Nochebuena in the Philippines - Traditions, Practices, and Celebrations

Nochebuena is a holiday celebrated in the Philippines on December 24, the night before Christmas Day. It is a significant occasion for Filipinos, who consider it one of the most important events of the year. 

The term Nochebuena is derived from the Spanish word for "good night" and is a testament to the country's colonial past. Today, it has evolved into a unique Filipino holiday, marked by various traditions, practices, and celebrations.

History and Origin of Nochebuena

The history of Nochebuena in the Philippines can be traced back to the Spanish colonization period, which lasted from the 16th to the 19th century. The Spanish colonizers brought with them their religious and cultural practices, including the celebration of Christmas. 

They introduced the concept of Nochebuena, which is the night before Christmas, as a time for families to come together and share a special meal.

Over time, Filipinos embraced Nochebuena as their own, incorporating their own unique traditions and practices. Today, Nochebuena is a popular holiday in the Philippines, marked by various customs that reflect the country's rich history and culture.

Traditional Filipino Nochebuena Practices 

Food: Nochebuena is a time for feasting, and Filipinos prepare a wide array of dishes to share with their loved ones. 

Here are some of the most common Nochebuena dishes in the Philippines:

1. Lechon 

Roasted whole pig is a staple of Filipino celebrations, and Nochebuena is no exception. The pig is stuffed with various herbs and spices, then roasted on an open spit until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

2. Ham 

Ham is another popular Nochebuena dish in the Philippines. It is typically glazed with a sweet sauce and served with pineapple slices.

3. Bibingka 

Bibingka is a traditional Filipino cake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs. It is usually cooked in a clay pot lined with banana leaves and topped with salted duck eggs, cheese, and butter.

4. Puto Bumbong 

Puto Bumbong is a steamed rice cake made from purple glutinous rice. It is usually served with grated coconut and brown sugar.

5. Fruit Salad 

Fruit salad is a common dessert served during Nochebuena. It is made with a variety of fruits, condensed milk, and cream.

Decorations: Filipinos love to decorate their homes for Nochebuena. 

Here are some of the most popular Christmas decorations used in the Philippines:

1. Parol 

A parol is a star-shaped lantern made from bamboo sticks and colored paper or plastic. It is traditionally hung outside homes and represents the Star of Bethlehem.

2. Belen 

A Belen is a tableau depicting the Nativity scene. It usually includes figurines of the Holy Family, the Three Wise Men, and other characters.

3. Christmas Tree 

The Christmas tree is a ubiquitous symbol of the holiday season in the Philippines. Filipinos decorate their trees with lights, ornaments, and tinsel.

Activities: Nochebuena is a time for families to come together and celebrate. 

Here are some of the most common activities Filipinos do during Nochebuena:

1. Simbang Gabi 

Simbang Gabi is a series of nine early morning masses held from December 16 to 24. It is a traditional Filipino Catholic observance that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

2. Gift-giving 

Filipinos love to exchange gifts during Nochebuena. It is a way to show appreciation and love for family and friends. Children often receive gifts from their godparents or ninongs and ninangs.

3. Karaoke 

Singing karaoke is a popular activity in the Philippines, and Nochebuena is no exception. Filipinos love to sing Christmas songs and other popular tunes during the holiday season.

Nochebuena in Modern Times

Nochebuena has evolved over time, adapting to modern times and changing social norms. 

Here are some of the ways Nochebuena has changed in the Philippines:

1. Technology and Social Media 

With the advent of technology and social media, Filipinos now have more ways to connect with family and friends during Nochebuena. Video calls, online messaging, and social media platforms have made it easier for Filipinos who live abroad or far from their loved ones to stay connected during the holiday season.

2. Modern Nochebuena Dishes 

While traditional Nochebuena dishes are still popular, Filipinos have also incorporated modern dishes into their celebrations. For example, sushi, pizza, and pasta are now common Nochebuena dishes in some households.

3. Changing Traditions 

With the changing times, some Nochebuena traditions have also evolved. For example, some families no longer attend Simbang Gabi masses or exchange gifts. Instead, they focus on spending quality time together and enjoying good food and company.

