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These 3 Things Prove That Filipinos Have the Best Christmas Celebrations
12 ธ.ค. 2018ไอเดียBY SweetEscape

In the Philippines, the Christmas season starts in September. Undoubtedly, it has the longest and probably, the merriest celebration, as colorful lights and lanterns deck their homes and lines in shopping malls begin to build up. As a culture-rich country, Filipinos celebrate the holidays in the most creative, fun, and heartwarming ways. Here's how they do it:

1. Many Filipinos believe that completing the Misa de Gallo (midnight Mass) or Simbang Gabi (night Mass) fulfills a wish.

Because more than half of the Philippines' population are Catholics, it has been part of many Filipinos' routine to attend a nine-day series of night Masses (or eight days for pre-dawn Masses) leading up to Christmas day. Whether coming straight from the office or school at night or waking up at dawn, they always find a way to finish this series as they believe that a wish would be granted when it is completed. Adding to the Christmas vibes are lines of street vendors selling "bibingka" or rice cake and "puto bumbong" or purple yam-flavored sticky rice steamed in bamboo tubes and topped with cheese, margarine, shredded dried coconut and sugar.

2. Everything becomes Christmas-themed.

As soon as the “ber” months arrive, Filipino creativity gets to its peak as venues, buildings, and parks get spruced up for the holidays. Many parks, as well as public highways and streets get adorned with colorful lights and decorations as they compete to become Instagram-worthy spots. Some even become exhibits with grandiose and impressive displays to showcase their culture or story. Bazaars also pop up in public locations where Filipinos grab their stash of seasonal food and items that are both perfect for gift-giving or for keeping.

3. December is Christmas party season.

For most Filipinos, it is not surprising to receive three invitations for Christmas parties in December. Filipinos like to party, to celebrate, to have fun, and of course, to share good food. This becomes an opportunity for Filipinos abroad to come home and attend family reunions that are typically celebrated during Noche Buena. It also becomes a time to catch up with long-lost relatives or close friends who they haven't spoken to in a long time.

Moments like these don't happen every day, so it's always best to have them captured through SweetEscape. Book a photographer through the SweetEscape website and let us save your priceless memories this Christmas season! Visit www.sweetescape.com to know more.