Putobumbong 2022

Puto Bumbong

Puto Bumbong is a holiday issue consisting of Christmas comic stories, poems, and arts of The Angelite, the official student publication of the Holy Angel University.

For comments and suggestions you may see or contact us: The Angelite’s Office, Basement, Pedro G. Nepomuceno Bldg., Holy Angel University, Sto. Rosario., Angeles City, Pampanga.

Email Address: theangelite1937@gmail.com

theangelite.putobumbong@gmail.com

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This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of authors and artists except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews permitted by copyright law.

Portions of this book are works of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design by Angela Manaloto Layout Design by Winston Adam Lejarde

Editor’s Note

Christmas is celebrated and perceived differently by people for countless reasons. And one of those reasons is that although we are in the same Christmas season, we are still in our own season of our lives.

For some, they are in the season of waiting and testing. There may be a sense of longing and impatience at this season but certainly there is hope. Meanwhile, there are people who are in their season of harvesting and winning which can be as blissful as it can be; yet all the rock bottoms and difficult roads cannot be denied.

In the 5th edition of Puto Bumbong, distinct Christmas stories and messages were conveyed along with our creative expressions. This year’s holiday issue mirrors the spirit of Christmas that can be seen not only in love, charity, and joy but also in forgiveness, acceptance, memories, boundaries and simplicity.

No matter what season you are in right now, we hope that Puto Bumbong will bring warmth to your hearts. This is a gift for everyone crafted by people who are in different seasons too that came together to bring out these stories.

On behalf of The Angelite family, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Princess Payumo Editor-in-Chief, The Angelite

Greater Things

by Xia Xinjie

Gumagawa ka lang ng paraan para di ka lumabas eh

Art by: Anna Kinsley

The Sixth Christmas

by Khriseanne Elizabeth Salvador

Have you ever felt like you’re walking dead and tomorrow is just another day you dread? Yet, there you are, still breathing, alive but looking forward to nothing.

It’s been six years since I’ve known It’ll be the sixth Christmas I feel all alone I think the wait is long enough everything for me has just been so rough

I cannot take it anymore, this life just feels like a chore. There’s only one thing I hope to do, and that is to live like they do.

This secret’s been with me for years, It’ll be the sixth Christmas I’ll feel all alone. But I refuse to still live in a ruse out of the closet, I want to be set loose.

As my heart pumps with unbearable tension, I uttered the words I’ve been trying my hardest not to leak. “I’m queer and this is not an illusion.” I hid my face as I waited for them to speak. I’ve never felt embarrassed about my sexuality ‘til this day, feels like I’ve been stripped down in front of the buffet. Naked and vulnerable with nothing to hide, will my family stay by my side?

It’s Christmas, but it also feels like my real birthday, they welcomed me with no hint of dismay.

This is the day I start to feel truly alive, the sixth Christmas and only then I will thrive.

Everyone saves their excitement for Christmas until the holiday season finally arrives. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which also happens to be the best time for families in the Philippines to get together for a Noche Buena dinner. The “Ber” months are probably the most anticipated season for Filipinos, as this is the time when they begin to decorate their homes with lights and lantern s, sell and try the special bibingka and puto bumbong that can only be tasted during the Christmas season, and especially, listen to and enjoy Filipino children sing and dance as they go Christmas caroling.

In Spanish, the term “Noche Buena” means “good night.” The celebration of Noche Buena has been practiced by the Filipino people ever since the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. Without the traditional dishes served at the Noche Buena dinner, Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same. Here are some notable ones Noche Buena meal enjoyed by The Angelite:

Beef Kare-Kare

Because luto ng mom ko, I love it when it’s kinabukasan na and the beef na veggies are mushy with the sauce with barrio fiesta bagoong.

– Angela Manaloto

Hotdog Barbecue, and Carbonara

I think it’s always the barbecue na hotdog for me and carbonara/pesto hehe. Fave ko yung hotdog since madaling papakin and yung pasta natural na fave ko talaga since luto ng family ko hehe.

