Maligayang Pasko! Perpetuate Our Filipino Christmas Tradition
By Edwin Quinabo
The newly appointed Cardinal Pablo David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), called on priests to make the most of the “Simbang Gabi” (Dawn Masses) to effectively share the Word of God with the faithful. David said, “This is the time when people really listen to the Church. They are captive audiences. They like to hear the Word of God.”
Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo or Misa de Aguinaldo
During the Christmas season Filipinos practice the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo or Misa de Aguinaldo in which adherents to this tradition attend Mass for nine consecutive days starting on Dec. 16 and ends on Christmas Eve. Why nine days? That’s adopted from the Catholic novena – word “novena” means 9 in Latin – that calls for nine days of consecutive prayer with the last day culminating and landing on a significant day from which your prayers are answered. The last day could be the day of a job interview, day of wedding, day of a scheduled surgery, or whatever day of importance.
So Filipino Catholics came up with this same concept of the novena with the last
day ending on the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve. What a deeply devotional concept and ending on a day that Christians believe to be the most cherished among days of the calendar year, the birth of Christ on Earth who came for the salvation of mankind.
The nine-days Masses are considered “Votive Masses.” Fr. Fidel Villaroel, O.P., a former professor at the University of Santo Tomas and a historian, explained “Votive Masses are those that do not correspond with the Office of the day but are said by choice of the celebrant, with special texts for particular intentions.”
This practice dates back to the fourth century when parishioners requested special masses for various intentions. Over time, while some votive masses were eliminated, others, like the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Aguinaldo, remained part of the Roman Missal.
Fr. Villaroel said Rome recognizes them as privileged votive masses, celebrated pro re gravi (for grave or weighty reasons) and with massive attendance by the faithful.
This uniquely Filipino Catholic practice has been accepted and approved by the Catholic Church because of its adherence to Catholic tradition. It’s been done in St. Patrick’s
Cathedral in New York to Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu, and churches across the globe where there is a vibrant Filipino community. For a first time marking a historic milestone, in 2019 Pope Francis celebrated the Simbang Gabi in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. As expected, that special Mass was attended by the diaspora of Filipinos in Rome and neighboring European cities and visitors. Over 150 Filipino priests attended, and the aisles were full of Filipino Catholics perpetuating this sacred tradition of prayer in honor of our Lord’s physical birth.
Parol, Noche Buena, Aguinaldo
Filipino Christmas traditions are first and foremost centered on Jesus’ birth, the Christian faith and spirituality. Another Christmas custom is the making or showcasing of the Parol -- a star-shaped lantern, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. In the old days predating streetlights, the Parol was used as light guiding Filipinos on their way walking
to the local church for the Simbang Gabi. The Simbang Gabi Masses were held early in the morning before the break of dawn – while still dark -- to accommodate farming communities who would attend these Masses before heading out to work in the fields.
The Noche Buena, feast before Christmas Day, is another tradition anchored in religious practice. Families would gather for a festive meal either before or after attending Christmas Eve or midnight Mass. The feast is a celebration for Christ’s birth, again, the main theme of Filipino Christmas traditions.
The Filipino Christmas tradition of Aguinaldo (meaning: Christmas bonus in Spanish) is a Christmas gift, usually money in the form of fresh peso bills in envelopes. Outside of the Philippines, aguinaldo is a general term to mean gifts of any kind exchanged during Christmas. Aguinaldo also is anchored in religious practice after the biblical magi (three magi, three kings, three wisemen) who visited the Christ infant, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh in homage to Jesus.
Perpetuating Filipino Christmas traditions
Modern practices of Filipino Christmas traditions have evolved
slightly and in varying ways depending on where the Filipino diaspora is. For example, while aguinaldo (money gifting in envelopes) is still practiced in the Philippines, Filipinos in the U.S. might find such an exchange as not putting much thought into such a gift. But still, the heart of the tradition remains intact.
Another variation for Filipino communities in the West where the Simbang Gabi might not be offered or it would be too early and close in time for one’s work schedule to attend Mass, some Filipinos observe the nine-days of Mass with nine-days of prayer at home like a traditional novena. In this way, again, the heart of the tradition remains intact.
There are ways that Filipino families can practice these old, some very sacred, traditions in the modern era. Perpetuating these customs is carrying on parts of our Filipino-ness and identity, as well as what we place high in value. Clearly, centering God in our daily lives is one among them, the reason for the season.
