Christmas Season in the Philippines is not the one to miss. It is by far the most celebrated of all festivities in the country. As early as the BER months of September, October and November, Christmas music can be heard sporadically played in every busy streets of Metro Manila especially in the malls, department stores, radio stations or any business establishment. But one of the signs that Christmas is around the corner is the Parol or Christmas Lanterns. As early as December 1, people hang their lanterns already, but traditionally it starts at December 16 during which starts also the Misa de Gallos and the street caroling by groups or individual people of all ages, hopping from one house to another.

-History-

During the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger, there was a shining star that shined so bright and was followed by the shepherds and 3 Kings. The parol now symbolizes that bright star in houses. The word parol came from the Spanish word lantern and according to history archives in the Philippines, the parol was first introduced by the Spanish from the traditional Mexican Pinata (traditionally from Italy to Spain went to Mexico and brought by the Spaniards who spread Christianity in the Philippines). According also from the archives, the parol was used to light the way to churches for the Misas de Aguinaldo. The early church also played a big part in the encouragement of parol making in the Philippines. The Spanish priests encouraged the locals to display these lanterns hanging on their window houses with incentives.

Theres no greater symbol, mascot or whatever one might call it but it really does symbolizes the true spirit of the Filipinos who celebrate the Christmas season. A star shaped ornament made out of bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, crepe paper and a candle or coconut oil for illumination (traditional style). The present day parols are made out of glorious lighting with a more sophisticated and modern materials. All over the country and especially in the cities such as Metro Manila, spectacular lightings can be found in houses with parols as the main symbol. Some has as big as a 20 foot tall ornament with beautiful illuminated lights or some has even has kaleidescope of neon lights wrap around it. To view the peak of its beauty with glorious and modern craftsmanship, one has to travel around Metro Manila at night.

I don’t really know what kind of magic the Christmas Season brings into our lives but what I do know that it changes a lot with its time of sharing, a time of happiness for the children and old alike, a time of no fighting, a time of giving and almost everything good that comes from our hearts.

Article Contributed by Michelle Cortez-Carvalho of Etc-Atbp

In commemoration of the Holy Week in the Philippines we would like to share to our viewers some information about the Holy Week “Mahal na Araw” and the popular Senakulo “Cenacle” the traditional play of Jesus Christ’s passion and death. In the Philippines, it is the time of the year when Christians celebrate the Holy Week with friends and families while on fasting. (Not eating meat.) The Senakulo is a very popular view among locals especially tourist visitors as it depicts the passion and death of Christ in the streets. Some Senakulo even goes to an extent that the character of Christ played by local Filipinos, is nailed on the cross literally and live. These are even shown on live television documentaries and news channels worldwide. Devotion to this week long commemoration has also having some devotees whipping themselves while walking in the streets. It is a repentance for the sins committed and a devotion/promise to God and called in local language called as “Penitensya“.

These are some of the photos of the popular Senakulo in th Philippines during the Holy Week or Lenten Season.

Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan is a popular yearly festival in the Philippines. Traditional and widely known, it is considered as the grandest of all festivities in the Philippines. It is a very colorful popular summer festival similar to that of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and with a rhythm of monotonous drum beatings and rhythmic tinkling of metals. Participants wear brandish, colorful costumes and paint their faces with soot and the festivity continues for up to 3 weeks of dancing, procession and parades.

History:
In the 13th century, A group of Malay Datus who fled Borneo and landed in Panay Islands bought lands from its original dwellers, The Ati. To celebrate of the new pact and land ownership both the Malay Datus and the Atis held a celebration to commemorate the new pact. In order to show gratitude to the original dwellers, the Malay Datus painted their faces and bodies to look like the Atis.

Origin: Kalibo, Aklan

Festival Date: Event is usually held in January and lasts until the third Sunday.

Accommodations are abundant in Aklan and is close by to Boracay. We advise to book your reservations before the festivity and check local travel agents for travel plans and accommodation availability. This an exciting and wonderful experience of a historical Fiesta.