– Brienne David

Hotdog and Barbecue

Sa amin kase parang lagi iba iba every year noche buena namin kaya wala masyadong constant sa mga kinakain namin pero yung laging andyan is inihaw na hatdog tsaka bbq like nag-iiba iba kase kami ng cuisine kada year pero ang hatdog at bbq ay lagi andyan mapa-korean, Mexican, or american cuisine ang aming trip for that year.

– Juan Simbulan.

Macaroni Salad

Pwedeng panghalili sa pinoy-style spaghetti na nakasanayan tuwing may handaan dahil sa madaling i-handa at halos pangmasa na presyo ng mga sahog. panghalili o mismong handa man ito, naroon pa rin ang esensiya ng pinaghahandaan — ang noche buena.

– Dian Soliman

Fruit salad

Malamig sya tapos creamy and fruity, and cheese yung fave ingredients ko sa fruit salad.

– Khriseanne Elizabeth Salvador

Pasta

Usually of any kind naman since we cook different pasta variations every Christmas. Aside from it being packed na with all the food na need mo para mabusog, it’s also easier to cook, more servings, cheaper, and usually versatile to match with other Noche Buena.

– Godwin Pring

Bulalo & Mango Graham cake

Kami mismo nagluluto ng bulalo namen and nice siya for the cold weather and pag naman dessert gusto ko yung mango graham cake kase its mango graham cake need I say more.

– Hedy Hazelene Pico

Carbonara

Worth it yung buhay bawat nakakain mo.

– Iza Tinsay

Luto yon ng tatay ko tas minsan lang siya umuuwi from abroad.

– Lance Jester Esguerra

Mango Float

Nostalgic, very very yummy, and lasts long sa fridge wieee.

– Izzy Daguay

Masarap siya and I like fruity or creamy desserts, and madali lang siya gawinn and affordable yung mga ingredients nya.

– Ruthie Joanna Torres

Ham and Batirol

Mahilig ako sa sweets na hindi sobrang sweet. Yung batirol since hot chocolate siya may subtle bitterness kaya I like na hindi siya sobra sa sweetness. Tapos yung ham naman, kapag may pineapple sauce dun ko lang kinakain kase may kapares na yung saltiness.

– John Maurice Cruz

Leche Flan and Lechon

Those were the foods my lola used to like and have when were at her place, kahit common food po siyang nakikita sa dinner table it still held so much significance because of her.

– Keisha Angelique

Queso De bola

Queso De bola has always been my favorite. We all know that cheese has never been always part of Filipino cuisine but during the Christmas season, it is very traditional to see Queso de bola in Filipino Noche Buena. So whenever I see Queso de bola being sold in the market, I always sense that we are in the Christmas season already.

– Mary Rose Samson

Steak

Dahil dun sa process nung paggawa nito. Ang comforting para sakin nung

ambiance na habang hinihintay mo yung pasko nasa labas lang kami with distant family members nag g-grill wherein sumasabay yung init sa lamig ng pasko tapos ayun kwentuhan at nag b-bond na very seldom lang talaga mangyari. – McGiorge David

Ube Halaya Ube Halaya ang paborito ko na hinahanda sa amin at yun ang hindi rin mawawala sa Noche Buena namin. Kami mismo ang nagpe-prepare kasi nun at nagluluto. Salitan kami sa pag grate ng ube ganyan at syempre sa paghalo na medyo matagal talaga. Arm workout ang peg namin nun. Tapos habang ginagawa yan may kwentuhan on the side at tikim tikim na hindi mo namamalayan na katumbas na pala ng isang llanera yun pero yung proseso mismo ang nagpapa-special kaya ito ang paborito ko. – Princess Payumo

Christmas Ham Kasi matamis tsaka masarap pag gawa ng fam. – Sophia Rose Suarez

Asado Sapagkat masarap ang mga massive patatas na nandoon and the choice between having both chicken and pork sa dish na yun makes it better ganun. More options, very nice. – Winston Adam Lejarde. Roasted Chicken Hindi mawawala sa family namin kaya naging favorite ko siya and every year nag iiba siya ng version kaya nakaka excite.

