by Lynn Basan
Pasko Na!
In a few days Christmas will be celebrated throughout the world. But what makes the Filipino Christmas different?
Filipinos love Christmas. Christmas carols start airing as early as September! And yet officially it begins only 9 days before Christmas day itself. 16 Dec marks the first day of Simbang Gabi. Simbang Gabi, also known as Misa de Gallo (or, literally, Rooster’s Mass), is a well-entrenched Filipino tradition of early morning novenas (9 consecutive masses) leading to Christmas day. This tradition is practiced by the Filipino Christian community, regardless of denomination.
The joy of community is strengthened after each service, especially in the UMC as members will share breakfast in church before heading off to work (or dinner, for evening services). Fortified with fresh coffee or hot chocolate and the meal of choice for the day, the church family is able to spend more time with each other, bonding over food and laughter.
But this is not the only way Filipinos honour the season. There is also the tradition of caritas, or sharing one’s blessings with others. Different UMC offices and agencies (Asuncion Perez Memorial Centre Inc, Board of Women’s Work, Diakonia, et al) come together to bring happiness to streetchildren. A local church celebrates their anniversary, spreading their joy to members who cannot physically be present. Or a concert that lives up to Methodist musical tradition. And Filipinos away from home coming together and spending Christmas as one family.
Catch the Philippine spirit of Christmas on Pinoy Metodista TV (http://umcphilippines.org/pinoymetodista-tv/), as we stream different celebrations live from various United Methodist communities.
18 Dec 2009
Pag-Aruga: Caring for Streetchildren
UMC Agencies and Offices
UMC HQ, Manila, Philippines
10.00 AM (GMT +8)
20 Dec 2009
Church Anniversary
Pila UMC
Laguna, Philippines
9.00 AM (GMT +8)
21 Dec 2009
Simbang Gabi (carols old & new)
Central UMC
Manila, Philippines
7.00 PM (GMT +8)
22 Dec 2009
Simbang Gabi (traditional)
Good Samaritan UMC
Quezon City, Philippines
6.00 PM (GMT +8)
23 Dec 2009
Simbang Gabi (contemporary)
Pacita UMC
Laguna, Philippines
8.00 PM (GMT +8)
24 Dec 2009
Cantata
Kamuning UMC
Quezon City, Philippines
7.00 PM (GMT +8)
25 Dec 2009
Christmas Day Service
Filipino Community
Singapore
10.30 AM (GMT +8)
