As the world prepares for Christmas, Filipinos have already embraced the festive spirit for months. In Manila, the atmosphere is vibrant, with decorations and celebrations starting as early as September. Local residents, like Via Arboleda, have begun to adorn their homes with Christmas trees and ornaments, eagerly anticipating the arrival of December 25.
The Philippines boasts the longest Christmas season in the world, stretching from September through January. Shopping malls across the country are festooned with elaborate decorations, a tradition so grand it has its own term—Bongga, meaning flamboyant and abundant. With temperatures in December averaging around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), the festive season diverges from the traditional winter wonderlands seen in the West.
Families prepare for annual reunions, often coordinating potluck dishes that highlight the culinary diversity of Filipino cuisine. Popular dishes include caldereta, a goat stew, and a unique take on spaghetti, sweetened with banana ketchup. Arboleda notes the importance of these gatherings, especially for families with members working abroad. According to the International Labour Organization, nearly 10 percent of the Philippine workforce is employed overseas, sending remittances that significantly contribute to the country’s economy, accounting for 9 percent of the GDP.
The traditional Christmas spirit is reflected in activities such as karaoke singalongs, where even the most reluctant family members take a turn at the microphone. Supermarkets fill the air with festive music, prominently featuring Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas in Our Hearts,” a beloved holiday anthem in the Philippines.
By November, Manila’s upscale Bonifacio Global City (BGC) district hosts weekly fireworks displays, drawing families to witness the sky illuminated in celebration. Major brands also participate, creating themed Christmas trees that range from the elegant to the whimsical. For this year, the SM Mall of Asia, the largest shopping center in the country, has developed a theatrical theme inspired by the recent release of “Wicked: For Good,” showcasing vibrant colors and festive decorations that enchant visitors.
The Filipino Christmas tradition is not purely secular. With nearly 80 percent of the population identifying as Roman Catholic, the religious aspects of the holiday are equally significant. Mass is widely attended on December 24, 25, and January 1, culminating in the Simbang Gabi or “night mass,” a nine-day tradition starting on December 16. This practice includes pre-dawn services attended by families, many of whom gather after mass to enjoy traditional delicacies like bibingka and puto bumbong.
For many, the blend of spirituality and festivity is central to the holiday experience. “Filipinos want to celebrate everything,” says Michelle Neri, an expatriate who returned to Manila to relish the season’s charm. “We’re just happy people.” As the festivities continue, the warmth and generosity of Filipino culture shine brightly, making Christmas a truly unique experience in the archipelago.