– Yajde Reyes

The Christmas season is about more than just having delicious food on the table, exchanging gifts, or new clothes. It is a time of giving as well as commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, which serves as a reminder to the world that Jesus Christ was given to us by God, his father, to pay for our sins, and for us to remember the promise gift that anyone who believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life.

Liham Mula sa Kasama

by McGiorge David

Ang bawat piyesa ng masikhay mong bukas ay liyab sa kanyang pag-asa at rebolusyonaryong diwa.

Kalayaan man niya’y sinamsam dahil sa gitna ng kasamaan ay tumayo at lumaban para sa’yo na minamahal, kailanman ay di masusupil ang mapagpalaya niyang kagitingan.

May layo man ang distansya, ang mahalaga’y iisang hanay ang tinitindigan, kawalan ng pag-asa’y kailanman hindi matatanaw sa kanyang mga mata dahil ang ambon ng iyong kaligayahan ay kanyang tinatampisaw.

Tulad ng kulay ng Pasko, pag-ibig sa bayan ang umuusig sa hangad na makasama ka, ang pulang panahon ng taglamig ay simbolo ng kanyang krusada para sa iyong karapatang humanap ng sariling saysay at kalayaan para hubugin ang sariling kaisipan.

Higit pa sa bilang ng kasamahan na nakapiit sa kwadradong sisidlan ang mga araw ng pangungulila sa kanyang buhay na isinilang, ibinubulong nalang sa hangin ang hiling na mayapos ka sa paglipas ng kanyang buhay na inialay sa maralita.

Sa oras ng pangamba lagi mong baunin ang kanyang paalala, kung kahapon man ay ipinagkait, ang bukas ay nasa piling mo pa rin.

Kailanman ay di ka mag-iisa sa isip, puso’t, diwa dahil ang pag-asa natin ay ang isa’t isa, hayaan mong paalalahanan ka ng banal na bituin: ang kadiliman ay ‘di magtatagal.

Art by: Xia Xinjie

Me after you

by Hannah Pineda

I had never been afraid of dying until you came to me, It’s somewhat relieving and arbitrary as I can see A chunk of my heart was equipped, and the rest was yearning a bolt of serendipity And you showed, the realization that you were making me eager truly madly deeply

Progress is not anything that I desire; rather, it is what I fear, You spoke to me in the expression of revival, that allowed me to perceive life clearly

In a realm of purity that my mind can fathom, you utter to me Keeping me firm, working to ensure I don’t walk down the path I just took, and be myself consistently

You alone brightens my universe, and even the mundane times seem magical when you’re around You came across me just when I needed a breakthrough and kept me safe and sound Without you, I would not have had the courage get myself back together You restored life and are a beacon of hope in this terrible world and made it better

You chose to accompany me in bearing that awful and gloomy burden I know that no matter where I lay my head, I am loved by you and it’s certain You rescued me from the deluge not just once, but forever Honor your commitments and carry our lives through whatever

Chosen Family

Written by Juan Gabriel Simbulan Art by Keisha Angelique Yu

Reminiscing Childhood Christmas

The rattling of the bound, flattened tansans, the weary arms due to mixing kalamay, the cool and crisp Christmas air but not as crispy as our aginaldos, completing the 9 days of Simbang Gabi, the innocent tune of kids with their Christmas carols and the list goes on for our typical yet special Christmas traditions and memories. Just picturing these scenes sparks a

warm and delightful feeling but sometimes, this feeling turns nostalgic. Our Christmas celebration doesn’t change much but as we grow older, our preferences in the way of celebrating it may vary. What excites us before may not be the same now and yet that doesn’t mean the Christmas Spirit has been lost over time.

Nevertheless, no matter how old we are, we can always take a trip down memory lane to rekindle our childhood memories and connect with our inner child.

The Editors-in-Chief (EIC) of Holy Angel University’s college publications recounted those days with their humble stories.