We hope parents will teach their children to carry on these traditions. May your Christmas be filled with fond memories. Have a Merry Christmas! Maligayang Pasko!
The Most Giving Time of the Year
By Renelaine Bontol-Pfister
Vital Health Ring
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
It’s also the most giving time of the year.
Here I’ve collected some items to help with your Christmas shopping or spark some gift ideas for the people on your list.
The Photostick Omni
Aerlang Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
— $39.99 on Amazon. This is a personal recommendation. I’m very happy with this purchase. We know it’s not cheap to get a massage and this item acts as your own personal massage therapist. It drapes around your neck but could also be used for the lower back or even the legs.
— a health tracking ring that links to a mobile app. It’s a combined sleep tracker, fitness tracker, and health monitor (it tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, etc.) —and at $120, it’s more affordable than its competition.
The Crayola Color Wonder Bluey Activity Kit
— has 27 Bluey Coloring Pages, 8 MessFree Markers, 4 Metallic Sticker Sheets, and 2 Diecut Cardstock Bluey Character Cutouts for $13.99. I have to admit I’m biased here. I love Bluey! My 6-year-old niece introduced me to the show and it’s great for all ages.
BarxBuddy
— backs up and protects over 200,000 photos and videos, and works on multiple devices. One customer review said it deleted photo doubles and freed up 2,000 photos on her phone; another said it’s simple to use. $59.99 for 32GB Slimwalt wallet for men with Smart card slot holds 1020 cards, and has RFID blocking function—it protects your sensitive credit card information and costs $19.99.
— For dog owners, BarxBuddy is a training device that stops bad behavior using ultrasonic sound and is simple to use and safe for dogs. As of this writing, one BarxBuddy costs $41.95 on their website.
crochet kits
— For the crafty people in your lives: crochet kits are becoming more popular and ubiquitous. They’re between $10$30 and come in a variety of designs, from animals to plants to hats and more. You could give it away for your loved one to work on, or you could crochet it yourself and give it away as a special handmade gift.
Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Starter Set
LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Roller Skate Building Kit
— for $23.95. Your child can create three different retro models. LEGO has been around since 1932 and continues to promote creativity and learning for children, not just fun.
— for $49. A machine projects book pages onto the wall, and kids can either read along or listen. It comes with three Little Golden Books and also works as a white noise nightlight with five different sounds to choose from, to help children fall asleep.
If I may, I have book recommendations for the bibliophiles in your life.
These are fiction books that have blown me away the last couple of years: Old Babes in the Wood by Margaret Atwood, Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr, The Good Lord Bird by James McBride, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, and Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders.
Don’t hesitate to indulge and buy yourself a gift this Christmas. After all, you know yourself best and what you want or need.
I rarely buy anything unnecessary for myself, but when I saw this special Rubik’s cube in a Hello Kitty design, I bought it. I’ve been planning to buy a Rubik’s cube, and Hello Kitty was one of my favorites growing up. For Hello Kitty fans out there, she turned 50 this year!
Of course, the best gifts are those that are personal and thoughtful, those that mean something to the receiver. They don’t even have to cost a lot, or anything at all. Sometimes your company and time make the best gift.
Maligayang Pasko!
Celebrating Christmas the Filipino Way
By Jim Bea Sampaga
Christmastime is here. The world will celebrate Christmas on December 25 in less than a week. However, in some countries, Christmas celebrations start early.
In the United States, Christmas celebrations start in November a day after Thanksgiving. But in the Philippines, Christmas starts as early as September.
Filipinos usually call the last four months of the year “Ber months” because of the suffix “-ber” in September, October, November, and December.
The “Ber months” signal the countdown to Christmas Eve in the Philippines. Multiple traditions in the Philippines begin during these months.
As soon as September 1, Filipino singer Jose Mari Chan’s music filled the speakers of every household and storefront in the Philippines.
Dubbed the King of Philippine Christmas Carols, Chan is known for his songs such as “Christmas in Our Hearts,” “A Perfect Christmas” and “A Wish On Christmas Night.”
Malls and parks are decorated with Christmas lights and lanterns. Stores are starting to offer discounts on items as Christmas nears.
The weather changes into a slight rain so it’s slightly cooler during these months.
