What Do I Have Under My Christmas Tree?

It is always not a zero for me with gifts during Christmas. There are always presents under my tree. From a friend, a family, a boss or special someone and from me. 

So far, it was Miss Lhen Quizon, one of our bosses in the office, who gave me the first present for Christmas. It was wrapped in a recycled paper themed brown bag and that was a Body Shop Product. I liked it.

The second present was also a birthday present from Rizalyn Roca, one colleague from Bacolod, who sent a Calea, Blueberry Cheesecake. It was one of the best flavor I've tasted and I liked how it was layered. On top were the blueberry with some frosting in the sides. The second layered was the cheese flavored thing and the third layer was some nut. I don't know what type of nut was it but I am so sure that was one of the best cake I tasted. No wonder Riza sent one to me co'z she knows I would love it.

Hmmm.. Wonder what did i get for myself? A whole body massage at my favorite spa, Big Apple. Nothing beats a relaxed body after tremendous workloads and stress. I can still feel those special touch that turned my aching veins to being smooth and free. I have always wanted to get a whole body massage once a month just to sooth those crooked artillery inside my body.

That's as far that I can remember for now. I might need to watch out for New Year and see if people will remember an special occasion. LOL.

Simbang Gabi (Mass at Dawn)

SIMBANG GABI

courtesy of http://www.rcam.org/library/SIMBANG_GABI.htm

SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass.

Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In some churches, the panuluyan is reenacted showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace.

ORIGIN

Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas mass outdoors because the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the evening mass.

During the old times, the pre-dawn mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi, a brass band plays Christmas music all over the town. It is also believed that parish priests would go far knocking on doors to wake and gather the faithful to attend the misa de gallo. Farmers as well as fishermen wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest.

SIMBANG GABI NOW AND THEN

The changing of times does not break the preservation of celebrating Simbang Gabi although it is celebrated in new ways. Still, the tradition of Simbang Gabi continues. Part of it are the colorful lights and lanterns that fill every streets. Beautiful parols are hung in every window. Songs of the season are played everywhere to warm the hearts. Families, friends and even individuals find its way going to the nearest church to attend the nine-day novena. Shortly after the misa de gallo, families gather in their homes to celebrate Noche Buena and feasted on various delicacies like queso de bola, bibingka, puto bungbong, or a drink of salabat or hot chocolate.

SIGNIFICANCE

Simbang Gabi has become one of the most popular traditions in the country. But it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

(This has been taken from http://www.rcam.org/library/SIMBANG_GABI.htm)

Christmas Arts; A Morning to Star with Colors

Because I was so tired yesterday after rearranging things inside the house, my body asked for more time to sleep. I did slept more than 8 hours and woke up early in the morning. With nothing to do, I turned on the computer and tried to browse for something that I ca start my day with. I came to a page http://www.apples4theteachers.com when I tried to surf for some Christmas symbols that we have lived with but was routed to page of cut pictures and actually personalizing them with your chosen colors. Whew! The child in me was back. Well, I guess i just want to share how i did with the pictures or did i put some justice on what i have perceived in the page.

I found it stress relieving. Seeing your own portrayal of what the picture should be is satisfying. My morning is now okay. 

Merry Christmas.

The Filipino's Christmas... part 1

December 1. 

The humid air is starting to fill the early morning temperature giving me some chills while I am watching a show on TV with windows and doors opened in the wee hours of the morning. I am nocturnal thus these things are pretty normal to me. Despite of the coldness of the wind that passes through the windows and doors, I am laying down on the floor with my head on the pillow wearing only shorts. At least thats how i define comfy when I am at home. 

One thing for sure, when this feel of cold air wraps my body, one season is coming knocking at my door, Christmas. 

This is the first day of the month where everybody is excited and rushing for things before the day comes. Christmas list are prepared and double-checked. For some others, they are starting to hang those blinking christmas lights and put on some spirit of Christmas in their homes. People are preparing for vaction leaves as well for the big day to be with their family. On this day starts the count down for one Christian holiday celebrated once a year, the Christmas Day.

