Christmas in the Philippines is the best! It starts on September 1, diba, when the “-ber” months (September, October, November, December) start. That’s when papi-chan, Jose Mari Chan’s Christmas songs start playing on the radio nonstop. And everyone starts getting giddy with holiday cheer.
If you’re not from my country, you probably think of Christmas as a December holiday. But in the Philippines, Christmas is celebrated from September 1 to January 7! That’s right – the season lasts for over four months.
Philippine malls are also decorated with Christmas lights and trees by early October. Before changing it to Halloween stuff!
Other countries might say that it’s too early to get excited about Christmas. But in the Philippines, we start celebrating early because Christmas is a big deal! It’s a time to be with family and friends, to feast and be merry.
We exchange gifts, decorate our homes with lights and trees, and enjoy the company of loved ones. So if you’re feeling festive in September, don’t fight it! I really liked the idea to prepare your gifts for your loved ones asap. Also, I think it’s fun(ny) to decorate your house as early as September!
Some criticize this as Pinoys jumping the gun and “commercializing” Christmas. However, many Filipinos argue that Christmas in the Philippines is more Jesus-centered and less materialistic than Christmas in the West. What’s your take on Philippine Christmas?
Why do Filipinos have such a long Christmas season?
According to an article by Rappler, Filipinos celebrate Christmas in September because of our psychological perception and behavior toward countdowns. We count down to our biggest celebrations from 100 days out, but Filipinos are known for starting early.
Instead of September 15/16 (100 days before Christmas), we start earlier – the start of September.
Because of this perception and behavior, malls, shopping center, media, and television – this was shaped by their customer’s behavior – start to sell Christmas items and do Christmas countdowns to drive up the people’s antics and sell more.
Meanwhile, according to CNBC, it’s the other way around. The proliferation of malls and holiday rush sales drive the Philippines to celebrate early. It’s a way to attract Filipino customers to purchase early.
During September, we can already see/experience the following:
- Jose Mari Chan songs in malls and online
- Trade workers start selling their Christmas parols
- More balikbayan boxes (mostly to avoid bulking up at customs)
- Christmas-themed photo areas
- Mall and downtown sales of Christmas wrappers and hampers
It shows that Filipinos are festive-loving people! And a happy one, too!
What are some of the traditional Filipino Christmas dishes?
One of the things that make Filipino culture unique is the traditional Christmas dishes. While some of these dishes are similar to what you would find in other regions, in Iloilo, it’s sweeter.
There are lots of ‘em and it differs from one point of view to another.
Hamon
Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Until Christmas is over. A traditional Filipino Christmas would not be complete without a delectable Hamon. Also known as “hamonado”, this dish is made by slowly cooking ham in a pineapple-based sauce. The result is a sweet and savory treat that is sure to please any crowd.
While the exact origins of hamon are unknown, it is thought to have originated in the Spanish colony of the Philippines. Today, it remains one of the most popular traditional Christmas dishes in the country.
While there are many ways to enjoy hamon, it is typically served with steamed rice and a side of vegetables. So if you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to celebrate the holidays, be sure to give hamon a try.
Bibingka
For example, the dish known as bibingka is a type of rice cake that is often served with a topping of melted cheese or coconut. Here in Jaro, we buy it the Plaza after attending Simbang Gabi.
Bibingka is a traditional Filipino Christmas dish made with rice flour, coconut milk, and brown sugar. The batter is usually cooked in a clay pot lined with banana leaves, then topped with grated coconut and cooked until the cake is golden brown and cooked through. Bibingka is often served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Puto bumbong
Another popular dish is puto bumbong, which is made from purple sticky rice and served with grated coconut and sugar. Puto bumbong is a popular snack in the Philippines, especially during the Christmas season. It can be found in most Filipino bakeries and supermarkets.
Puto bumbong is a traditional Filipino dish made from glutinous rice that is steamed in bamboo tubes. The rice is then flavored with brown sugar and topped with grated coconut. Puto bumbong is usually served with a hot chocolate drink called tsokolate.
Lechon
Of course, no Filipino Christmas feast would be complete without lechon, a roasted suckling pig that is often considered the centerpiece of the meal. The pig is coated in a savory rub, stuffed with aromatic herbs, and then cooked over an open fire.
Lechon is often served with a variety of dipping sauces, including vinegar, soy sauce, and chili pepper. But, the undoubting winner – MANG TOMAS!
While the dish is undoubtedly delicious, it has come under fire in recent years for its high-fat content. Nan! High-cholesterol pa more! Nevertheless, lechon remains one of the most popular traditional Filipino Christmas dishes.
- Pancit kasi malapit na ang New Year. For new life and long life. Kahit Filipino spaghetti oks na.
- Lumpia. Staple viand for every occasion! Turon is common for snacks in the morning and afternoon.