Conclusion

Nochebuena is a significant holiday in the Philippines, marked by various traditions, practices, and celebrations.

It is a time for families to come together, share a special meal, and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. While the holiday has evolved over time, it remains an important part of Filipino culture and identity.

Day of Valor – Araw Ng Kagitingan

“Araw Ng Kagitingan” is also referred as “Bataan Day or Bataan and Corregidor Day”. The English term for this Philippine holiday is called, “Day of Valor”.

This holiday is actually a historical event for commemorating all of the fallen Filipino and Allied Forces back in the previous World War II. The exact day is marked on the 9th of April. Although, political leaders can move the event in advance or delay it. This is to give way to a more important affair that may fall on the same exact date.

So how is Araw Ng Kagitingan celebrated in the Philippines?

Just like most regular holidays in the Philippines, the Day of Valor is considered as a “non-working holiday”.

Before the date of celebration arrives, organizers will have to plan ahead because many of the busy streets will be closed down. They will eventually be re-routed because of the “street parade” that will be held.

Despite the declaration of this event as a non-working holiday, not all establishment will close down. Business establishments particularly the malls and other leisure sectors will remain open to serve their services.

Of course, it won’t be a fun vacation of they are closed. Since this is a National Philippine holiday, family actually take advantage of it to spend time being together by going on leisure places to enjoy themselves.

How Filipinos Celebrate the Araw ng Kagitingan?

As I already mentioned above, there will be some small parades by the World War II veterans on different parts or regions around the Philippines. And since there is no work for almost everyone, people get to enjoy their vacation either at the comfort of their own home or visiting places where they can relax.

But, what is really the most important part of the event is when the current President of the Philippines will deliver his or her speech at the “Mount Samat Shrine”. This is a province of Bataan.

The President’s speech is to commemorate all military forces the Filipino people including their allied companions, particularly the American troops. The speech is to remind everyone all about the sacrifices and heroism that they gave to attain freedom for their next generation to come.

It’s indeed a huge thanks to them, without them putting their lives on the line, Philippines may be different from what it is now today. Thus, All Filipinos should never forget what they had done for their people and country.

Reason Why Valor Day Needs to Be Celebrated

World War II in the Philippines were between the Filipino and American Soldiers against the Japanese Imperial Army (JIA) who invaded the country.

On the dawn of April 9, 1942, the JIA won the battle where the leading Military Officer “Major General Edward P. King” of the United States Army was forced to surrender all forces under his command. According to the historical record, there were more than 76,000 soldiers which include those that were seriously injured.

It has been estimated that there were 67,000 Filipinos who had the highest number and then followed by the Americans with a number of 11,796. There were also Filipino-Chinese with the least number of 1000 soldiers.

All these soldiers became prisoners of the WW2 by the JIA and they got severely punished. They were forced to march a distance of 140 Kilometers which started from “Bataan Death March” to “Camp O’Donnell” in Capas, Tarlac.

Many of the prisoners would had survived if they were not harshly treated by the JIA. They were actually not given water to drink as they march under the extreme heat of the sun. This resulted to thousands of the prisoners who died due to dehydration.

Those that were already injured where they had untreated wounds mostly died along the way because they couldn’t carry themselves up. The JIA even committed “wanton execution” especially to those who can’t keep up with the group or had attempted to escape.

Survivors of this Bataan Death March claimed that the sides of the roads were littered with so many dead bodies. Some of them were still alive moaning for help but still, they were destined to die.

There were only few lucky prisoners who took a ride on a truck but until San Fernando, Pampanga where they were forced to drop and join the rest. Thus, they had marched 40 Kilometers to their final destination.

When everyone managed to reach Camp O’Donnell, an estimated number of 54,000 prisoners made it out from 76,000. This means that there were about 22,000 who died and got their remains tossed on the side of the road.

Despite the defeat and captured soldiers in Bataan, all their efforts didn’t actually went to waste. Their stand against the JIA did play an important strategic plan that lead to the defeat of the JIA.