Every Christmas season, pag malapit na yung bisperas, we would go home sa barrio sa lolo at lola ko sa father side. Doon kami nagcecelebrate ng pasko. Noong bata ako, to get there, naaalala ko nagbabangka pa kami. So, growing up, yun ang laging kinaeexcite ko kapag pasko. Bibiyahe kami kahit malayo, sasakay kaming bangka

tapos makikita ko ulit family namin doon na once a year lang talaga namin napupuntahan dati. Yung barrio pa namin super iba sa city. Halos palaisdaan, mga puno at mga pilapil yung view kaya literal siyang breath of fresh air from the city. Andoon din mga pinsan namin, kaya kapag umuuwi kami talagang sama-sama, masaya, maingay, magulo.

Christmas sa family namin.

-Arianne Flores, EIC, The Lifeline

Written by Princess Payumo Page Design by Winston Adam Lejarde and Lance Jester Enguerra

is the grand pleasure of experiencing the simple yet full of fun Christmas season. Back when I was a child, my cousins and I were recycling tansans and milk cans to use as our Caroling materials.

We were spending our nights in the street to sing in front of the houses in our village. On a Christmas Eve, my cousins and I would plan on what time are we going to wake up for us to go to our godparents. We always go to each others godparents because they also give us Aguinaldo even though we are not their godchildren. Then when the sun is starting to set, we would collect money from each other and to our other older cousins. Our grandparents, aunts

and uncles would also be our sponsors. The accumulated money is what we we use in buying food and prizes for our Christmas Party. My Christmas as a child is simple but full of life and laughters with my family, specifically my family on my mother’s side. However, a lot of things has already changed. So if there is one thing that I want this Christmas, it is to spend another Christmas party with them.

-Joyce Dizon, EIC, The Reflection

I think what I remember as my most significant childhood Christmas memory (maybe you can also consider it a tradition) is how we celebrate Christmas two times – Christmas Eve with my mother’s side and Christmas Day with my father’s side. Of course, we still do this now, but as years pass by, there have been inevitable changes and absences within the families, which make our childhood Christmases even more precious. It

always seemed like a reunion. My mother has six siblings, while my father has five. With most of them having at least two kids, Christmas always felt like a feast.

I can never forget how the process of gift giving seemed never ending and how everyone was confused when the clock striked 12, as we try to kiss everyone on the cheek with a greeting of “Merry Christmas.” All the while, our favorite Christmas tunes play in the background.

Now, most of my older cousins have already built families for themselves and now have kids of their own. Still, we try our best to spend Christmas the same way we did when we were younger – with love, warmth, and all families gathered around one home.

-Ysabella Yumul, EIC, The Nexus

When we always hear the word, “Christmas” we always feel excitement and joy as a child to receive gifts from our loved ones. I do remember the traditions we had to tick the clock every 12 midnight just to celebrate Christmas and to wear our comfy sweaters or Christmas-themed colored shirts. I also remember my cousins and I were hanging Christmas socks on my Lola’s home stairs as every sock has an embroidered name and when we woke up on the 25th, we knew there is a special surprise in our Christmas socks.

We have also a tradition in our family to attend every Christmas Eve mass as we want to give thanks and honor the Lord for giving us blessings as a family. Bringing back the memories I had during

my childhood years is a mixture of happy and sad moments as I experienced celebrating Christmas without my Dad who is working so hard abroad. Even if I still have my mom with me in the Philippines, we always feature to bake goodies for gifts and that is when I knew I had a passion for baking as well. However, in every celebration, I am molded to become strong as I am an only child in our family. Growing up, I knew I will be the one who will celebrate Christmas by myself as my mom followed my dad abroad to sustain our needs as a family. It may be felt that there is a longingness for their love and touch but somehow, I knew that God is guiding me to become who I am today, to become strong, resilient, and independent

in the ways that I can.

With the advancements in technology, time and distance don’t matter as long as we are complete as a family which makes it more convenient to celebrate Christmas virtually. This is why the spirit of Christmas gives us a sentiment to know the different stories of people and whether good or bad,

magnificent times I’ve had with my family and friends practically every year. Common and cringe as it may sound, we assemble and adorn our Christmas tree annually and illuminate our house as early as September. Needless to say, foods served during Christmas

Holiday take a special form even though eaten throughout the year. It is indeed beginning to taste like Christmas. We also traditionally gather cassava in our backyard to prepare cassava cake, and my mom’s recipe is, in my opinion, the greatest I’ve ever tried.