Delicacies like bibingka, puto bumbong, queso de bola, and jamon will be once again available.
The tradition of Simbang Gabi offers a well-rounded opportunity for everyone to thank the
Lord for a wonderful year.
Philippine employees look forward to the government-mandated 13thmonth pay that will help them pay for their Christmas gifts, celebrations, and more.
From Christmas Lights to Christmas Shopping
Decoration is a big part of any celebration and Christmas is no exception.
Twinkling Christmas lights are one thing, but in the Philippines, the traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns called “parol” line the streets and windows of homes and mall establishments.
For Jeril Calayan of Pasig City, Philippines, he said that the Christmas season starts as early as September.
“This is when most establishments put up Christmas decorations on their windows and when some families start putting up theirs,” said Calayan.
“Christmas here isn’t just a holiday—it’s an experience. We go all out with festive sounds, dazzling lights, and, of course, the delicious food that brings everyone together. It’s this vibrant and heartfelt celebration that sets us apart from the rest of the world,” said Trishia Sandigan from Pateros City, Philippines whose family owns Claerika’s Eatery in the same city.
In the Philippines, the 13th-month pay is government-mandated to financially help employees celebrate Christmas and New Year.
The 13th-month pay is equivalent to the onemonth salary of the employee. The government re-
quires employers to pay out the 13th-month pay before December 24.
In line with the release of the 13th-month pay, stores, and establishments offer huge discounts and sales to entice the public to shop early for their Christmas gifts and food.
“It’s the time of the year when the much-awaited 13th-month pay arrives and the excitement of yearend fills the air. More than that, it truly feels like the season of giving,” Sandigan shared.
Moreover, the Christmas season signals the comeback of beloved Christmas snacks such as bibingka, a baked rice cake snack, and puto bumbong, steamed purple rice cakes.
“I can definitely feel the Christmas spirit as I start to see twinkling lights here and there, hear joyful Christmas music, and catch the unmistakable aroma of bibingka and puto bumbong wafting from sidewalk vendors,” said Sandigan.
“These sights, sounds, and scents perfectly capture the essence of the holiday season. No other celebration seems to combine light, music, and food quite like Christmas,” she added.
From Simbang Gabi to Christmas Snacks
Bibingka and puto bumbong are undoubtedly the perfect Christmas snack duo, but these snacks are also synonymous with the Filipino traditional event called Simbang Gabi.
Simbang Gabi, which translates to Night Mass in English, is the nine-day series of masses attended by Filipino Catholics ahead of Christmas. These masses
are held daily from December 16 to December 24 and the mass is usually held as early as 2:30am to 5am.
This tradition originated from the Spanish colonization of the Philippines and the early morning mass was a practical compromise to the early work schedule of Filipinos who were mostly farmers.
In 2019, Pope Francis presided over a Simbang Gabi celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica for Rome’s Filipino community. This marked the first time a pope led the traditional Filipino mass.
During the 2019 Simbang Gabi, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of charity during the Christmas season.
“We are all called to practice charity together with those who live in the existential peripheries, using our different gifts to renew the signs of the presence of the Kingdom,” the pope said.
“Together, we are all called to proclaim the Gospel, the Good News of salvation, in all languages, so as to reach as many people as possible.”
According to a popular folklore, those who attended all nine Simbang Gabi celebrations have the chance to be granted their request by God.
Simbang Gabi is held in churches throughout the Philippines. Right outside the church, rows of food vendors can be found selling the famous Christmas snacks bibingka and puto bumbong.
A few streets away from Pateros Catholic Church is Claerika’s Eatery which is owned by the Sandigan
family. The eatery is known for its homemade meals and limited-edition chicharon snacks but during the Christmas season, the eatery offers the classic bibingka and puto bumbong
“These festive treats are always in high demand throughout the Ber months and even more so during the nine days of Simbang Gabi,” she said.
“As beloved Christmas staples, they not only bring joy to our customers but also drive significant sales for our business, making the holiday season truly special for us.”
The essence of Simbang Gabi highlights the importance of gift-giving during the Christmas season. As people buy gifts to give and food to share with their family and loved ones, businesses thrive during this season which further emphasizes the message of giving during Christmas.
The food of Noche Buena and Media Noche
Another important Christmas tradition for Filipinos is Noche Buena, the traditional Filipino Christmas Eve dinner.
