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
