DAPHNE OSEÑA PAEZ

Does your family have a Christmas tradition?

We put up our tree together in the first week of December. I let the kids take over. So the tree looks very homemade. I have my little Nativity sets that Ive collected from Christmas markets from around the world.

Where do you usually spend Christmas?

We spend Christmas in Manila. We don't have family here except for one brother in law who is a priest. My family is in Toronto and Patrick's family is in New York. Since we prefer to visit them in the summer when we can stay for a month or two. We try to squeeze in a trip to a nearby beach.

Where are you spending Christmas this year?

We are staying in Manila and in our little farm cottage outside the city.

What food is always in your Christmas feast spread?

I grew up eating my mom's turkey every year at Christmas. So I make sure we have turkey here.

What’s your Christmas wish? OR what’s in your gift wishlist this year?

I sincerely wish for world peace. A lot of countries are in conflict - whether it's war, civil unrest, political division, or health epidemics. I wish for people to have peace in their hearts and treat each other better. My wishlist for me and my family is good health, travel, and lots of time together to celebrate sweet moments.

RICA PERALEJO

Does your family have a Christmas tradition?

Yes. We have advent nights, where we go through a book and do some activity together that will remind us about the reason for this season. Then also, a sharing of the year’s highlights, a presentation if all that has happened in our lives for the entire year and thank God for all that together.

Where do you usually spend Christmas?

Just in the Philippines with my husband’s family or mine. However, we usually also go to nearby asian countries that get cold around december like taiwan and japan.

Where are you spending Christmas this year?

Just at my sister’s place. And towards new year, we will be checked in a hotel in Manila.

What food is always in your Christmas feast spread?

Christmas ham for my mom, with pandesal.

What’s you Christmas wish? OR what’s in your gift wishlist this year?

To have more opportunities to serve those who are most in need in the nation in the years to come.

VANESSA MATSUNAGA

Does your family have a Christmas tradition?

Our family always has a theme for Christmas and everyone cooks their speciality.

Where do you usually spend Christmas?

For the past few years we’ve spent it here in the Philippines with our families. It’s pretty similar in Brazil except that every year its a different host.

Where are you spending Christmas this year?

Also, here in the Philippines. We love traveling but spending Christmas here in the Philippines is a must. There’s something really magical about spending Christmas in the Philippines.

What food is always in your Christmas feast spread?

A couple of Brazilian dishes that are almost present in a Brazilian Christmas, ham and of course Lechon. In Brazil we have turkey instead of Lechon.

What’s you Christmas wish? OR what’s in your gift wishlist this year?

I wish that the coming year will be easier. I honestly don’t have a gift wishlist but if I were to ask something it’s for the family to be complete.

JANNA MARGARITA PABLO

Does your family have a Christmas tradition?

Yes we do! Noche buena at 12 midnight wake up early in our best outfits to hear mass at 8 am then breakfast then take a gazillion family photos first then distribution of guests then we give candies and aguinaldo to our kasambahays and their families.

Where do you usually spend Christmas?

Way Up North, Aparri Cagayan.

Where are you spending Christmas this year?

Will still continue the tradition of going to Aparri Cagayan.

What food is always in your Christmas feast spread?

Quesooo de bolaaa! (laughs) 🌟.

What’s you Christmas wish? OR what’s in your gift wishlist this year?

More travels (laughs).

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