Without them who put a lot of pressure against the JIA, all of the US bases situated in the Pacific would had been seized by the Japanese army as well. But they didn’t, because the battle that took place in Bataan was fought so hard between the two sides. This allowed the Allies to buy more time and prepared their engagement towards the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway.

On February 8, 1945, the combined forces of the Filipino Liberation Army and Allied Forces finally reclaimed the Bataan Peninsula.

Conclusion

Now that you know the historic event behind the Araw Ng Kagitingan, each time that this day come once in a year, you may want to think about those heroes who gave their lives. Just give a short silent moment of your time and pray for them.

Thus, this isn’t just an event where you enjoy and have some fun. It is a special day to remember the heroism and valiant men who fought for the independence of your own country.

You may also want to share to everyone whom you know what exactly the Day of Valor is. Share it especially to the younger generation since most of them are not really aware about what’s behind this Philippine holiday event.

January 30, 2015 is a National Day of Mourning

Every Filipinos are aware about the "Mamasapano Encounter" the occurred in Mindanao. This was the bloody encounter of a group of policemen where according to the news reports, a total of 49 of these cops were killed. So to honor their deaths, President Benigno Aquino III had officially declared on Wednesday that the 30th of January (Friday) is a "National Day of Mourning".

The declaration of PNoy's special national day can be confirmed at the "Proclamation No. 954 s. 2015". Take note, there is no announcement of work or class suspension. Thus, it means that regular workers resumes on their work and students have classes.

According to the President, he was greatly saddened from the deaths of the policemen who had to sacrifice their lives to accomplish their mission. So without a doubt, they are true heroes. Thus, he declared the National Day of Mourning which symbolizes the sorrow and empathy of our nation.

On January 30, 2015, all public and military institution were instructed to lower the Philippine flag to "half-mast". This is to honor the death of the PNP-SAF (Philippine National Police Special Action Force) that fell during their encounter in Maguindanao.

Aquino's Statement about Marwan and Usman

President Benigno Aquino III claimed that Marwan (also known as "Zulkifli bin Hir", the leader of Jemaah Islamiyah) and Usman are not just any common criminals around. They are terrorists with several outstanding warrants for their arrest. There are 8 outstanding warrants against Usman while 2 for Marwan.

The operation to capture Marwan, Usman and other terrorists had actually started long ago. In fact, the AFP, PNP and NBI has already undertaken multiple operations in searching for those terrorists until the PNP-SAF made a surprising discovery.

What really bothers most political leaders and the military is that, why did the policemen didn't informed them about their drastic action?

PNoy explained that they were aware about their responsibilities. They don't need any necessary approval from him just to commence on their operations. These group of brave policemen immediately took action to take down those terrorists. That's what they called, "Initiative".

The President also emphasized the statement found in Article II, Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution which says, "The primary duty of government is to serve and protect the people". It was due to this reason why the police forces took immediate action when they discovered the precise location of Marwan and Usman.

PNP-SAF Encounter with Marwan and Usman

In the 25th of January (Sunday), the PNP-SAF went out for a mission in the early morning which was around 4:00 AM. According to some sources, they got an intelligence report about the exact whereabouts of Marwan and Usman. They were actually terrorists included in the top most wanted lists of criminals world-wide.

The unsuspecting terrorists were surprised by the police forces when they noticed them approaching their hide-outs. Thus, gun-shots took place between the two sides. The PNP-SAF consisting of 50 men first attacked Marwan's house and was allegedly killed. However, Usman was able to escape and organized his troops for a counter-attack.

Since Usman was nowhere to be found, the PNP-SAF decided to withdraw and rendezvous with their companions who were securing their exit route from the area. Unfortunately, the bloody encounter occurred when the police forces were about to leave the site.

Necrological Service

The Necrological Service was held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig (10:00 AM) which was led by President Benigno S. Aquino III. And in honor for their bravery, he awarded them the "Medalya ng Katapangan" or "PNP Medal of Bravery" by placing it on top of their coffins.

