I spend almost half of my life in the Philippines and my Christmas memories in my mother land will never steal away from me. In my five years here in Canada I still miss every single bit of Christmas in the Philippines.
I miss the party, caroling, going to the church, the traffic, people in the mall and mostly the foods. My Mom usually prepared Queso de Bola, Hamon (sweet ham) White bread with spread of mayonnaise and pickles (Ladies Choice Brand), Orange Juice (Sunny Orange, and Leche plan as dessert.
TRIVIA:
The Noche Buena on Christmas Eve, wherein the whole family members eat together of a sumptuous Filipino meal by twelve midnight, called noche buena. This usually comes after the entire family has attended a late evening mass or church service about an hour or so before midnight. The typical noche buena foods prepared on the table are: lechon, pancit, fried chicken, lumpia, rice, adobo, among others for the main course; desserts include rice cakes, patries and cakes; drinks include soda, beer, and juice. Noche buena is also an opportunity for family get together, opening of Christmas gifts, singing and story-telling. It is also a chance for kids to earn some money aside from toy gifts. In some homes, it is also one way to welcome the less-fortunate by inviting orphans or poor people to join in the Christmas celebration. Some carolers who raise funds for civic organizations are also welcomed and given donations (in cash or kind) into the home. The noche buena could last until about four o’clock in the morning on Christmas day.
And on Christmas day the whole family will again attend mass or church service during the morning. When they go back home, the salu-salo (partaking of the meal) will continue. It is also during Christmas day that some inaanak (godchildren) visit their ninong (godfather) and ninang (godmother) to receive their Christmas gifts. It is also the day for some families to hold grand reunions of extended family clan members (grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, uncles and aunts).
Let me leave you with Filipino Non-Traditional Christmas Carol. Merry Christmas to All. May every each one of us may find the true meaning of Christmas in their life.
