All these little celebrations and traditions are unique displays of the Filipino’s inherent love for fun and festivity. Get on the Christmas bandwagon as the –ber months begin and embrace the sprit of holiday excitement.
Bazaar season. Start drawing up your shopping lists because September marks the official start of this modern tradition. Everyone from your parish church to the women’s foundation housed in your community hall to your kid’s high school to your favorite mall will have some version of a Christmas bazaar. Peddling artisanal treats, small enterprises, and homemade goodies, you’ll be able to find something for everyone (and chances are, you’ll be receiving some gifts from the same shops too!).
Parols and lanterns everywhere. The popular shops along Gilmore Street in Quezon City begin to light up as soon as September rolls in—these accessible, sidewalk stalls are known for selling traditional lanterns of all shapes and sizes. From the old school paper lanterns that we link to our childhood to LED-lit stars that flash on and off repeatedly, everything from Pinoy households to shopping malls to schools become decked in the holiday spirit as soon as the –ber months roll in. Christmas lights have also been a big attraction over the last few decades, with houses and entire streets being known to be covered foundation to roof in bright sparklers.
Piped-in Christmas music. You’ll know that the early signs of Christmas are here once the radio stations roll in the holiday-themed ads and the annual lineup of Christmas-themed songs. Whether you’re on hold while making a call to tech support, pausing at the elevator in the mall, or riding a jeep on the way to work, you’re sure to catch a jingle or two as early as September. It’s a local tradition that’s embraced the classic songs as well as more recent OPM hits.
Party prep. Pinoys are world-famous for their love of a good party. September marks the preparation each family dives into as they begin to rearrange their schedules for balikbayans coming in, for the unstoppable lineup of weddings and parties that are always paired with the holiday season, and for the traditional Noche Buena and Media Noche that are held each year. Local parishes begin to make plans for the Simbang Gabi and outreach activities that take place during Christmas as well. The fiesta spirit doesn’t just include the feasts with family after all, it also involves the solemn (albeit, still fun!) celebrations that involve the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Blue Leaf Filipinas offers guests a new venue to host parties, corporate events and intimate get-togethers for friends and family. With our modern take on classic Filipino traditions, we can help you forge new bonds and create new memories, no matter what the occasion. For inquiries, call The Blue Leaf Filipinas at 632-9188 or visit
filipinas.theblueleaf.com.ph for more information