"Oh come all Ye faithful. Joyful and triumphant..(and the songs goes)"

This day might commence as well for some children to knock on your door singing those traditional Christmas songs and in exchange, the family who were presented with the song should give in some sort of prize and for some others, as we call here in the Philippines, would say "Patawad" and then goes the children mumbling those words "kuripot". Thats one tradition we as Filipinos are fond of, singing christmas carol in every houses every night to ask for some christmas presents in a form of monetary unit. Well, its still one great tradition though. 

 Fifteen (15) days from now, one Filipino tradition will commence as well. This has been one Filipino tradition before Christmas day comes. We call it "Simbang Gabi" (Mass at Dawn) where every Filipino wake up early in the morning or before the rooster turn on some "cuck-a-doodle-doo's" to go to church, attend the mass and pray. This mass culminates on the dawn of the 25th of December after 9 mornings of attending this mass. Belief says that if you completed the 9 mornings of attending the "Simbang Gabi", it comes out with a wish and that wish will be granted. 

Whats exciting as well on this tradition is the after mass activities for friends and families. I am not talking though about activities that will be sweat-sprouting but the traditional early morning breakfast of the native delicacies. For us Filipinos, "Simbang Gabi" is always partnered with puto-bumbong, chocolate drink (tsokolate), ginger ale (salabat), bibingka (rice cake) and a lot more of our native delicacies who find its way more tempting during this season. 

mga pagkaing pinoy tuwing pasko

Christmas is one big holiday for every Filipinos. This is the time of the year were family ties plays one great role in celebrating this festive season. It is during this time when one mom separated from her family to work abroad will find time to see them again for a reunion and vacation. For freinds for a get together party. For feuds to be ended with forgiving and forgetting. And, this is the time when everybody is celebrating His birthday. 

To be continued.....

The Christmas Feeling

Christmas is in the air. The cold touch of the wind is the aroma and sign that Christmas is soon to come. As i walked in every corner of the street, each window is showing a sign of this grewat celebration. Those gaily decorated houses, those dressed up Christmas trees and those blinking christmas lights. What a nice thing to see as December is fast approaching. 

It has been 3 years now when we haven't put on some decorations thus this year, we are prepared to celebrate christmas. We have put on some lights outside hanging on the wall, and we dressed up our Christmas tree as seen in the left. 

Whats meaningful about this tree is me and my Bhe put up the decorations together until finishing it with the star on top and the lights. This is our first time to make the Christmas tree and its so memorable co'z it can only happen once in a year. 

As i am watching this Christmas symbol, it came to my realization that it has been years now when i really have got no chance to celebrate it properly due to my work. But it will not happen again this year. Co'z everythings planned and I got to celebrate it with my family. 

For some people, Christmas might not be of that important. It is just a yearly season and needs not to be looked out too. For some others, this time of the year is the best part as possibilities can happen. Family who were away from their own will be seeing each other and celebrating. And, i belong to that population. 

I have been working during the Christmas eve fot the past 3 years. While others are with their family and spending time happily, I am at the office going on with my work. 

It has been sad for the last 3 Christmas. I am not used to just hearing my family's voice over the phone. Its just so pathetic and I am pathetic. 

I will not be bale to feel that way again this Christmas co'z everything is set and everything will go according to my plan and nobody can stop me. 

Looking Forward for a Better Christmas Jingle (Station ID)

 i have grown up now with ABS-CBN and i kind of like everything that they would come up for the station, for the artists and for their shows. Needless to say but they truly reigns the TV station number 1 spot in the whole archipelago (sorry GMA but we need to consider the whole archipelago and not just NCR in which you claim to reign over ABS-CBN). And, we also need to consider the fact that the most worldwide known station is ABS-CBN. You came in late in spreading the GMA to the whole world. You don't need to push on extra efforts to be seen all over the world. They know you too its just that ABS-CBN have already evaded their TVs especially the overseas filipino workers. 

AY!

Well, the reign will start again when the new christmas id jingle will be aired on tv for both GMA and ABS-CBN. YOu can compare last year's jingle and see who's got the best Christmas Jingle.

Who's got the best jingle? Who's got the best beat? Who's got the best message regarding Christmas?

Ofcourse one that has the best stars, the best ideas and the best station. Guess who!

