Hi guys… It’s been a while. Hope all of you had a good vacation. Since I am now based in the Philippines, let me write about some of the things I have seen, done, tasted and heard since I came back. Let’s start with Christmas … It has been said that the Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the whole world. Officially, it starts from December 16 up to Epiphany or more commonly known as “Three Kings.” But in reality, Christmas carols can already be heard from September. Thus, decorations of all kinds can be enjoyed for a longer time. Here are some distinct things about the Christmas celebration in the Philippines…
Puto Bumbong This is a purple colored rice cake named after the bamboo tube in which it is steamed. It is often eaten after hearing mass early in the morning from December 16.
Bibingka Bibingka is another rice cake eaten during Christmas season (but you can now buy it any time of the year and it is good with a steaming cup of coffee).
Parol (Star lantern) A star-shaped Christmas lantern in the Philippines, evoking the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three kings to the manger where baby Jesus was born.
Traditional parol
Modern parol
Nativity scene This scene depicts the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger. Most houses and establishments create their own interpretation of the scene and display it. The main players of the scene are the Holy Family (infant Jesus, mother Mary and Joseph).
Now, here’s an image of my hometown last Christmas as seen from a family friend’s camera…
Sources: All images are borrowed from different sites since I didn't think of doing this post last Christmas.
RJ Pascual (wdybt in Photobucket) Jun-blog (http://blog.junbelen.com/) Dopamine junkie EJ Azucena photography
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that guided the three kings to the manger where baby Jesus was born.
