Filipinos love to have fun and celebration and Christmas in the Philippines is the world’s longest Christmas celebration. It starts from the 1st day of September, the start of the «ber» months until the Feast of the Santo Niño. «Ber Months» signifies that Christmas is coming. It can be perceived in the decorations and songs in the parks, streets, houses, malls, hospitals, schools, buses, jeepneys, taxis, and other public places.
The Philippines has a lot of customs and traditions, and the most meaningful and beautiful is that of Christmas, a time to be with family and loved ones. It’s a time of thanksgiving, reconciliation and celebration of life and love in the family. A time wherein family members who are out of the country go home to be with their loved ones. And those who cannot go home for some reason, always long and miss being home during Christmas in the Philippines.
As they say, «IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!». It is not only the «fun» but the ambiance, the laughter, and the joy of the people being shared despite many negative situations, poverty, hunger, disasters or natural calamities, etc. If it’s Christmas time in the Philippines, there is a pandemic of sharing, loving, and caring for one another, and there is a lot of fun.
Lastly, one of the main highlights of Christmas is the «SIMBANG GABI», Tagalog word which means » Mass in the Night» or «MISA DE GALLO» («Mass at dawn»). It is a nine-day Eucharistic celebration before Christmas Eve. It is in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary who carried Jesus in her womb for nine months. This celebration is mostly participated by people who believe that once they participate in the mass completely for nine days, their «wishes or heart’s desires» will be granted by God. Indeed, even the Covid-19 pandemic did not stop the people from attending this celebration. Despite the restrictions implemented, still many people filled with much hope and faith flooded the churches. This somehow shows the resilience of the Filipino people that no matter how difficult or hopeless the circumstances are, there is always that light that radiates in the hearts of every person, the light which is Christ Himself, the God made flesh, and who dwells among us, our «Star ng Pasko» or the «Light of Christmas» that shines in every home, every person, and every family or community even during times of suffering, pain, and poverty.
Despite, the reality of globalization and modernization, Christmas for Filipinos, here in the country and abroad is a «Christmas in our hearts» as the title of the song by Jose Mari Chan, a famous one usually played on the 1st day of September. Its lyrics have a deep meaning, and I would like to cite some of them here: «Let Him be the One to guide us, as another New Year starts, and may the spirit of Christmas, be always in our hearts…» I believe that most of the Filipinos have this plea in their hearts especially those who believe in God no matter what religion they have or whatever situation they are experiencing in their lives. I hope and pray that as we celebrate this Christmas, it is Jesus in the manger we remember and His presence in our hearts and lives we share with others especially with our loved ones, our sisters in the community, and with the people we encounter in the mission.
SR.FRANCES LARAINE ANDRADE, TC