- Ice cream, ice keyndi, halo-halo, mais con yelo, and other iced desserts are perfect for a traditional Filipino feast.
- Salad – macaroni, buko pandan, ube, fruit salad, etc.
I don’t want to point everything out, because we’ll have a separate article for this! While these traditional dishes may not be to everyone’s taste, they are certainly part of what makes Filipino Christmas celebrations so special.
Do you know any Filipino Christmas songs?
Other than Jose Mari Chan’s, do you know any Filipino Christmas songs? The Philippines is well-known for its festive Christmas celebrations, and part of the holiday tradition is singing Filipino Christmas songs. While many of these songs are in English, several traditional Filipino Christmas songs are sung in Tagalog.
Some of these songs are about specific aspects of the holiday, such as “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit” which is about the arrival of Christmas, or “Pasko Na Naman” which is a famous traditional Christmas “anthem.”
Others are more general songs about the joys of the season, such as “Paskong anong Saya” and “Misa de Gallo.”
Whether you’re looking for traditional Christmas music or something more contemporary, there’s sure to be a Filipino Christmas song that you’ll enjoy.
We’ll have a separate article for this!
What are some of the traditional Filipino Christmas activities?
In the Philippines, Christmas is a time for family, feasting, and preparation. Homes are decorated with lights and greenery, and traditional Filipino foods are prepared in lavish quantities.
Christmas caroling with Christmas kids ala tansans (bottle caps)
Christmas caroling is a popular tradition in the Philippines, and Filipinos take great pride in their Christmas carols. However, Christmas caroling did not become popular in the Philippines until the late Spanish ruling when they introduced the practice.
Still, Christmas caroling has since become an important part of traditional Filipino Christmas celebrations.
Buy your Christmas Parol – a star-shaped lantern that is often hung in windows or on porches
Parols are usually made from bamboo or other natural materials, and they are often adorned with colorful paper or beads. While they may be simple in design, parols are cherished for their ability to bring Christmas cheer to any home.
Many Filipinos have begun to purchase their parols from local artisans who still make them by hand!
Set up your Belen!
One of the traditional ways to celebrate is to set up a Belen or nativity scene. Belens are usually made out of wood, clay, or stone, and can be quite large and detailed.
They often depict not only the traditional scene of Jesus’ birth but also include other figures from the Bible such as the Three Kings. Setting up a Belen is not an easy task, but it can be a very rewarding experience.
- Choose a location for your Belen. It should be in a place where it can be seen by everyone who enters your home.
- Gather all of the materials you will need, including the figure of Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, and the Three Kings.
- Start by setting up the stable or manger scene. This is usually the centerpiece of the Belen.
- Once the stable is in place, you can begin to add the other figures around it. Try to create a balanced and pleasing composition.
- Take your time and enjoy the process! Setting up a Belen is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas and create lasting memories with your family and friends.
Attend simbang gabi
One of the most important Christmas traditions is the “Simbang Gabi,” a series of nine dawn masses that begin on December 16th and end on Christmas Eve. While it may seem like a lot of work to get up early and go to Mass nine days in a row, Simbang Gabi is a really fun and festive event.
There’s plenty of singing and dancing (in some churches), and the atmosphere is always relaxing (not stuffy!). Plus, attending Simbang Gabi is said to grant you special blessings from the Baby Jesus.
Eat foods served during Christmas season!
Families often attend these masses together, and afterward, they enjoy a traditional breakfast of bibingka (as mentioned earlier), puto bumbong (a type of rice cake), kakanin (coconut-rice pudding), and tsokolate (hot chocolate).
Traditional Filipino Christmas food is some of the richest and most diverse in the world. From sweet to savory, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Prepping your gifts
Philippine Christmas celebrations also include the giving of aguinaldo (gifts), which are often given to children on December 25th. Aguinaldo can take the form of money, toys, or clothes, and it is traditional for children to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year” after receiving their gifts.
Now that Christmas in the Philippines starts on September 1, you can start buying your gifts for your loved ones!
Attend Christmas Lights festivities and buy lokal
Christmas in the Philippines is a time for celebration, and one of the best ways to enjoy the holiday season is to attend a Christmas Lights event – e.g. Central Philippine University, Angelicum, Plaza Molo, Plaza Libertad, Iloilo Capitol Grounds, etc. These lively events are held in honor of the nativity, and they typically feature a wide variety of street foods and crafts. One of the best things about attending these events is that it provides an opportunity to support local businesses. By buying traditional foods and handmade crafts from vendors at the fiesta, you can help to keep the Christmas spirit alive while also contributing to the local economy.
As one can see, Filipino Christmas traditions are both religious and festive, and they provide a cherished opportunity for families to come together and celebrate.