Right after Misa de Gallo (the last Simbang Gabi held on Christmas Eve), families would go straight to their homes to prepare for the Noche Buena dinner.
Noche Buena means “good night” in Spanish but in the Philippines, this usually refers to the festive gathering and dinner taken to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25.
On the evening of December 24, families would be busy preparing food to be
(continue on S5)
served at exactly midnight. The celebration goes well into the morning which is just in time to exchange and open Christmas gifts.
This midnight dinner would often feature an array of lavish dishes such as lechon, jamon, various types of pancit, Filipino spaghetti, and many more. For desserts, there’s leche flan, fruit salad, buko salad, ube halaya, turon, various types of rice cakes, and many more. In recent years, more Western dishes are also served during Noche Buena such as steak, cakes, cookies, and ice cream.
But for some, enjoying traditional Filipino food is still the way to go for Noche Buena
“My Noche Buena favorites are leche flan and puto bumbong. I grew up eating those and my mom used to make them in batches so I would sometimes sneak a bite even though she made those for our guests,” said Calayan.
“I truly believe no food can top the delightful combination of bibingka and puto bumbong,” Sandigan reiterated.
“These festive treats are best enjoyed right after Simbang Gabi, especially when you can feel the cool Christmas breeze in the air. The soft, warm bibingka, with its buttery topping and hint of salted egg, pairs perfectly with the chewy, purple puto bumbong, coated in coconut and muscovado sugar. Together, they embody the flavors and spirit of a Filipino Christmas, making every bite a nostalgic reminder of the season’s warmth and joy.”
As her family runs Claerika’s Eatery, Sandigan said they received comments about creating Filipino food mashup: putting leche flan or ube on top of their bibingka
“While we appreciate these suggestions, we choose to stick to the classic recipe. We believe in preserving the traditional flavors that make bibingka a true Christmas staple,”
she explained.
“Adding overly sweet toppings might overshadow its authentic charm, and we want our version to remain a memorable and unique part of the holiday experience—just the way it has always been.”
Similar to Noche Buena, Filipinos also have a tradition of welcoming the New Year with a festive dinner called Media Noche Twelve circular fruits are the star of the Media Noche as they symbolize luck and prosperity for the upcoming new year. Circle because it represents money and twelve different fruits are the twelve months of the year.
When the clock strikes midnight, people make as much noise as possible to ward off their surroundings of bad spirits. This could be by lighting firecrackers, blowing their cars or motorcycle horns, turning up the music on their speakers, and even banging pots and pans. People are also encouraged to wear lucky colors, or polka dots to bring prosperity into the new year.
Celebrating Filipino Christmas Abroad
For Filipinos abroad, keeping the Filipino tradition alive during Christmas is an important part of their holiday season.
For Jemary Tantiado of Canberra, Australia the start of the Ber months and the vibrant decorations such as parol reminds her of Christmas in the Philippines.
“Filipinos take decorating seriously, often putting them up as early as September. The twinking lights, nativity scenes and festive ornaments create a joyful atmosphere that is uniquely Filipino and impossible to forget,” she said.
Despite being miles away from her hometown of Metro Manila, Philippines, Tantiado makes it a point to reconnect with relatives both in the Philippines, Australia and be-
yond.
“Even if we’re miles away from the Philippines celebrating with fellow Filipinos makes it feel like home, and we share stories and laughter to keep the spirit of the Christmas season alive,” she shared.
Filipinos abroad also ensure that their families in the Philippines can celebrate Christmas with enough gifts and food. Money remittances are the usual way Filipinos abroad help out their families during the Christmas season.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, personal remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers grew by 2.7% in October 2024, reaching $3.42 billion. With Christmas and New Year right around the corner, the number of remittances are expected to increase in the following days.
The Gift of Giving
Christmas is all about giving. As Pope Francis said in his 2019 Simbang Gabi homily:
“We want to commit ourselves to manifest
God’s love and tenderness towards everyone, especially the least… I encourage you to increase opportunities for meeting to share your cultural and spiritual wealth, while at the same time allowing yourselves to be enriched by the experiences of others.”
As families gather around the table to share a heartwarming homemade meal, take the time to cherish the moment and thank everyone for the blessings received in the past year.
“Giving is more important than receiving,” Calayan said when asked what Christmas means to him. “This is the only time in the year where you put everything behind and give what you can to others.”
