Christmas in the Philippines is more than a holiday; it is a season that stretches across nearly a third of the year. Known as the longest Christmas celebration in the world, it begins as early as September with the arrival of the “ber months.” Families prepare for Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas, while communities fill with music, lanterns, and fiestas that create an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

At the heart of this season is the greeting Maligayang Pasko, which means “Merry Christmas” in Tagalog. The phrase carries both Spanish and Filipino roots: maligayang means “happy,” while Pasko comes from the Spanish word Pascua, meaning Easter. This blending of cultures and languages mirrors the Philippines itself, where faith and festivity are inseparable.

Food, too, plays a central role in the celebration. Growing up in the Philippines, one quickly learns that no gathering is complete without a shared meal. Everyday favorites like halo-halo to cool hot afternoons, buto ng pakwan (watermelon seeds) for snacking, and rich tsokolate eh for indulgence all find their place in Filipino life. By Christmas, these traditions culminate in lavish feasts where the dining table becomes the true centerpiece of celebration, uniting families through flavors passed down across generations.

Sharing these traditions in a personal way, Jose “Joey” Hortsman Omila, one of founders and the former of Director of Culture Affairs of the Philippines Cultural Foundation Inc., brings stories of Christmas to life. Through engaging videos, dancing and heartfelt storytelling. He paints a vivid picture of how greetings, food, and parols create not just rituals, but memories. His presentation weaves history with lived experience, showing how culture and joy continue to define the Filipino spirit.

Let’s create a festive Filipino Christmas celebration in OTOW ! On Saturday, December 6 at 3pm at Studio 1 & 2 (Arbor Conference Center). Please bring your favorite dishes to share and wear your favorite dress or modern Filipino-inspired attire. Let’s make it a festive event for everyone to enjoy.