The Christmas Feeling

As i blogged previously, I always consider September 1 as the start of Christmas. Mmmmm... i can now feel the soft breeze of the christmas air.. feel feel feel.. NOw i know this means start to plan for the feast itself. Aside from going home to celebrate Christmas with my family, I need to list down now the names of my "inaanaks". You know these times are always critical coz even though you are too far away from them, they will find time to locate you in their own GPRS (their parents! shoots!)

Think Think think!!

What should i gave for a toddler, a 2 years old, a one year old that should be worthy enough for them to always remember needless of the Christmas time? Uhmmmm.. Lemme think? a pair of shoes? Toys? toddler shirts? Can't seem to figure out what's best to give them as a present coz i haven't seen them for about a year or so.

Christmas rush! Yeah, thats what i always does not want to see so as early as this time, itineraries are set and needs to be worked on before December. Listing the names of your "inaanaks" will always be a good start before planning on what gift to buy. 

Nothing beats and early bird who catches the worms first. So as early as today, try planning for what should be done on the days of December. Here's mine:

Task may vary without prior notice LOL.

First week of December - buy gifts for my "inaanak"

2nd week of December - buy gifts for my family

Dec 13 - my Ate's Birthday 

Dec 14 - 17 - wrapping up those gifts

Dec 18 - flight from Manila to Butuan

            - courtesy call to my father's grave

            - party with my family

            - meet my old school friends

Dec 19 - visit my Aunt's and UNcle's (and cousin's too)

Dec 20 - Preparing for the Erezo Clan Reunion 2010

Dec 21 - EREZO CLAN Reunion

Dec 22 - College classmates get together party

Dec 23 - stay at hom and prepare for the next days feast

Dec 24 - spend Christmas with my family

Dec 25 - take a sleep

Dec 26 - Back to Manila

Dec 27 to 30 - work work work

            - prepare for my Birthday

            - New Year's Eve

So many things to do but atleast this framework would help you maximize your task during the holidays. 

Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Years. 

(First for the CHRISTMAS BLOGS)

An Early Christmas Run-Down

As a Filipino, i always have my own belief about Christmas. Everyday is Christmas and should be felt by everyone. Christmas is about love and sharing, forgiving and forgetting as they say. Yes! I agree with this generic meaning of Christmas. 

I'm most happy if i can celebrate or have seen Christmas once a year co'z it means I have been blessed. My life was blessed my God and he is giving me another year to spend my life in this world. That's what I always pray on the eve of Christmas. I would always thank Him for giving me another year. 

Well, here in the Philippines I would rather say Christmas is celebrated the whole year round. Houses are still gaily decorated by Christmas lights even on a hot summer night or. Some does still have Christmas trees with those tiny sparkling lights at night reflecting in the shiny-christmas balls hanging by the tree. And that's why i call it Christmas the whole year round. 

As of this writing, there are 119 days left before the 25th of December. One hundred nineteen reasons to why people are starting to save, to think about the big holiday and plan for vacation on Christmas. Well, atleast all people can prepare starting today. 

As the month of September comes. it's customary to some radio stations that they can play Christmas songs. To some department stores, pre-christmas sales are offered. For TV stations, start planning for Christmas themed programs and to the people in the Philippines, some are starting to clean up the entire house, repaint the walls, change the curtains and sofa covers etc etc etc. Here in the Philippines its always early to celebrate Christmas. There is nothing bad about it though. Unless you are dressing up your house with some snow themed decorations. Snow ain't a climate for the Filipinos.

I have always considered Christmas starts here in September and I would like to say i like this idea co'z i am starting to feel the essence of the yuletide season. Reunions, food, parties, gifts. All sinks in whenever September is around (for me). Luckily, i will be able to celebrate it this year with my family after 3 long years of spending it alone. It has been a blue christmas for me. Imagine yourself thinking about your family spending it with laughter and you are working on the eve trying to pacicy screaming customers and irate people. its a pretty tera-jerker scene i know. I haven't cope with it yet that is why I am so happy that for this year i will be able to celebrate it with my Mom and my siblings along with visiting my father on his grave. 

Pretty early to think about christmas. I know that i am to advance but i can't kept the happiness of those days that would come. I am looking forward for December and step to the plane and go home for Christmas.

I already wrote down my Christmas list and prepared some CDs to play during the holiday. 

Ahhhh... whatever comes along the way i am all prepared for Christmas to come. 

I will be posting more about  on my 100 days to Christmas countdown blogs.