Pagkain sa Pasko
This sticky rice cake is baked in a clay oven and topped with shredded coconut (niyog) or cheese.
What is Bibingka?
The title of the classic 1990 song by José Mari Chan that is considered the unofficial start of the Filipino Christmas season.
What is Christmas In Our Hearts?
This is the Spanish term for the elaborate Christmas Eve dinner, literally meaning "Good Night."
What is Noche Buena?
The Filipino term for the traditional Christmas lantern, which was originally a lamp for churchgoers.
What is parol?
The Filipino term for the cash gift given to children, derived from the Spanish word for 'Christmas Box.'
What is Aguinaldo?
A savory meatloaf made of ground pork, ham, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs, often served in slices during Noche Buena.
What is Embutido?
The Filipino title of the song popular for caroling, saying, "Kung sakaling kami'y perwisyo; Pasensiya na 'pagkat kami'y namamasko."
What is Sa May Bahay Ang Aming Bati?
The Filipino nativity scene, a common household display.
What is Belen?
The belief that if you complete all nine days of masses, this will be granted.
What is a Wish?
A child performs this gesture of respect to an elder (like a ninong or ninang) before receiving their aguinaldo.
What is pagmamano or Mano Po?
Meaning 'steamed rice cake from a bamboo tube,' this Filipino delicacy has a chewy texture and distinct purple hue, traditionally achieved without artificial coloring.
What is puto bumbong?
The iconic Filipino rock band who sang, "Sa tuwing darating ang kapaskuhan; Ang Christmas bonus ating inaasahan; Sa mga kumpanyang pinagta-trabahuhan; Tunay natin itong kailangan."
Who is Aegis?
The religious holiday on January 6th that traditionally marks the end of the Filipino Christmas season.
What is Feast of the Epiphany or Feast of the Three Kings?
The Spanish name for the final and largest mass held on Christmas Eve, which translates to "Rooster's Mass."
What is Misa de Gallo?
The popular Filipino version of Secret Santa or Kris Kringle where you give inexpensive gifts anonymously to your assigned person.
What is Monito, Monita?
A popular Filipino dessert often served during the holidays with colored jelly chunks that looks like stained glass.
What is Cathedral Window?
This Filipino singer is responsible for the classic Christmas song, "Sana Ngayong Pasko."
Who is Ariel Rivera?
The city in Pampanga that hosts the annual "Ligligan Parul," or Giant Lantern Festival.
What is San Fernando?
The popular pre-dawn masses begin on this date, nine days before Christmas.
What is December 16?
A mandatory, legally required bonus in the Philippines for all rank-and-file employees, equivalent to one-twelfth (1/12) of their basic annual salary, given by December 24 yearly.
What is 13th month pay?
Inspired by Dutch Edam and introduced via Spanish trade, is covered in a recognizable red paraffin wax and is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune at the Noche Buena feast.
What is queso de bola?
The Filipino title of the song popular for caroling, saying, "Iba't ibang palamuti; Ating isabit sa puno; Buhusan ng mga kulay; Tambakan ng mga regalo."
What is Kumukutikutitap?
This common shellfish is sometimes cleaned and used to make the shell or cover of premium, elegant parols.
What are Capiz shells?
This tradition involves the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter.
What is Panunuluyan?
This is the Filipino name for one of the three gifts given by the Wise Men to Jesus when they visited him, and its name in English is myrrh.
What is Mira?