FOOD
The purple-coloured dessert that is made with steamed glutinous rice and cooked in a bamboo pole.
Puto bumbong
"It's beginning to look a lot like........"
Christmas
A huge, brightly lit star, which can be found in houses and shops across the country
Parol
When does Simbang Gabi start?
December 16
Sweet-style noodles with cut-up hotdogs and ground beef. Smothered in a sauce made from banana ketchup, sugar, and tomato paste.
Spaghetti
"Let's sing Merry Christmas
And a happy holiday........."
This season may we never forget
The love we have for Jesus
It is a series of late-night masses held in the nine days running up to Christmas.
Simbang Gabi
Lantern Capital of the Philippines
Pampanga
A sweet and sticky coconut rice cake often served by street vendors around Christmas time.
Bibingka
"Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock....."
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Kids often to this with homemade costumes and instruments made from recycling. Lyrics are changed from familiar to funny
Carolling
Slow roast pig served with crispy crackling, and stuffed
Lechon
"Last Christmas, I gave you my heart......"
But the very next day, you gave it away
It is the Christmas Eve meal where huge amounts of food are prepared
Noche Buena
A very sweet dessert made with shredded coconut, various fruits, topped with condensed milk and cream.
Buko Salad / Fruit Salad
"Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad...."
Feliz Navidad
Prospero ano y felicidad
It is the climax to the nine midnight masses in the lead-up to Christmas Eve.
Misa de Gallo