HOW WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Christmas in the Philippines is a blend between Western and native customs. Such contributions from the West include: Santa Claus, Christmas trees, mailing Christmas cards and caroling.
The people however, are the strongest element of the Christmas celebration because they remain so gracious, hospitable, devoted to their faith, and respectful to family and friends.

Christmas in the Philippines is incomparable. It is probably the longest in the world. It begins as early as September and ends as late as end of January. With the advent of the "-ber" months (Septem-ber, Octo-ber...), one can already hear strains of Christmas carols everywhere - in the malls, on the streets and even in offices. Christmas is, as the cliche goes, just around the corner. It seems that Filipinos cannot wait for Christmas.


Misa de Gallo
A predominantly catholic country, Christmas in the Philippines is, above all, a religious celebration. It is the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For nine days, beginning December 16th, Filipinos flock to the church for the traditional "Misa de Gallo" (Spanish for Mass of the Rooster) or the Dawn masses at four o’clock in the morning. This tradition was introduced by the Spanish friars to allow the farmers to hear mass before going to the fields early in the morning.

Panunuluyan
Held on the night of the 24th of December, this tradition reenacts the search of the parents of Jesus for an inn. A young couple dressed as Joseph and a very pregnant Mary roams the streets, knocking at the doors of houses, asking the occupants if they have room for them. As depicted in Scriptures, the couple is unable to find a house willing to take them in. The "panunuluyan" ends with the couple seeking refuge in the church just in time for the beginning of the "Misa de Aguinaldo".

Misa de Aguinaldo
The celebration of Christmas reaches its climax with the "Misa de Aguinaldo" (meaning Gift Mass, referring to the shepherd’s gifts to Christ) or the Midnight Mass on the 24th of December. In order to awake all those in the village, the town band may play carols an hour
before mass, the priest may walk from door to door knocking, firecrackers may be set off, or the church may play carols on a loud speaker system. Young and old dressed in their Sunday best fill churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a sacred tradition for every member of the family to be present in the mass. During the mass, the young couple who played Joseph and Mary in the "Panunuluyan", together with a group of children portraying angels, marches in procession to a make-shift manger. As soon as the young lady portraying Mary lays the image of the baby Jesus in the crib, the congregation sings the "Gloria" accompanied by the tolling of church bells.

After Mass Socials
The socials after Mass held outside the church are a great source of motivation to arise at such an early hour. Vendors set up the cart in the churchyard and side streets to sell breakfast delicacies to the hungry parishioners. Filipinos look forward to talking with friends and family while the sun rises.

Noche Buena
After the "Misa de Aguinaldo", one looks forward to a sumptuous meal called the "Noche Buena". Families gathered around the table to partake of a traditional Filipino Christmas meal. This usually consists of ham, roast chicken, cheese, hot chocolate and fruits like apples, grapes and oranges.

Christmas Day mass
Mass is held hourly on Christmas Day so that everyone can attend. Religious services include pastore, or play, based on myth of the birth of the Christ Child. The pastore closes with a star from the upper part of the church sliding down a wire and coming to rest over the church's Nativity scene.

Christmas carols
Although Christmas caroling was adopted from the west, this has become a cherished tradition for Filipinos. Starting December 16th, caroling usually lasts from 6 each night until midnight. Children, teens and adults all participate in this tradition, signing both native and western carols. Carolers, often called cumbancheros, sing to raise money for charity, to receive money or treats, or for simple enjoyment. Some caroling groups called pastores, dress in Mexican or Spanish folk outfits to dance, sing and reenact the Nativity story. These performances include Christmas carols, ballads, love songs and native folk melodies. Pleased folks are usually most eager to serve "salabat" (a hot drink made from ginger) and "kakanin" (rice cakes) to the carolers.

Parol
The biggest symbol of Christmas in the Philippines is the parol. Parols are handmade, star-shaped lanterns. They are used to decorate homes, churches, schools, stores, city streets and
public transportation. In homes, they are hung in almost every window, placed on the Christmas tree, and used to decorate the yard. Most often they are made from bamboo sticks, crepe paper
and a candle. They symbolize the star of Bethlehem that led the Three Wise Man to baby Jesus. The parol originated from the Mexican piñata. The piñata started in Italy and then spread to Spain in the 1300s, which brought it to the Philippines. Families can make or purchase parols. They are sold in stores and by vendors who line every street in December. San Fernando is the Christmas capital of the Philippines. It is known for attracting thousands of natives and tourists. During the Christmas season it holds a contest displaying the biggest and most extravagant parols.

Decorations
Filipinos decorate their home with much more than parols. They decorate with brightly colored streamers. Christmas cards, candles, wreaths, multicolored lights and Christmas trees. The belen, the nativity scene, is the most important part of the church’s celebration of Christmas; and is the oldest symbol of Christmas in the Philippines. The church’s belen is arranged before the first Mass on December 16th. The baby Jesus is not put into the scene until midnight on
Christmas Eve. Although initially the belen was only placed in churches, now they are in Filipino homes. A few homes display this scene all year. The belen is also displayed in public parks, shopping malls, department stores, movie house lobbies, police stations, town plazas and public transportation.


In spite of the onslaught of commercialism, the Filipinos try to preserve the real meaning of Christmas. It is a season of joy, a season of peace, a season of being with one’s family, and most especially, a season to thank God for the gift of His Son. Maligayang Pasko ! Merry Christmas!


SOURCES:
http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache:oy0BOeU4un4J:www.niu.edu/cseas/outreach/XmasPhil.pdf+christmas+in+the+philippines&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2
http://www.santas.net/philippineschristmas.htm