Filipina Soul

The traditional Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo (mass of the rooster) started in the Philippines today, December 16 and will last for 9 days (which will then be followed by the midnight mass on December 24).
These days (especially in the urban areas) the nine day Christmas masses are not held at the break of dawn (about 4 am) anymore but at about 8 or 9 pm the evening before in anticipation.
INQ7.net’s editorial section today posted some historical reminder of the simbang gabi:
What urban Filipinos may not know is that Simbang Gabi is really for farmers and the agricultural sector, …read more

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I was hesitant to line-up Christmas tree, Christmas lights and poinsettia as Filipino Christmas symbols.
Personally, these three items I consider a manifestation of western influence.
But thinking about it, Christianity (the foundation of our belief and which where the Filipino Christmas tradition revolves around) are brought by westerners anyway. However, any foreign cultures brought to the Philippines have evolved into an entirely new culture now known as distinctly Filipino.
We have our version of Christmas tree and some of us can be so extravagant with the use of Christmas lights at this time of the year.
Like the poinsettia, the lighted Christmas tree …read more

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Speaking of Filipino Christmas Lanterns:
The Paskuhan Village (or Christmas Village) in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines is known for its giant Christmas lanterns, giving it a year-round Christmas theme.
Paskuhan Village in the province of Pampanga is Asia’s only Christmas theme park and the third of its kind in the world.
The great Christmas lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga can reach as big as 40 feet in diameter, using as many as 16,000 glowing bulbs.
Source: WOW Philippines Trivia
In 2003, then Secretary of Tourism Richard Gordon transformed Paskuhan Village into the Philippine Cultural Village (Nayong Pilipino) of North Luzon or North …read more

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To those who are probably wondering why I don’t update this blog on weekends: I’m a full time mother on weekends. So I try so hard not to get myself near any keyboard attached to a computer with an internet connection.
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Anyway, I’ve started this series of Filipino Christmas Symbols that I intend to round-up before Christmas Eve. So, here’s part 2 before I get distracted once more:
Here in the Philippines we’ve been hearing Christmas songs over the radios since 1st of September. But at the first strike of December, Christmas Caroling starts. Usually by children (sometimes adults too if …read more

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