I have spent so many Christmases alone in the cold wintery north, wishing that I could spend the holidays with my family at home instead. Last year Christmas was a relaxing affair since we dodged the gift-giving responsibilities and headed for Puerto Galera.
This year, the holiday season was so hectic that I wished at a certain point that I was back in Norway celebrating Christmas alone! But of course that was just a slip. Christmas is a warm and chaotic affair here in the Philippines, but I get to spend it with my family, and that is all that matters.
Whilst Christmas in Norway is a very private occassion, here in the Philippines it is a very communal experience. Instead of being isolated at home with one's families eating pork ribs or cured lamb and opening presents, in the Philippines everyone seems to be out on the streets, attending the midnight mass and visiting friends and relatives. It's hard to feel alone when there are thousands of people walking about and spreading good cheer!
So amidst the hustle and bustle of Holy Rosary Cathedral I went out to take a few snapshots of the people attending midnight mass. The cathedral was packed with people dressed in their Sunday best. It is hot and humid but everyone had smiles on their faces. Christmas really is a magical occassion.
And it's hard not to smile with the thought of what will greet you when you go back home: plates of Chinese Ham and Edam Cheese, bowls of hot Kare-kare (oxtail stew), and other culinary delights served only on special days like Christmas and birthdays. Puto Bumbong (pictured) is a typical Filippino rice cake made with purple glutinous rice. The batter is placed on bamboo tubes and steamed in an upright position. This type of rice cake can almost only be bought in December, as the main ingredient can only be harvested during the later part of the year.
The days preceding Christmas have been very hectic so I am thankful that I found time to walk the streets of my hometown and take some pictures. I know this post is a day late, but nonetheless I want to wish all of you a very merry Christmas! I still have a couple of news I am going to write about in the coming days, so stay tuned!
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