Mano Po Ninong II, by
Jes Pelino
In the Philippines, godparents
play a very special role in a child's life. Aside from giving spiritual
guidance and acting as the second parents of the child, a uniquely Filipino
way of practicing the concept of godparenthood is to visit godparents on
Christmas day asking for blessings, thus the gesture of "mano po."
Hirnig At Kulay Ng Pasko,
by Jes Pelino
Features the festive carolling
mood of children with colourful lanterns which is usually hang in every
Filipino house. The practice which runs from 16th December until the Christmas
eve, children enjoys carolling from one house to another singing beautiful
Christmas songs and melodies. Noche Buena, by Mamerto Ynigo Filipinos love
food, make no mistake about it. One of the best things about Christmas,
aside from the twinkling lights and cool atmosphere is the
bountiful food. Noche Buena,
literally means good night, is often taken to mean the Christmas feast
laid out after the Midnight Mass of Dec. 24. Traditionally, every Filipino
family celebrates Noche Buena as a form of reunion and thanksgiving with
all members of the family present in the celebration.
Karoling Sa Jeepney, by
Jes Pelino
Carolling, which runs from
16th of December until the Christmas Eve in the Philippines, had its beginnings
in the Middle ages. The word "carol" was derived from "carolen," meaning
to sing joyously. Children singing joyous carols in jeepneys that travels
along different routes in the city, is a common sight during the Holiday
Season. The exotic
jeepney is a post-war creation
inspired by the Gl jeeps that the American soldiers brought the country
in the 1940's. Enterprising Filipinos salvaged the surplus engines and
came oOt with a unique vehicle of art. This ingenious creation is the Filipino
version of jitney, the minibus that travels along fixed route. And although
the jitney is found in many countries, it's only in the Philippines that
one can find a jeepney.
Simbang Gabi, by Jes Pelino
The Official First Day Cover
features Simbang Gabi. Christmas time in the Philippines is known as one
of the longest holiday celebrations in the world. This is because of the
"Simbang Gabi" or "Missa de Gallo" which runs nine days (hence the word
novena) from the dawn of December 16 until Christmas Eve. The Christmas
season does not end on Christmas Day. It continues until the day of the
Three Kings, incidentally, "Missa de Gallo," means Mass of the Roosters-literally. |
