Christmas day on Tuesday, like what took place 2012 years ago, is still considered the greatest story ever told. No other celebration even in contemporary times can surpass the pomp and pageantry the occasion brings. Whether the revelry is done in gated communities or in dilapidated hovels in squatter areas, the object of worship is the same Jesus Christ born in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. Be that as it may, the difference lies in the table preparations during the Noche Buena, a feast of sorts marking the eve of Christ’s birth. For the rich and famous, the Noche Buena is a culinary trip signifying opulence and extravagant display of wealth. For the poor, there may be some semblance of keeping up with the spirit of Christmas according to their standard but this is as far as their budget will allow. At least there is something to partake for the special occasion on display in their rickety tables. As to the religious significance which is the highlight of the observance in the first place, all parishes throughout the country will mark with the midnight mass at the strike of midnight on December 24. The Most Reverend Leonardo Medrozo, D.D., bishop of the diocese of Tagbilaran, will be the main celebrant during the midnight mass. Serving as offertory sponsors during the mass are provincial and city government officials. A spectacular fireworks display courtesy of the Bohol Chronicle and Station DYRD will follow after the midnight mass.

Christmas in the Philippines

Christmas in the Philippines , one of two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia (the other one being East Timor ), is one of the biggest holidays in the archipelago. The country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season, [1] with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lasting until Epiphany , the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 or the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú on the third Sunday of January. The official observance is from 16 December with the beginning of the Simbang Gabi to Epiphany.

Activities

The various ethnic groups in the Philippines each observe different Christmas traditions, and the following are generally common.

Christmas parties

In urban areas like Metro Manila , many offices organise Christmas parties. These are usually held during the second week of December, or right before schools and universities go on holiday. Common activities include Monito/Monita ( Kris Kringle ), musical or theatrical performances and parlor games . Food is provided either through potluck , or via a pool of contributions to buy food. Some have fireworks displays.

Simbang Gabi/Misa de Gallo

Simbang Gabi ( Filipino , "Night Mass"; Spanish : Misa de Gallo , "Rooster's Mass") is a novena of dawn Masses from 16 December to Christmas Eve . The Simbang Gabi is practised mainly by Catholic and Aglipayans , with some Evangelical Christian and independent Protestant churches having adopted the practise of having pre-Christmas dawn services. Attending the Masses is meant to show devotion to God and heightened anticipation for Christ's birth , and folk belief holds that God grants the special wish of a devotee that hears all nine Masses.

Morning observance of Simbang Gabi begins as early as 03:00 PST , while in some parishes, anticipated Masses begin the previous evening at 20:00 PST. After hearing Mass, Catholic families buy traditional Filipino holiday fare for breakfast outside the church and eat it either within the church precincts or at home. Vendors offer many native delicacies, including bibingka (rice flour and egg-based cake, cooked using coal burners above and under); putò bumbóng (a purple, sticky rice delicacy steamed in bamboo tubes, buttered then sprinkled with brown sugar and shredded dried coconut meat). Drinks include coffee, salabát (a ginger tisane ) and tsokoláte (thick, Spanish-style hot chocolate ). Some Aglipayan churches invite the congregation to partake of the "paínit" (literally, "heater"), a post-Mass snack of mostly rice pastries served with coffee or cocoa at the house of the Mass sponsor.

Christmas Eve

For Filipinos, Christmas Eve ("Bisperas ng Pasko") on 24 December is celebrated with the Midnight Mass , and the traditional Noche Buena feast. Family members dine together at around midnight on traditional yuletide fare, which includes: queso de bola (Spanish: "ball of cheese", which is edam cheese ) sealed with red wax; tsokoláte, pasta, fruit salad , pandesal , relleno and hamón (Christmas ham). Some families would also open presents at this time.

Panunulúyan

In different provinces and schools, the journey of Joseph and the pregnant Virgin Mary in search of lodging is re-enacted. The pageant, traditionally called the "Panunulúyan", "Pananawágan", or "Pananapátan", is modelled after the Spanish Las Posadas .

The Panunulúyan is performed after dark, with the actors portraying Joseph and the Virgin Mary going to pre-designated houses. They perform a chant meant to rouse the "owners of the house" (also actors) to request for lodging. The owners then cruelly turn them away, sometimes also in song, saying that their house is already filled with other guests. Finally, Joseph and Mary make their way to the parish church where a replica of the stable has been set up. The birth of Jesus is celebrated at midnight with the Misa de Gallo.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day in The Philippines is primarily a family affair. The Misa de Aguinaldo is celebrated on December 25 and is usually attended by the whole family. It is the main means of celebrating Jesus Christ 's birth for Catholics and Aglipayans. The Misa de Aguinaldo is often celebrated between 10 pm and midnight, a schedule preferred by many Filipinos who stay up late on Christmas Eve for the night-long celebration of the Noche Buena.

Preferably in the morning, Filipinos typically visit members of the extended family, especially to pay respects to their elders. This custom of giving respect has been an age-old tradition in the Philippines called "Pagmamáno", which is done by bringing the elder's hand to one's forehead, while saying the phrase Máno Pô (lit. "Hand, please"). The elder then blesses the person who has given their respect, and in return gives "Aguinaldo", or money in the form of crisp, fresh-from-the-bank bills is given after the Pagmamano, mostly to younger children. Godparents are especially socially obligated to give presents or Aguinaldo to their godchildren.

A Christmas Lunch usually follows after the "Pagmamano". The menu is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family, with richer families preparing grand feasts, while poorer families choose to cook simple yet special dishes. Some families choose to open presents on this day after the lunch. When night time falls, members of the family usually return home or linger to drink, or playing parlor games and Disco Party. Some may opt to have another feast for dinner. Some families spend the entire day at home to rest after the previous days' festivities.