/2012/09/21/12092110155912502810343002.gif
http://nsm08.casimages.com/img/2014/09/02/14090209425712502812494399.jpg
Investment badge on your blog entitles the status of "VIP"
Our site does not ask for money! The activity is only friendly
Please: Made know the "directory" after Philippines your friends and invite your friends
"Unity makes strength"
For other bloggers come and register
http://world-directory-sweetmelody.blogspot.com/
Imperative to follow our blog to validate your registration.Thank you for your understanding
Ahhhhh budbod! Nomnomnom! :)
ReplyDeleteFollowed you on GFC already Jong!
Same here Jan!! Yum-yum! :D :D
Deletethankies ^_^
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
Wow, really interesting learning about this!
ReplyDelete^_^ thanks for dropping by my blog, dearie! :)
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
great post, love to see how others celebrate christmas :)
ReplyDeletethank you for visiting my blog.
maybe we can follow eachother, let me know and I follow back :)
- www.angelaah91.blogspot.nl
Thanks for that dearie! ^_^ Surething! ;)
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
I love this post the photos are amazing so Holiday Inspired!
ReplyDeleteaww... Thank you for that, dearie! :D :D ^_^
Deletecredits to the pixx stated at the last part of this post! ;)
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
Merry Christmas!! :D
ReplyDeletenow, im craving for puto bumbong. saraaaap.
drop comment on my blog too
xx, Monique
sheismonik.blogspot.com
yay..! merry Christmas too, dearie! haha.. Me too! ;)
Deletesurething! :D
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
Beautiful post dear!
ReplyDeletexoxo;
BEAUTYEDITER.COM
LIKE BEAUTYEDITER.COM ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW BEAUTYEDITER.COM ON BLOGLOVIN
Thanks! that means a lot to me! ;) ^_^
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
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!
ReplyDeletexx
Annie
www.the-lostangeles.blogspot.com
thanks dearie!! ^_^ Surething! ;)
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
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! :)
ReplyDeleteChelsea
Chowing Down by the Bay
Your welcome dearie! ^_^ not a problem at all.. Glad you liked this post.. :D
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
Fantastic blog post! So many exciting things going on. Misa De Gallo sounds like such a lovely tradition :) Xx
ReplyDeleteTHEFASHION-JUNKIE
oh, thank you so much for that dearie! :D :D
DeleteYes it is! ;) The most- awaited tradition during Yuletide season! ^_^
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
thank you for your sweet comment on my blog honey! great post
ReplyDeleteThis Girl Loves Chic
Twitter
Facebook
xx
thanks for that dearie! ^_^
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
THANK YOU SO MUCH! :D ^_^ :)
ReplyDeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
oh my goshhhh the food!!!!! cute xmas way!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://sepatuholig.blogspot.com/
Aren't they delicious? :D XD
Deletethanks for dropping by my blog dearie!! ^_^
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
Wow you have such great photos!! Really makes me excited for the holiday season!! I would love it if we could follow each other!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Michelle
michababyyboutique.blogspot.com
thanks for that dearie! :D surething! ;)
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
thanks cutie ! sure, let me know where you followed and I'll follow back.
ReplyDeletelove ya
^_^ thanks for dropping by my blog, dearie! :)
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
Love to hear how other people spend this wonderful season, great post! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://floralsandsmiles.blogspot.ca/
Thank you for that, dearie! ^_^
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
This is such a great list... So Pinoy talaga... Now I miss Christmas in the Philippines... Won't be coming home this year 😔
ReplyDeletehttp://littlemisshoney.com
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!" ;) ^_^
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
Awww. I am so excited for the Misa De Gallo! Nice post, Dear!
ReplyDeletePS. 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
wow thanks for that dearie! :D ^_^ So happy to hear that comment! ^_^ :D
DeleteSurething! :D
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
Oh gosh, i love that Chocolate flavored Suman / Budbod very much. looked very yummy, isn`t it?
ReplyDeletenew post on my blog
http://www.fashionculturediary.blogspot.it/
Me too!! :D delicious right?! XD
Deletethanks for dropping by my blog dearie! ^_^
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
Everything you listed is absolute truth for me too!
ReplyDeleteI 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
wow.. glad to hear we're in the same boat, dearie! ;)
DeleteThank you for that! ^_^ It really means a lot to me ;)
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
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
ReplyDeletehttp://gelicnailart.blogspot.de
^_^ thank you so much for that, dearie! :D :D
Deletesurething! ;)
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
Hey! I would be so happy if we support each other on GFC, Facebook and maybe Instagram!
ReplyDeleteDo it and let me know! xx
Blog | Facebook Page | Bloglovin | Instagram
sure thing dearie! ^_^
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
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 =)
ReplyDeletehttp://crisisbeauty.blogspot.com.es/
thnaks for dropping by my blog.. And sure thing! :D
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
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.
ReplyDeletehugs
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
Not a problem miss Lenya ;)
Deleteaww... 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 :)
Wow that food looks so different! Thanks for checking out my blog
ReplyDeletexo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
yeah.. true ;) thanks for dropping by my blog dearie! ^_^
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
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 :)!!
ReplyDeleteYours truly, Jenny
http://itsmeeejennyy.blogspot. com/
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 ;)
DeleteThanks for dropping by! ^_^
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
iamjoannalanojan.blogspot.com/
the food looks yummy. Following you on Bloglovin.
ReplyDeletethey sure are..! :D thanks for dropping by my blog miss Amy! ^_^
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
I would love to try the food. Great blog btw :)
ReplyDeletewww.londonmckenzie.co.uk
yeah you should!! :D aww... Thank you for that, dearie! It means a lot to me :) ;) ^_^
DeleteDearest yours,
Jong :)
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).
ReplyDeleteAnimated Confessions
Paskong Pinoy is always something people would miss when they are not here to celebrate.. ;)
DeleteBTW, thanks for dropping by my blog, dearie! ^_^
Dearest yours,
Jong :)
Hello, what a great post. the food looks so exotic to me. I am taking up your offer to follow, follow me back?
ReplyDelete(via gfc)
xx
aww.. Thanks for that Mrs C! ^_^ you should try to eat them! They're delicious!! :D
Deletesurething! ^_^
Dearest yours,
Jong :)