In addition, it became a family custom for us to actively take part in the Fiona United Methodist Church’s annual Christmas Cantata, which provides gifts for hundreds of children in the community. Media

celebrate the birth of Jesus at midnight. The following morning, we greet the elders with “pagmamano” or simply by lightly putting the back of their palms to our forehead. Lastly, we are going to attend the morning service and enjoy the rest of the day.

-John Keneth Mallari, EIC, The Enterprise

Kapag pasko, maaga kami nag-peprepare ng food for Noche Buena. Like the day before Christmas eve, nakamarinate na lahat ng ihaw, laging present yung manok na inasal saka inihaw na bangus. And then, naglilinis kame ng bahay before Christmas eve. Kapag sinalubong namin Christmas na malinis yung bahay, swerte daw. Ewan ko kung

totoo yun pero umoo na lang ako since si ate may sabi. Dahil bunso ako, kung ano sinabi ng ate oo agad walang mahabang diskusisyon. Tapos after the dinner, opening ng Christmas presents. Madalas ko narereceive na gift is bag or t-shirt. Okay na yon para sa aken kaysa mug ma-receive ko. Kami lang ni ate nagcecelebrate ng pasko nun since si papa nasa

Saudi. Hindi man ganun ka bongga Christmas celebration namin is masaya pa din ako dahil alam ko kumpleto pa din kami.

-Bea David, EIC, The Access Point

Christmas has always been my favorite celebration, as it is a season of joy and remembering the birth of our savior, Lord Jesus Christ. One of the Christmas traditions we annually practice with my family is preparing a lot of foods, including suman, spaghetti, and ube kalamay, and eating together during Noche Buena after attending the last day mass of Simbang Gabi. It is our way of giving gratitude and appreciation to the Lord for all the countless blessings we have received.

Of the childhood Christmas memories I had, one of the most memorable is I did experience caroling

with my childhood friends going from house to house, singing Christmas chants, and bringing do-it-yourself musical instruments. I still recall when a dog barked at us, and we promptly ran in a hurry, not minding the coins we collected, which we shared after. During Christmas, receiving aguinaldo or presents after visiting my ninong and ninang was also one of my favorites, which starts by saying ‘mano po’. We get dressed in our new clothes as soon as we get up in the morning. Together with my cousins, we came to see them and our relatives to ask for a blessing and pay respect,

us gifts, food, or crisp bills. With that, I learned to love giving gifts, and I tend to appreciate things when I receive one, no matter how small, as long as it comes from the heart.

I do also participate in assembling our Christmas tree while feeling the cold zephyrs and listening to Christmas songs and ABS-CBN Christmas Station IDs at the start of ‘ber’ months.

-Leonel

Alvarado, EIC, The Solution

Regardless if one believes in Christmas or not based on religion and despite how we define our ‘perfect’ Christmas– who we are with, where we are, what food is served on the table, the presence or absence of wrapped gifts– it is a season that ignites a sense of charity, hope and joy to the core.

What excites us before may not be the same now yet that doesn’t mean the Christmas Spirit has been lost over time; it’s simply taking on different depths and expressions that we shall embrace.

Art by Mary Rose Samson

December’s Cold Again

by Lady Mary Felizziety Daguay

December’s cold again.

It hasn’t been so in a while. But can I really say that for sure if I spent the past Decembers bunkered down with guards up, looking out from the inside, stuck? Well, there seems to be a difference, nonetheless. Because after 2 years, I’m out and now, December’s cold again.

I try to refamiliarize myself with the chilly winds and Christmas cheer as I navigate church crowds whose faces show little to no fear. Children give chase in between the stalls and the vendors’ noisy calls provide rhythm to the harmony filling the once-empty cityand the song its dwellers sing is that of warmth and relief.

