Category Archives: Occasion

Christmas festivities in the Philippines

Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world. You know it’s Christmas when radio stations start to play Christmas songs (sometimes with epiphone sg guitar accompaniment) as early as September 1. In the Christian tradition, Christmas celebration ends in the first week of January which is the Epiphany or the visit of the Magi (Three Kings) to the infant Jesus in Bethlemen.

Some Christmas traditions and festivities are also observed differently from one region to another. The most popular of which is MISA DE GALLO.

Observed nationwide from December 16 to 24

Misa de Gallo is a Filipino yuletide tradition that starts on the 16th of December and culminates in a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Roman Catholics attend the daily mass at three or four in the morning. Upon exiting the church, the hungry is enticed by the sight and smell of puto bumbong and bibingka (native delicacies made of sticky and glutinous rice sold nearby). – Dep’t of Tourism

Check out the full list of Christmas Festivities here:

125th Fiesta Celebration of Tacloban City

My friend and former officemate Ver Noveno (now working for Cong. Romualdez) took this photo during the 125th fiesta celebration of Tacloban City last June 30.

Fishermen devotees of miraculous image of Sr.Sto Nino (EL Capitan) pass along San Juanico Strait during the Fluvial Parade. Rose petals were thrown from the helicopter at the foreground. Â The cargo vessels that were swept inland during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda are still there.

Fishermen raises their image of Sto Nino. More than 300 fishermen on board their motor boats join the fluvial parade.

Thousand of fishermen died during super typhoon Yolanda.

Image and caption credit: vernovenoimages

Best places to be this holiday season

Most families are taking advantage of the holiday season to have a special bonding time with the family. And it was a good thing that there are a lot of attractions the family can go to during this time of year. Here are a few of my picks:

MANILA OCEAN PARK â€“ a haven in the city. Bring a long the little ones and make the whole family feel closer to the ocean and all its colorful and interesting creatures.

Best bits to try: the Oceanarium, the Snow Village and the Sea Lion show.

STARCITY â€“ this amusement park is open for a limited time only, usually during the holiday season. Apart from experiencing all the thrilling and exhilarating rides, you and the family can also try out to experience snow for the first time.

SM NORTH EDSA CHRISTMAS VILLAGE â€“ a series of houses showcasing the spirit of Christmas. I bet the little ones would love to roam around this colorful village.

The entrance fee to these great places wonâ€™t cost that much.

Wherever you decide to go, remember that the family that travels and explore together, stays together!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!