Tantiado shared that the essence of togetherness is important, despite the distance.
“Christmas means love, giving, and reconnecting with family and loved ones, whether in person or spirit. It’s a time to celebrate faith, gratitude, and the joy of togetherness,” she said.
For Sandigan, Christmas is the time to share
that holiday magic with everyone.
“With kids in the house, the holiday magic becomes ever more special as we watch their eyes light up with excitement over Santa and their gifts. Their joy and wonder add an extra layer of warmth and happiness to the season, making Christmas all the more meaningful,” she explained.
As for Claerika’s Eatery, Sandigan said their Christmas special offerings drive significant sales which helps their family and employees this holiday season.
“But beyond the numbers, what truly brings us joy is knowing that our food helps spark the Christmas spirit in people. There’s something magical about how a simple, traditional dish can evoke nostalgia, warmth, and the joy of the season,” she explained.
“Being part of our customers’ holiday celebrations, even in a small way, is what makes this time of the year so special for us.”
Waipahu Celebrates Pasko Sa Nayon
By Carlota Ader
The spirit of Christmas permeated the air at the Waipahu Community Christian Church (WCCC) with the much-anticipated Pasko Sa Nayon celebration held on December 7.
Everywhere the 150 attendees roamed on the church grounds, it felt and looked a lot like Christmas—an authentic Filipino-style Christmas to be exact. There were traditional Filipino decorations, dishes, cultural dances, and a variety of games that included sungka, musical chairs, guessing games, and other contests. In addition, there was a barong Tagalog, terno, kimona, and Maria Clara gown contest for both adults and children. Winners were awarded a bevy of prizes.
CHRONICLE PULSE
Which Christmas Celebrations in the Philippines Do You Miss Most?
By Carlota Ader
Cherry Ancheta Health Care, Pearl City
What I miss the most are music from the carolers and sharing food and delicious specialties from all over the Philippines, from the north regions to the south. There are family reunions during Christmas which should not be missed! We would start planning and coordinating for Christmas celebrations right after Thanksgiving. But of course, not all of our siblings could make it because of work, busy schedules and their own families. There is a lot of stress during the holidays, so it’s also important to include patience and forgiveness for everyone.
Angelica C. Cabasag
Dental Assistant, Pearl City
Christmas in the Philippines is special because it is unlike any other celebration in the world. What makes it so unique is not just the festivities but the warmth, joy, and sense of togetherness during the holiday season. It begins as early as September, when we start hearing carols in malls, seeing parols light up the streets, and feeling the collective excitement building in the air.
One tradition that my family has been able to carry over to Hawaii is the large gatherings. We all come together to celebrate a special meal with laughter and lots of storytelling. It’s not just family—many of my closest friends also celebrate with us. We all do Monito-Monita, a fun and thoughtful gift exchange. By the end of the night, our house is packed with family, friends, and gifts, and it truly feels like a celebration of love and joy.
I was very young when I left the Philippines in 2008 but I still remember attending Simbang Gabi with my family. It’s a beautiful tradition of nine dawn masses leading up to Christmas. I can still picture the church lit up with parols and the joy of eating bibingka and puto bumbong from street vendors afterward. Even now, I wish I could experience it again as an adult. Food plays a big part of what I miss. From lechon to queso de bola, the holiday spread in the Philippines is unmatched. While we try to recreate some dishes here in Hawaii, they don’t always feel exactly the same without the familiar settings and vendors.
What I miss most about Christmas in the Philippines is the sense of being part of something bigger—a holiday that connects you to your family, friends, and community in a way that’s warm, joyful, and truly unique. While I cherish Christmas traditions with family and friends here in Hawaii, there’s still a part of me that longs for the sights and sounds that make a traditional Filipino Christmas unforgettable.
Beth Camacho Retired RN, Honolulu
I miss the months-long Christmas celebrations and festivities that begin during the “ber” months. If the Christmas spirit is in the air, there is not much that can stop us from getting into the mood. Even if there is a natural disaster or lack of funds, people will rebuild and start decorating for Christmas. I miss making Christmas decorations! I would start from scratch and use whatever materials were available. It was amazing to see so many creative decorations. Then there were the never-ending family gatherings and reunions. The dinner table was overflowing with all kinds of food. We would sit and go around the table and share why Christmas is our favorite holiday. Gifts were also a big part of the celebration. It didn’t matter the cost, so long as it was heartfelt. We were always looking for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. The young ones and the young at heart would approach their ninongs and ninangs for blessings. Last but not least is the real reason for Christmas—the birth of Jesus our Lord and Savior. It is really emphasized in the Philippines with the Simbang Gabi and masses at the church which we all enjoyed attending.