December’s cold again and I cling to the heat of the cup in my hands and the smiles on their cheeks. I soak in the hugs – every caress and touch and I revel in the reunions – God, have I missed them so much. Seats and plates are now occupied and filled to the brim and we laugh and we sing a carefree and joyous hymn, taking me back to a time wherein normality didn’t feel as surreal. But I’ve grown much in the past 2 years and with maturity comes the skill to look beyond the Christmas cheer and see fears so thinly veiled. Well, how wouldn’t I notice, what with the way ears perk up and eyes alight with worry as they watch the peso drop? Noche Buena costs are no joke nor are the jeepney fares and despite reassuring efforts, the dread still remains there and no amount of flickering lights can outshine pitch black backdrops.

December’s cold again but I don’t think normality’s back what with new crises on the horizon and their palpable ripples. But I’m raising my glass, nonetheless to our survival and our losses and, most importantly, to remnants of hope present in friends and family’s overjoyed faces.

So, I’ll join them in the tables, the trees, and the displays and with a warmer jacket, for now I’ll keep the cold and fear at bay.

Puto Bumbong

by Hannah Pineda

Alas cuatro y media rinig na ang batingaw ng mga kampana Tumukod sa durungawan, masawat nawa ang lumbay sa pagsamba Mapupungay na mata, naapuhap ang tingin sa estanteng kulay lila, Palihim na inaasam asam ang lanyos habang tinititigan kita Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, inabot ko ang iyong kamay, Nananalangin ng Ama Namin sa harap ng madla kasama ang mga Anghel nang walang lubay Maiilarawan ko kung gaano katimyas ang ‘yong mga ngiti Sa tuwing magtutugma ang tikop ng magkabilaang pisngi

Ninanamnam ang kariktan ng dalisay, sintamis ng asukal ang ‘yong pagmamahal Bawat bisig ay iginugupo sa pasaring ng ‘yong tinig na hindi marinig katumbas ng pananabik sa pagdatal

Mga landas na pinahintulutan ng itaas na magtagpo, Halintulad sa kaning malagkit at pinarilyang niyog, Mainapoy, mabanas, masamyo ang pag-irog na walang duyog Sa harap ng dambana, sumang-ayon ang panahon, Pagsinta at pagpupunyagi sa’yo iginugumon Taglay sa kaibuturan ng puso ang nakuyom na damdamin na lugod na sinalubong Pagsaluhan sa gitna ng nagniningas na gabi ang dala-dalang puto bumbong

Art by: Lance Jester Enguerra

December 25–Christmas day, Yule, Hanukkah, but in the Philippines, it is simply called Pasko. It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas is famously known as the most awaited and jolliest event of the year, especially here in the Philippines. As every country has a unique way of celebrating it, Filipinos sure know how to make Christmas vibrant with whimsical and wholesome traditions.

It is a no-brainer that Filipinos still practice “Filipino Time”, where they would be late for the time scheduled in their calendar. Ironically enough, Filipinos celebrate the Christmas season on exactly the first day of September, the beginning of the “ber” months. On the other side of the world, Christmas is celebrated as early as late November to early December of the year. Filipinos are quite advanced when it comes to the Christmas season. With it being early, traditions of different sorts are also commemorated and commenced

promptly.

On the morning of September 1, a number of households would play Christmas music as they begin their chores. Funnily, Filipinos would usually play and hear the ever-dominating Christmas song, “Christmas In Our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan. As time would pass, “parols”, lanterns, and colorful lights envelop every corner of the streets, highways, and cities in the Philippines. Alike to our “parols”, Greece decorates boats with luminous lights alongside their Christmas trees. The merry traditions continue as children start carolling house-tohouse as early as November. Adults either give them money or repeatedly say “patawad” as a form of rejection. Filipinos are known to be religious and faithful. As the season proceeds, “Simbang Gabi’’, a nine-day continuous mass beginning on the 16th of December, is a tradition on the thingsto-do list of Catholic Filipinos. Close at hand are the vendors that sell the seasonal mouthwatering delicacies, namely bibingka and puto bumbong served hot. By heart, this may be one of the favorite traditions Filipinos love during the Christmas season. Hearty foods partnered by the chilly

nights with loved ones as “Simbang Gabi’’ commences. It is truly none like others.