After the President's "Eulogy", he spent more than 12 hours along with the families of the fallen heroes before leaving the venue past midnight.

Moreover, PNoy has called the attention of all Filipinos not to result into some drastic measures which may cause and stir more conflicts in the country. Instead, he urged everyone to aim for "Peace" which ensures the ultimate sacrifice of the fallen PNP-SAF members that it will not go to waste. In short, those policemen fought and died in order to restore or maintain peace in our country.

January 2, 2015 is a Philippine Special Non-Working Holiday

This year of 2015 is the final year or last term of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. If he runs on this next 2016 presidential election, will you vote for him? Anyway, the president has declared that January 2, 2015 (Friday) is now officially a "Special Non-Working Holiday". It is an additional special non-working day which means that all government offices will be closed.

Why and what exactly is the reason for making the 2nd of January 2015 a special non-working holiday for everyone?

Based from the news and other sources on my search, special non-working holiday started on December 30, 2014 to January 1, 2015. These two day holidays is for the celebration of the New Year. Since Filipinos tends to enjoy holiday vacations, the Malacanang Palace has decided to extend the holiday giving another extra day which is the 2nd of January.

How Filipinos Celebrates their Longest Weekend Vacation?

Due to the president's declaration of January 2, 2015 as a non-working holiday, he just gave every Filipinos their longest weekend (December 30 to January 2) for this year of 2015.

Filipinos do have a lot of choices on how they can enjoy their holidays in the Philippines. Here are some of my suggestions:

1. Mountaineering

Mountaineering an enjoyable outdoor activity which involves real physical challenge. The challenge is to climb your way to top of the mountain and witness the wonderful view of nature's landscape. You also get to breath fresh and relaxing air.

2. Spelunking

Spelunking is also another enjoyable outdoor activity that involves exploration of caves. In the Philippines, there are plenty of places with beautiful caves to visit that has been attracting a lot of tourists including foreigners. One of the most popular cave being visited by tourists is the "Callao Cave" which is currently the largest cave systems in the Philippines located at the Cagayan region.

3. Lagoon Exploration

There are plenty of lagoon or lake found in the Philippines that possess natural beauty such as beautiful granite islet or hills. If you love nature then exploring lakes or lagoons will be a good choice for you. Some of my suggestions are the "Kayangan Lake", "Caliraya Lake" and "Coron Island".

4. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a swimming activity underwater while equipped with a diving mask, snorkel and fins. You actually get to dive under the water and get a close view of the fishes and other wonderful sceneries around. Some good places for snorkeling are at the "Lusong Island" (Northern tip of Palawan), "Balintang Channel" (Calayan Group of Island) and "Donsol" (Sorsogon).

5. Hiking

Hiking also involves a lot of fun and physical challenges. You will actually be traveling on foot around the mountains or at the countryside. Some good places to hike that I strongly recommend are at the "Kiltepan Peak" of Sagada and "Banaue" Rice Terraces.

6. Heritage

If you have great love about the Philippine history, you may want to consider paying a visit to some of the well preserve heritage sites of the country. Some of them that are worth checking are the "Sariaya and Tayabas" in the province of Quezon, "Baclayon Church" of Bohol and "Calle Crisologo" of Ilocos Sur.

7. Waterfalls

You may be planning for a family picnic. To tell you, it's actually best to have a picnic near a waterfall. Philippines has a lot of beautiful natural waterfalls that are worth visiting. Some of my recommendations are the "Ditumabo Falls" at the Aurora Province, "Balite Falls" and "Malibiclibic Falls" in Cavite.

8. Beach

The most preferred activity by most Filipinos to spend their vacation is to swim on the beach. To name a few beaches here in the Philippines we have the "Bolinao" at the tip of the province of Pangasinan, "Burot Beach" of Batangas and "Calaguas Island" of Camarines Norte.

9. Food Tripping

Food tripping is a type of activity where you go around various places and have a taste on different type of foods. You just have to make sure that you do have enough money to pay for your meals.

So what's your plan of spending your first non-working holidays on this year of 2015?