Ages back when I was still in the Philippines, I could easily remember the “puto bumbong” “cuchinta”, “bibingka” , all those “kakanin”, that we usually devour after the midnight mass. I remember that right after the Simbang gabi or Misa de Gallo – which 9 days “ordeal” of having to wake up at 4 am, had been converted into some sort of a competition among friends and relatives – we’d rush to the bibingka stall to order our morning breakfast. I want to re-live again the moment while going to Church, to feel the cool breeze of the morning dew hitting my face. Despite the “inconvenience” of waking up as early as 4 am, we do our best to finish the 9 days, because of the belief that we shall be rewarded after the sacrifice we’ve confronted with. Truly though, after each mass we feel bright and gay, moreover because we know, that Christmas is just around the corner.
It is really amazing how we, Filipinos, start the “celebration” of the Yuletide season. When the “-ber” month begins – September to be exact – we already hear Christmas songs and carols being aired on the radio. Big shopping malls, stores and even houses begin filling up their establishments with Christmas decors. People start hanging “parols” at the windows of their houses. Cherry lights illuminate facades of buildings and houses as well. Christmas “Carolers” would start forming groups and start practicing to serenade families, offices, friends, before Christmas arrives. All these convey the Christmas message and the atmosphere of joy with soon take place. It also means that we have to be prepare wrapping gifts for our beloved relatives and friends. But, do we really feel that “spirit” in our hearts or we were just being courteous to the tradition that our parents, grand-parents and forefathers had instilled in us to follow? A huge question to respond to…but…. I guess we actually did feel the spirit of Christmas. Sad to say though but I think, yes, decades back.
FilipinosAround 