photo: Philippine Tradition Christmas Parols Lanterns
- Philippines can easily lay claim to the longest holiday season in the world
The Christmas season in the Philippines starts on the first of September, otherwise also known as the start of the “Ber months” (September through to December), when Filipinos began their countdown to Christmas.
- Christmas in Philippines is steeped in uniquely Filipino traditions
Philippines is 80% Roman Catholic and much of their Christmas customs is a charming blend of western (mainly Spanish and Portuguese) and native Filipino traditions. During the “Ber months”, Filipinos decorate their homes for the festive season, and will make an effort to travel to catch up with family members. The hanging of the ‘parols’ (star lanterns) with Christmas lights is another uniquely Filipino tradition.
- The Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi
The Christmas celebration formally begins on the 16th of December, when Filipinos partake the Simbang Gabi by attending nine early morning or night masses leading to Christmas day.
- Noche Buena
Noche Buena is the traditional Christmas eve feast which commemorates the night when the Virgin Mother gave birth to Jesus Christ. It is also a time for the extended family to gather under one roof to feast on tradition Christmas dishes and celebrate Christmas.
- Traditional Philippine Christmas Dishes
Not many Asian countries can lay claim to having their very own uniquely local Christmas dish. Philippines, the only predominantly Christian country in the ASEAN region, has a whole list of them. Here are some of the most popular traditional dishes that are usually served during the Christmas season:
Bibingka and Puto Bumbong
Bibingka and puto bumbóng are Philippine Christmas food that are usually eaten right after Simbang Gabi. Bibingka is a type of baked rice cake traditionally cooked in clay pots lined with leaves. Puto Bumbóng is a Filipino purple rice cake steamed in bamboo tubes. Both are traditionally sold during the Christmas season outside of churches over the nine-day masses for worshippers to eat for breakfast.
Hamonado
The Hamonado is a popular Philippine Christmas stew that originates from pineapple growing region in the Philippines. Fatty cuts of pork or chicken are marinated overnight in a sweet sauce made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and various local spices. The marinated meat is pan-fried till brown, then simmered in stock until the meat is very tender. The stew is then served hot with rice.
Embutido
The Embutido is a Filipino meatloaf commonly prepared during Christmas that can be served hot or chilled. The meatloaf is made from ground pork (or chicken) and stuffed with bard-boiled eggs and sliced ham, wrapped in foil, and steamed.