Food
This is the traditional feast shared by the family on Christmas Eve.
Noche Buena
The MMFF traditionally starts showing its entries on this specific date every year.
December 25th
In the classic song "Noche Buena (Kay Sigla ng Gabi)", this specific dish is mentioned as being cooked by "ate" (older sister).
Tinola
This religious nine-day series of dawn masses precedes Christmas Day.
Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo
He’s the jolly old man with a red hat and a long white beard, often seen in malls during December in the Philippines.
Santa Claus
What is this food?
cured, smoked pork with pineapple glaze
Christmas Ham
While not a Christmas movie, this acclaimed 2017 family drama about four siblings reuniting for their ailing father is a popular holiday season watch.
Seven Sundays
What can kids get from Christmas Caroling?
Aguinaldo or coin change
The iconic Filipino star-shaped, vibrant symbol of hope, faith, and light during Christmas, representing the Star of Bethlehem guiding the Three Kings to Jesus.
Parol
They are from the East who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
Three Kings
What is this food?
Sweet, fruity and cool dessert of different types
(Fruit) Salad
The MMFF competition is a major cultural event that boosts the local film industry during the world's longest Christmas season, which begins in this month in the Philippines.
September
This famous Filipino Christmas carol asks for gifts from "Ninong" and "Ninang".
"Mano Po Ninong, Mano Po Ninang"
Another Filipino tradition where kids singing from house-to-house....
Christmas Caroling
She is the kind mother always found in the Nativity scene, known as the Mother of the Church.
Mary
These two sticky rice cakes, often sold outside churches, are popular during the "Simbang Gabi" season.
Puto bumbong and bibingka
The MMFF is known for featuring both dramatic and comedic films, but one common theme is the focus on this core social unit.
Family
This iconic OPM singer asks "Sana Ngayong Pasko" (Hope this Christmas) for someone special to return.
Ariel Rivera
This province is known as the "Lantern Capital of the Philippines" because of its large, intricate Christmas lanterns.
Pampanga
In the Filipino “Belen,” this kind figure is always beside Mary, watching over the newborn Jesus.
Joseph
A popular belief holds that this many round fruits displayed during the New Year's Eve feast will bring prosperity.
12
This long-running horror anthology series is a staple entry in the MMFF, often featuring a Christmas-themed segment, such as "Christmas Tree" in its ninth installment.
This carol invites listeners to come and adore the newborn King.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Recognized as the "Belen Capital of the Philippines" for its annual display of nativity scenes.
Tarlac
In many Filipino barangays, this joyful group sings carols from house to house, often led by a lively child character.
Carolers