Ben Capili
Retired Electrician, Waipahu
Christmas is our yearly “family bonding” moment. Our sisters and brothers from the U.S. return home to enjoy the holiday season in the Philippines. For us, the Noche Buena is very special. After the Christmas mass, we can’t wait to return home and eat the many delicious foods that were prepared. We all would receive gifts—big or small, we didn’t care as long as it was given with love. I also remember the Christmas carolers who would go from house to house. It was fun seeing people of all ages, young and old, and watching their faces light up when you give them either money, food, fruits or anything else that we could afford to give.
(continue on S9)
CHRONICLE PULSE
Tito Geralaga
Telephone Company, Ewa Beach
I grew up in Las Pinas and went to school at St. Joseph Academy, so for me the traditional midnight mass is a must for my family and the community. After the mass, many people will enjoy eating puto bumbong. It’s very popular and brings good money for vendors. I also make sure to have enough coins to give to the carolers who will drop by our house to sing. Also, our dad would tell us to “dress to impress” when going to the midnight mass. Afterwards, we would have dinner and also picture taking, and then visit our godparents’ house where we will receive our Christmas gifts. Christmas was a really special moment and we looked forward to receiving the pamasko gifts.
Susan Martinez
Retired RN, Aiea
I miss exchanging gifts with my family. It didn’t matter the size of the box or if it was money or even fruits—we appreciated the gift because it came from the heart. We loved being together during the traditional midnight mass, especially the nine early morning masses before Christmas. Those moments are unforgettable. My husband was in the military so I would go with him, along with our child, to California, Pennsylvania, Florida and several other states. Each state had something different but in the Philippines, Christmas celebrations are traditional and passed down to the next generation, like enjoying lots of food, caroling, shopping, giving gifts and sharing life with friends and neighbors, along with immediate family.
Carlo Molina Dental Assistant, Honolulu
What I miss most about Christmas in the Philippines is the sense of joy and togetherness that fills the entire season. Christmas seems to start early there, with the “ber” months bringing Christmas music, lights and decorations. I also miss the Noche Buena, where we gather with our family to enjoy a big meal together. The Simbang Gabi and the time spent with loved ones make the holidays feel special. And of course, the traditional Filipino Christmas foods, like bibingka, puto bumbong and lechon are always something I look forward to.
Mar Moresca Store Maintenance, Waianae
I miss our family get-togethers and the preparations we would make weeks before Christmas. I don’t go home to the Philippines every year but if I could, I would make sure that I participated in the many traditional celebrations. I miss the food, music and the carolers. Getting together with family and visiting friends and classmates who I haven’t seen in years is also something I looked forward to. We would reminisce about the “good old days.” I remember helping to prepare the baked desserts and other traditional foods. I would also go fishing because we lived near the beach. I miss the noise that would often be heard during Christmas— all of the singing, laughing, firecrackers and even scolding by parents. Overall, it was a very special time for me.
Filipino Recipes for Noche Buena: Crispy Pork Belly and Chicken Inasal
By Jim Bea Sampaga
Are you still looking for dishes to serve for Noche Buena? Well, look no further! We got you covered. Presenting two recipes to add warmth to your dinner table this Christmas Eve: Crispy Pork Belly and Chicken Inasal.
Lechon is usually the go-to pork dish in every Filipino tradition but if you’re looking for an accessible way to recreate lechon without the whole pig, then crispy pork belly is the way to go. It still has that crackly pork
Chicken Inasal
Ingredients
6 chicken thighs, with slits cut on the meat
Marinade
1/4 cup lemongrass, pounded
8 cloves of garlic, pounded
2 tbsp ginger, pounded
1/2 cup annatto oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cane vinegar
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp calamansi juice
2 tbsp liquid seasoning
1 tsp ground black pepper
Directions
Basting Sauce
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup annatto oil
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp calamansi juice
skin and tender juicy meat that we all love and crave with lechon. Although lechon’s thin crispy skin is harder to achieve, crackly pork skin is a good and easier alternative.
