It’s December 16 and the first day of the Misa de Gallo. For nine consecutive early mornings before Christmas Day, Catholic Churches throughout the Philippines ring their bells around 3 am to invite the faithful to worship and announce the start of this holiday custom. After the mass, the parishoners including myself headed off toRead More
Filipino Christmas Carols for your Noche Buena
Here is a playlist of Filipino Christmas Carols I collated for you to add more joy to your Christmas celebration. The first song in the track is Pasko na Sinta ko sung by my two girls and three other members of the Manila Children’s Choir in 1999. The second track is “Kasadya ni Takna-a” composedRead More
Noche Buena and Holiday Cooking Ideas
That’s me and my family in last year’s Christmas Eve Noche Buena. I am sure a lot of you are planning your noche buena dishes for Christmas and New Year. That’s why you are here. I have my black book of recipes that serve as my recipe resources. I like to do a lot ofRead More
Castañas, Castanas, Roasted Chestnuts
When roasted chestnuts (Castañas, castanas) appear along the sidewalks in Divisoria, Manila, that means Christmas season is in the air. Only that Jack Frost is NOT nipping at my nose. Eating roasted chestnuts bring back the memories of my childhood when dad used to buy a kilo of it every December. Munching on the starchy,Read More
Majestic Ham
I started craving for Majestic Ham when I read Manolo‘s twitter which said “Happiness is a Majestic Ham”. After reading his twitter, I have been badgering my husband all day to buy Majestic Ham for me. That evening, he brought slices of Majestic Ham to my utter delight. I used the ham slices as fillingRead More
Puto Bumbong at SM Mall of Asia
If you are a balikbayan or returning Filipino this Christmas season, you don’t have to wake up during the misa de gallo just to taste Puto Bumbong. There is a stall inside the Taste Asia, of SM Mall of Asia or in their branch in Frontera Verde. For 26 pesos per serving, you will getRead More