PAROL slide

Filipino Christmas celebration is colorful, lively, full of traditions, bright and definitely twinkling.
One of the most iconic symbol of Filipino Christmas spirit, is the Christmas lantern or locally
known as “paról”.
A Parol is an ornamental star shaped lantern traditionally made out of bamboo and paper. It is
hanged outside of houses or along busy streets.
FACTS slide
Parols, derived from the Spanish word ‘farol’ meaning lantern, can be traced back to the
Spanish Era.
For Filipinos, it symbolizes the star that guided the three kings into finding their way to Jesus
Christ.
This has been a tradition for more than 100 years. The Parol uplifts the spirit, instills a sense of
pride and hope. It does not only brighten Filipino Christmas, but also serves as an inspiration for
Filipino ingenuity and creativeness.
DELICACIES slide
If one was to ask the average Filipino on the street what type of food they’d be having during the
Christmas chances are they’ll reply with either (or both) Bibingka and Puto Bumbong.
Both of these delicacies are usually sold by vendors lined up outside churches and shopping
centers, where they are commonly patronized by church-goers and as “pasalubong” by people
on their way home.
FACTS slide
Puto bumbong means steamed glutinous rice cooked in bamboo. The reason for its color is
because purple is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Bibingka, is a result of Chinese Influence. Its name is derived from "BI" which means uncooked
grain.
NB slide
The Noche Buena is the night before Christmas morning, Filipino families usually prepare
traditional foods for this occasion and eats it at midnight.
Extended families usually gather at one house to celebrate
FACTS slide
Noche Buena is Spanish for “Night of goodness”
The Noche Buena actually came into being because the Spanish friars required Filipino
churchgoers to fast until Christmas morning back in the 16th century.
The serving of sticky delicacies during Noche Buena, goes back to pre-colonial times when
ancient Filipinos offer glutinous rice cakes to their gods at the end of the year.
PANUNULUYAN
It is a kind of procession play that depicts the journey and hardships, the pregnant Virgin Mary
and Joseph went through in search of a place to stay in.
FACTS slide
Often the actors wear colorful biblical costumes, or at least Philippine versions of biblical dress.
Mary and Joseph walk the neighborhoods and knock at the doorstep of these homes to beg for
shelter, but each in turn rejects Joseph and Mary, until they find a stable where animals are
being fed and where Mary finally gave birth to “baby Jesus.”
The ritual is completed in reenactments, seasonal hymns, prayers, fellowship and a reflection
on the Christian’s journey towards salvation.