Noche Buena, often translated as "Good Night", is a Spanish word referring to the night of Christmas Eve. Custom in Spain, the Philippines and Latin America dictates a traditional dinner on this night.
In the Philippines, this usually comes after the entire family has attended a late evening mass or church service about an hour or so before midnight. (Wikipedia)
The Noche Buena is very much like an open house celebration. Family, friends, relatives, and neighbors drop by to wish every family member "Maligayang Pasko" (Merry Christmas). Food is in abundance, often served in buffet style. Guests or visitors partake of the food prepared by the host family (even though they are already full or bloated!). Among the typical foods prepared in the Philippines during Christmas are: lechon (roasted pig), pancit, barbecue, rice, adobo, cakes (Western and native rice cakes), lumpia, etc. There is also an abundance of San Miguel beer, wine, and liquor, which makes the celebration of Christmas indeed intoxicating! (http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/philippine_christmas.htm)
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