This custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture and is a symbol of sharing. The Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo originated in the early days of Spanish rule as a practical compromise for farmers who started their day before sunrise to avoid the heat in the fields. Quite often, an aguinaldo or gift of money is given to the children by godparents. It’s a time for families to reunite, give thanks and blessings and enjoy special family dishes. The Noche Buena is a feast enjoyed after the Midnight Mass. Traditionally, the faithful go to church at four o’clock in the morning and later have breakfast together. The masses are part of a cherished religious tradition called Simbang Gabi or “Night Worship”.
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Filipinos begin a novena, a series of nine masses, in mid-December. We have the largest number of Catholic churches in Asia to attend to the faithful. Our country has the largest Catholic population in Asia from over 400 years as a Spanish colony and is marked by legends, customs, symbols, merry-making and of course, food. Well, we did some interior shots and decided we had to come back to Manila after the Christmas season – which we did the following February.īut, back to the Holiday season in the Philippines… As they say online, OMG ! There was no way I could present this in the documentary. When we got there, I was surprised – no, astounded – that the buildings and campus where all decorated merrily with Christmas decorations ! I was so involved in production that I had completely forgotten that Christmas had already started. It is a rather somber film because of its subject nature. We had obtained the proper authorization and had to reserve certain times to film as classes were still continuing.
It was crucial to give the viewers an idea of the large campus site and the interior classrooms where about 4000 Allied families where kept during the Japanese occupation. When we arrived in Manila in mid-November and I was anxious to see UST and start filming. Many of the street names were changed, quite a few landmarks and buildings were replaced, and…the traffic had increased to a frustrating level but that Christmas spirit was still there – intact and inviting as ever. After being gone for 42 years, I returned home to Manila in 2004 with my wife, Michelle, to film scenes for our documentary, “Victims of Circumstance” that dealt with the Japanese internment camp at the University of Santo Tomas. It was a huge change of life for me after all, born and living in Manila in my formative years.
The photo below is from my American School yearbook showing our Christmas Formal 1961.Īfter graduating from the American School in 1962, my mother and I went to live permanently in Seattle with my new stepdad, Vern. Everyone is in a good mood and share a sense of optimism in which Filipinos abound.
It’s a season chockfull of department store displays, holiday carols on the radio, special masses, decorations galore, many parties, glad tidings and cheer all around. Courtesy of Lito Ligon – photo taken at his mother’s home in Ermita in the Fifties.įilipinos love Christmas and are known for celebrating the world’s longest Christmas season which usually starts in September and ends on January 6th (Three Kings Day).
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