For those who love chicken, chicken inasal hits the spot for that authentic Filipino food experience. Inasal means “grilled” in Tagalog, but if grilling isn’t possible in your home, baking this recipe in an oven is still as good. If you have the means to grill, then go for it!
Crispy Pork Belly
Ingredients
4 lbs skin-on pork belly 2 tbsp oil
2 tsp brown sugar
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
Directions
Prepare the marinade by pounding the aromatics (lemongrass, garlic, ginger and salt) in a mortar and pestle until their natural moisture comes out and no large chunks remain. Pounding releases more of its flavor than simply chopping the ingredients. In a bowl, combine the pounded aromatics with annatto oil, brown sugar, cane vinegar, calamansi juice, liquid seasoning, and ground black pepper. Place the chicken thighs in a ziploc bag and pour the marinade in. Make sure the marinade coats all the chicken pieces adequately. Let marinate for at least one hour or overnight. When ready to cook, place the marinated chicken on a wire rack and bake in a preheated oven at 375F for 45-50 minutes. While baking, prepare the basting sauce by combining unsalted butter, annatto oil, salt, brown sugar, and calamansi juice until well mixed. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken every 5 minutes for a total of 3-4 bastings. Once the chicken is just about to be finished cooking, turn the broiler on high to achieve the char on the skin. Serve immediately with rice. The serving size is 6 people. (Recipe by iankewks.com)
(FEATURE: Waipahu....from S5)
One of the highlights of the evening was the beautiful parol contest with several iconic Filipino star-shaped lanterns on display. The main rule was that the parol had to be homemade.
Another highlight was a store-like display complete with various goods and products made in the Philippines, including wooden spoons and forks, popcorn, snacks, and other everyday items. One attendee who dropped
by the display said it felt like she was “going to the local store in the Philippines.”
According to Tito Gerolaga, WCCC executive director and ministry consultant, Christmas is the biggest and longest celebrated holiday in the Philippines.
“The Pasko sa Nayon festival is a cultural blend of Christianity and indigenous traditions,” he said. “The event was infused with the vibrant Filipino
1/2 cup kosher salt (for topping)
Mang Tomas for sauce
Cut your pork belly in half to ensure it fits in your oven or air fryer. Make vertical slits along the meat side, making sure not to cut into the fat layer. Season only the meat side with brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Let pork sit in the fridge over a wire rack with the skin side up overnight. This will dry up the skin which will result in a crispier pork skin. The next day, create a tin foil boat that wraps around the meat side of the pork belly. This prevents the meat from burning. Add enough kosher salt to cover the skin. The salt will draw out the moisture from the skin ensuring a crispy pork skin. Make sure to use coarse salt like kosher so it doesn’t actually penetrate the skin. Place the pork in an oven at 300F for 1 hour and 30 minutes. If using an air fryer, ensure that the fan option is on the lowest level to not blow away all the salt. Once done, remove all the salt from the skin and brush it with a layer of oil. Place back into the oven or air-fryer and bake at 450F for 20 minutes or until the pork skin is crispy. Slice and serve immediately with Mang Tomas dipping sauce. The serving size is about 6 people.
(Recipe by kwokspots.com)
spirit and was for people from all different ethnic backgrounds and ages to enjoy.”
However, Gerolaga said the purpose of the event was to not just celebrate a Filipino-style Christmas but to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
“The Christmas season is all about God’s love,” he said. “God sent His son Jesus to take the punishment for our sins so that we could spend
eternity with him.”
Guest speaker Pastor Albert Camacho delivered a dynamic and heart-rending message entitled “The Greatest Love of All.” He concluded with encouragement and a call for unbelievers to repent and believe in the Gospel. Multiple visitors were responsive to the altar call and prayed the Sinner’s Prayer for forgiveness and salvation. Several attendees are looking forward to a se-
quel next year, while others from another church requested assistance to plan a similar event for their community.
“We prayed that God would bless the event and that He be glorified,” Gerolaga said. “Christians are part of a larger, interconnected spiritual family who should support each other and work together to fulfill God’s purposes.”
CHICKEN INASAL
CRISPY PORK BELLY
Ube, The 2024 Flavor of the Year, Is Key Ingredient in Local Holiday Desserts
By Edna Bautista, Ed. D.
