Philippines' best on Christmas Season in Seven Points

Many believe that aside from summer, the holidays is a perfect time for explorers to venture to new destinations. Aside from enjoying the rush and thrill of consecutive celebrations on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, people also get the chance to reunite and experience the various festivities and wonder across nations.

If you are looking for a new adventure with your family and friends, the Philippines might just be the perfect destination for you. Known for having one of the best Christmas celebrations around the world, it prides itself with rich traditions, marvelous tourist spots, and hospitable locals.

Since the country is composed of 7,107 islands, it might be best to choose the island and/or province you wish to specifically go to before flying in. But in case you want to explore most of it, here’s an A-list of the things you should do to maximize your trip over the holidays:

Amaze your senses with bright lights and artistry. You are not to be disappointed if you expected a very festive atmosphere in the Philippines in December. Wherever you go, Christmas decors hang beautifully on the streets and outside houses. Some shopping malls and parks in the metro even put up artistic Christmas lights shows. One of the most famous of such is the Ayala Triangle Christmas Lights and Sounds Show in Makati.

Hooray to Lantern Parades! Christmas in the Philippines won’t be complete without lanterns. Before the fad of flying sky lanterns, there were traditional lanterns meticulously made to be decors in the streets, houses, and establishments. Gigantic lanterns of various artistic designs parade the Academic Oval of University of the Philippines Diliman and the streets of San Fernando, Pampanga for its annual lantern parades respectively.

 Misa de Gallo. Since majority of the population are Catholics, religious practices are observed during the Christmas season. Aside from the usual attendance of Holy Mass on Christmas Day, Catholics also strive to complete nine dawn masses from December 16 – 24 as a preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. It is also believed that if someone completes the so-called Simbang Gabi, his or her wish will come true. Parishioners are also often enticed to eat rice cakes such as bibingka and puto bumbong after the mass.

Treat your taste buds to Filipino delicacies. Make sure that you try the delicious Filipino dishes during your stay wherever you are in the country. Some of these delicacies are chicken or pork adobo, dinuguan, and sinigang. When you go out in the streets at night, don’t miss out on eating street foods like isaw (either chicken or pork intestine), betamax (chicken blood), pork barbeque, and of course the world-famous balut. Feast with the most impeccable dishes as you enjoy the festivities on Christmas Eve’s Noche Buena.

Shop ‘til you drop escapade. Reward yourself from the hard work you put in for the entire year with cheap bargains in a shopping spree. From mall markdowns to “ukay-ukay” or bargain shops, you could surely afford the items on your Christmas wish list. Enjoy searching for the latest fashion trend pieces and the top of the line gadgets in Greenhills Shopping Mall and Divisoria. With a little charm and patience, you’ll surely find quality pieces in incredibly low prices.

Lure yourself with beaches and other kinds of water adventure. The Philippines is home of some of the best beaches and water wonders in the world. On top of the list is the famous white sand beach of Boracay Island. Also enjoy the beauty of Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s Underground River, one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature. Ride the perfect breaking waves in the country’s surfing capital, Siargao Island. Raise the bar of your adventure level for water-sports activities in Camarines Sur and white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro City.

Go down memory lane and visit historic landmarks. Behind the rich culture and traditions of the Philippines is the deep and colorful history of the provinces and its people. The tour around the country won’t be complete without quick visits to its historical landmarks. The famous destinations such as Intramuros in Manila, Shine of Valor in Mt. Samat, Bataan, Biak na Bato in San Miguel, Bulacan, Stone Houses in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and Magellan’s Cross in Cebu will give you snippets of what transpired hundreds of years ago.

Have these holidays travel tips enticed you yet? What are you waiting for? Contact your family and friends, book the cheapest flight, plan your itinerary, and experience firsthand why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

(P.S. This is the second article requirement for J 195)