Christimas in the Philippines: Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo in Spanish, will start from 16^th of December and ends at midnight on 24^th of December. A Filipino Christmas tradition, there are a series of nine dawn masses, usually starting as early as 4: 00 AM. It is practised by Catholic and Aglipayans, and with some Evangelical Christian, and the independent Protestant churches have adopted the practice in having pre-Christmas services during dawn.

Filipino celebrated with Midnight Mass and the traditional Noche Buena feast. The family member will dine together at around midnight and would also open their gifts at this time.

It is not only out of dedication, but also thanks to practical. In the 333 years was that Spain ruled the Philippines, it is usual that the Friars and priests celebrate holy mass for the Filipinos living in the barrios.

Simbang Gabi begins so early because of the experience of Filipinos under the Spanish Regime.

Also, local delicacies are readily available for the churchgoers; when they step out of the churches. Latik and Yema candies are sold to children. Biscuits like Uraro, Barquillos, Lengua de Gato and Otap are sold as well. Café Barako or Salabat were the main drinks. Arroz Caldo and Papait soups abound. And the famous Puto bumbong, bibingka, suman and other sweet rice cakes are cooked on the spot under the fiery red coals.

Philippine Tradition: Paninilbihan & Pamamanhikan

Image from dindinanddomswedding.blogspot

Paninilbihan, it is a way of courtship where the guy serves to the girl’s family in any way to prove that he is sincere intentions and love for the girl. It is also a way of saying like, “I will do anything to prove my love for you.”

Pamamanhikan is a Philippine tradition where the man and his parents visit to the woman’s family asking for her parent’s permission or blessings to marry their daughter.

During pamamanhikan, the man and his parents will bring some pasalubong  (gifts) for the woman and her parents, and food as well. Also, they talk about the wedding date and it is formally set, and the couple becomes engaged to get married.

Related topic: Philippine Tradition: Money Dance and Harana

Queen City of the South

Photo from beautyofcebu

Cebu City is also known as the “Queen City of the South”. The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu. It was the first Spanish settlement here in the Philippines. Cebu is also holds the second largest international flights in the country. Cebu City is now tagged as the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (also known as ASEAN) City of Culture.

Pinoy Merienda for Summer

Here are some of the favorite Pinoy Merienda:

Halo Halo

Photo from quazen

Banana cue

Photo from amazonaws

Read more FAVORITE SUMMER MERIENDA

Palaspas

Palaspas or decorative palm fronds are part of the Catholic celebration of Palm Sunday in the Philippines which marks the start of Holy Week. They are brought to the Church to be blessed as part of the Palm Sunday mass and waved as the priest enters the Church, in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerysalem.

Photo credit via multiply

It is always a sight to behold when young fresh coconut leaves called ibus are transformed into intricate forms and shapes. Children hold them liked priced possessions. It is one great spectacle to see the brimming Sunday congregation eagerly wave their palms as the priest passes by to bless them. The event is simply joyful. 

Domingo de Ramos or Palm Sunday is one of the most photographed events in the Philippines. Palaspas, which is the most intricate, provides an exciting opening act for the drama of Semana Santa. The sight and smell of fresh palm fronds herald Holy Week in the Philippines. 

Source: tagalog-dictionary.com

Philippine Tradition 101

Money Dance

Photo credit via flickr

Money Dance - is a very old custom that originally served as a measure of a family’s status within a community. It is practiced today as a way of giving the happy couple a prosperous start, right after the wedding ceremony. Once the music starts playing, family members, sponsors and designated people start off the dance by placing money crowns, sashes, or leis on the bride and groom while they are dancing.

Harana

Photo credit via flickr

Harana - is a musical greeting performed for a lover, friend, person of rank, or other person to be honored. Music performed does not follow a particular form, except that it was typically sung by one person accompanying himself on a portable instrument, most likely a guitar, lute, or other plucked instrument.

Source:ArmVet