Merry BER Months to You!

The Philippines has come to be famous for having the “longest Christmas” in the world. As soon as the “BER” months drop in (September, October, and onwards), the air in the country changes and everyone switches on to Yuletide mode. Filipinos are generally a fun-loving bunch and no other holiday bears witness to this free-spirited happiness than the Christmas season. Excited for festivities and in many respects, looking forward to celebrate the reason for the season, Pinoys escape from the hustle and bustle of the first three quarters of the year and jump into holiday mode once September rolls in.

Christmas Lights
While saving up on electricity should be and is a real concern for most Filipinos, some households are willing to pay an extra buck or two on the monthly bill in orer to put on a good light show for the holidays. Many houses hang twinkle lights, blinking, dancing and colored lights on their gardens and facades to signal the start of the season. Others go all out and bedeck their homes from the foundation up to the tops of the roofs with intricate designs that are definitely attention-grabbing.

Jingles in the Air
One sure sign that the Philippine Christmas season is on are the songs you’ll hear played on the radio, piped in in elevators, or played by a live quartet while you’re strolling through the mall. Aside from your run of the mill holiday songs, every year in the Philippines ushers in a new slew of Christmas tunes—whether reinterpreted classics by local artists or totally new hits just waiting to be played over the next four months (and even well into the New Year!).

Special Treats for the Tummy
As if Pinoys need another reason to indulge, Christmas ushers in the season of pure, unadulterated treats. From suckling pig at the company party to boxes of ensaymada handed out as gifts, to traditional ham, queso de bola and pan de sal as snacks to greet December 25th. While pre-Christmas BER months are a long way ‘til the 25th, you will see grocery stores, home bakers, and specialty delis beginning to stock up on the familiar dishes and snacks that Filipinos keep coming back to at this time of the year.

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