Christmas and New Year in the Philippines

This is just a quick greeting to everyone. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I just came back from the Philippines last January 4 and spent my Christmas and New Year with my family. FINALLY!!!! 

I've been working in Bangkok since 2013 and I always have a chance to visit home BUT since I work in a hotel, I can only take vacation on selected months. First was April, second was October and this time, DECEMBER!!!

A lot of OFWs or just people who are away from their family in the Philippines would agree with me that CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ARE DIFFERENT IN THE PHILIPPINES. Maybe because yah your family is with you but I'm not referring to that aspect. Yuletide season in the Philippines can be felt wherever you go. Malls, restaurants, every public place, and even the nearest tindahan in your neighborhood. The people are happy or should I say in panic from buying all sorts of stuffs they needed to celebrate the season. Of course, grocery stores, malls and restaurants are all jam-packed. I once told my mom that All Filipinos are rich during Christmas season. It is heartwarming to see everyone having that "this is the season of giving" smiles on their faces while completing their to buy lists. 

What more to say? I don't think I can ever elaborate the joy of celebrating unless you experience it yourself. There was never a dull day. 

Never forget, the real reason of behind the celebration of Christmas. It may be part of our culture, but it is His birth that we are rejoicing. 

I'll get into details with the stuffs I did during my vacation. HOLD ON!!