‘Tis the season for baking! Here are two holiday recipes—ube crinkle cookies and ube butter mochi—that feature the Philippines’ “ube-quitous” purple yam.
Ube was named the 2024 Flavor of the Year by Monin, a French syrup company, and T. Hasegawa USA, a globally renowned flavor manufacturer, in their Food and Beverage Flavor Trends Report.
Ube flavor is described as subtly sweet with a hint of vanilla and nutty taste.
It seems that ube is now considered an exotic ingredient, but it has
Christmas: Ube Crinkle Cookies
Cookies are the quintessential Christmas treat. Classic chocolate chip, traditional gingerbread people and seasonally shaped sugar cookies are among the most popular. But ube crinkle cookies are a unique alternative that highlight Filipino flavor.
Soft and buttery and topped with snowy white powdered sugar, these cookies are usually sold in half-dozen packages. Depending on the store or local bakery, one cookie costs between $1.25-2 apiece.
They are not that difficult to make at home and yield a larger quantity for more value. Plus, purple cookies match the Advent-colored candles, making ube crinkles a festive food.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup granulated white sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 egg, room temperature
½ cup ube halaya
1 teaspoon ube flavoring/extract
Confectioners (powdered) sugar
New Year: Ube Butter Mochi
Many Asian cultures cook sticky rice foods around the new year as they symbolize good luck “sticking around” in the upcoming months.
The Chinese have nian gao (sweet cake), Koreans have tteokguk (soup), Japanese have ozoni (soup) and kagami mochi (stacked cake), Vietnamese have bánh chưng (savory square parcels) and Filipinos have puto and bibingka (sweet cakes).
The latter is very similar to a popular Hawaii dessert, butter mochi, a Japanese-inspired recipe. Butter mochi is also sold locally in different flavors, such as plain/original, lilikoi (passion fruit), Kona coffee, matcha (green tea) and ube.
This basic butter mochi recipe is an easy one, as it is simply infused with ube flavoring (without ube halaya) for a deep purple, chewy homemade treat. Like ube crinkle cookies, give ube butter mochi as edible gifts or serve at Pinoy potlucks for a happy holiday gathering and throughout the whole year.
Ingredients
4 eggs
2 cups milk
1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
2 teaspoons ube flavoring/extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract/flavoring
1 box (16 ounces) sweet rice flour (mochiko)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups granulated white sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
always been a staple in Filipino kitchens.
Ube has grown in popularity all over the world, perhaps because of its curiously colored hue, which also makes ube-prepared foods especially photogenic in the age of Instagram.
Though the fresh tuber may be a challenge to find locally, the key ingredients—ube flavoring/extract and ube halaya (jam)—are conveniently available at grocery stores and markets that carry Asian products, making it easier to bake ube crinkle cookies and ube butter mochi as holiday desserts.
Directions
In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with white and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg, ube halaya and ube extract/flavoring. Mix well. Gradually add the flour mixture and stir until combined. Form dough into a ball and cover it with plastic wrap. Freeze dough for 10-15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet(s) with parchment paper. Remove dough from the freezer. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls and generously roll in powdered sugar until fully coated. Place onto the prepared baking sheet(s) at least two inches apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from the oven, let sit on the sheet(s) for about five minutes then cool completely on a rack. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to five days.
Yield: Approximately 2 – 2½ dozen cookies
Notes: Keep the cookie dough well chilled and firm before baking to prevent it from spreading. Ube crinkle cookies should have a slight mound with signature cracks.
Directions
In a medium bowl, stir together the eggs, milk, coconut milk, and ube and vanilla extracts/flavorings. In a large bowl, combine the mochiko, baking powder, salt and sugar. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until the purple color is evenly incorporated. Add the melted butter to moisten. Mix well.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or clean, lightly oiled banana leaf cut to the bottom of the pan size. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes or when the top is slightly browned and the center is cooked through. Remove from the oven and blot out any excess butter with a paper towel. Cool completely. Invert the pan onto a cutting board. Peel off the parchment paper or banana leaf. Slice the butter mochi into 24 squares and serve. Store remainders in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Yield: Two dozen squares
Notes: Ube butter mochi might puff up a little while baking but should deflate when removed from the oven. Slice it with a plastic instead of a metal knife
UBE CRINKLE COOKIES
UBE BUTTER MOCHI