In countries like Japan where KFC is eaten at Christmas dinner and Poland where a pre-dinner wafer is shared, Filipinos have Noche Buena. With a table full of food that could probably last a week, Filipino families fill the table with their favorite cuisine. Spaghetti, macaroni salad, barbeque, fruit salad, lechon baboy, ham, and all sorts of varieties are devoured at twelve midnight by Filipino families.

Of course, the popular “Monito Monita” or gift exchange will never be forgotten. This tradition can be also humored by those who participate in it as they twist the theme of their gifts. It’s a gagging and heartwarming tradition done by children and adults. Gifts rain and so does money.

“Aguinaldo” is what Filipinos call money given on Christmas day, it is usually inside an angpao or given directly. It is gifted to mostly children and teenagers by working adults in the Family. It can be said as one of the highlights of Christmas. Christmas will always have a room in the hearts of Filipinos. Its traditions are as spirited as the event. There may be tons of traditions out there in the world, but no one can trade how beautiful and lively Filipino Christmas traditions are. Christmas in the Philippines is genuinely one of the best as it surrounds culture, religion, and family–forever a favorite no matter how older Filipinos age.

Sacrifices and Realizations

Written by Sophia Suarez and Hedy Pico Line art and Rendered by Hedy Pico Rendered by John Maurice Cruz Color and Text by Angela Manaloto

Acknowledgment

As we brave into this years’ holiday season, we celebrate not just the yuletide, but also the breakthroughs that came walking towards it. Greeted with the glee of returning back to the new normal and festivities slowly coming back to us, we are delighted to face the old traditions and greet the new ones amidst the adversities that most of us are still facing. We will be walking into the year of 2023 joyfully creating memories and remembering those that we made this year. In hopes of preserving the holiday cheer we have created this book to extend the warmth for as long as we want to. We would like to extend our gratitude to the writers and the artists that contributed to this project. Bringing the merriest cheers and warmest feelings of the holidays wouldn’t be possible without these people.

Special thanks to the following, this project wouldn’t be complete without them:

Maria Angela Manaloto Xia Xinjie Ruthie Joanna Torres Khriseanne Elizabeth Salvador Michelle Shane Apostol Juan Gabriel Simbulan McGiorge David Hannah Pineda Keisha Angelique Yu Princess Payumo Winston Adam Lejarde Lance Jester Enguerra Lady Mary Felizziety Daguay Mary Rose Samson Brienne David Sophia Rose Suarez Hedy Hazelene Pico John Maurice Cruz Iza Tinsay Kyra Villena Godwin Pring

Princess Payumo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | McGiorge David MANAGING EDITOR | Hannah Rica Pineda SENIOR LITERARY EDITOR, CIRCULATION MANAGER | Khriseanne Salvador JUNIOR LITERARY EDITOR | Maria Angela Manaloto SENIOR ARTS EDITOR | Hedy Hazelene Pico JUNIOR ARTS EDITOR | Brandon Patungan TECHNICAL EDITOR | Michelle Shane Apostol, Alessandra Valencia PHOTOJOURNALISTS | Winston Adam Lejarde CHIEF LAYOUT ARTIST | Iza Tinsay, Godwin Pring, Sophia Rose Suarez, Lady Mary Felizziety Daguay, Brienne David, Kyra Villena, Khriseanne Elizabeth Salvador STAFF WRITERS |Juan Gabriel Simbulan, Ruthie Joanna Torres, Keisha Angelique Yu, Dian Lars Soliman, Ayessa Marie Agustin, John Maurice Cruz, Fercy Ehdzon Lancion GRAPHIC ARTISTS | Lance Jester Enguerra, Mary Rose Samson EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

Basement, Peter G. Nepomuceno B, Holy Angel University, Sto. Rosario St., Angeles City Hotline: (045) 322-6372 • 888-8691 loc. 1490 0961-635-2417 • 0923-735-8431 • 0976-161-8518