Pagkain sa Pasko
This sticky rice cake is baked in a clay oven and topped with shredded coconut (niyog) or cheese.
Bibingka
The title of the classic 1990 song by José Mari Chan that is considered the unofficial start of the Filipino Christmas season.
Christmas In Our Hearts
This is the Spanish term for the elaborate Christmas Eve dinner, literally meaning "Good Night."
Noche Buena
The Filipino term for the traditional Christmas lantern, which was originally a lamp for churchgoers.
Parol
The Filipino term for the cash gift given to children, derived from the Spanish word for 'Christmas Box.'
Aguinaldo
A savory meatloaf made of ground pork, ham, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs, often served in slices during Noche Buena.
Embutido
The Filipino title of the song popular for caroling, saying, "Kung sakaling kami'y perwisyo; Pasensiya na 'pagkat kami'y namamasko."
Sa May Bahay Ang Aming Bati
The Filipino nativity scene, a common household display.
Belen
The belief that if you complete all nine days of masses, this will be granted.
Wish
A child performs this gesture of respect to an elder (like a ninong or ninang) before receiving their aguinaldo.
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.
Puto Bumbong
Continue the song:
Sa may bahay ang aming bati
Merry Christmas na maluwalhati
Ang pag-ibig, 'pag siyang naghari
Araw-araw ay magiging Paskong lagi
Ang sanhi po ng pagparito
Hihingi po ng aginaldo
Kung sakaling kami'y perwisyo
Pasensiya na 'pagkat kami'y namamasko
The religious holiday on January 6th that traditionally marks the end of the Filipino Christmas season.
Feast of the Three Kings
The Spanish name for the final and largest mass held on Christmas Eve, which translates to "Rooster's Mass."
Misa de Gallo
The popular Filipino version of Secret Santa or Kris Kringle where you give inexpensive gifts anonymously to your assigned person. What do they call it in the Philippines back in the days?
Monito, Monita
A popular Filipino dessert often served during the holidays with colored jelly chunks that looks like stained glass.
Cathedral Window
This Filipino singer is responsible for the classic Christmas song, "Sana Ngayong Pasko."
Ariel Rivera
The city in Pampanga that hosts the annual "Ligligan Parul," or Giant Lantern Festival.
San Fernando, Pampanga
The popular pre-dawn masses begin on this date, nine days before Christmas.
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.
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.
queso de bola
The Filipino title of the song popular for caroling, saying, "Ganyan ang indak ng mga bumbilya
Kikindat-kindat, kukurap-kurap
Pinaglalaruan ang iyong mga mata "
Kumukutikutitap
What month does Filipinos start celebrating Christmas in the Philippines?
September
This tradition involves the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter.
Panunuluyan
What item is commonly given during Christmas as a symbol of love and sharing?
A gift 🎁