Aired (December 15, 2024): Join Biyahero Drew as he explores heartwarming family traditions and celebrations that beautifullu capture the spirit of a true Filipino Christmas.
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00:00Did you admit it, Bejeros?
00:05The cold breeze of Christmas!
00:08Hi! So nostalgic!
00:11But before Ginaldo gives and exchange gifts, help me first.
00:18Bejeros, join me in listing the Christmas foods.
00:24Decorations, ornaments, and decorations for a happy Christmas.
00:28Woohoo!
00:36When the moon rises, the surrounding starts to light up.
00:40You know it's Christmas when it starts to get dark in the houses.
00:44Clue! It gives light in the dark night.
00:47It sparkles and it's like dancing in the night sky.
00:50Can you guess what I'm talking about, Bejeros?
00:52Lights! Of course, we can't miss the Christmas lights.
00:55This house in Lokban, Quezon is very old.
00:59From the house it's built, to the knock of the door,
01:03wherever you look, it's full of Christmas decorations.
01:06Award, huh?
01:08We started decorating in 2012,
01:10and my parents thought it would be better to celebrate this Christmas
01:15if we decorate.
01:17Until the Esperanza family did it,
01:20the first year of Christmas lights.
01:22That's why their house became a tourist attraction in Lokban.
01:26It warms our hearts that we can see the happiness of the children.
01:32If we talk about lights,
01:34we can't miss this.
01:36The symbol of the Filipinos,
01:38a white light that when you turn it on,
01:41you can see a smile.
01:43Can you turn all the lights on?
01:45The lights in this place are only 20 feet,
01:48or equivalent to 3 feet.
01:49Only 20 feet,
01:51or equivalent to 3 long people.
01:53And the lights there,
01:55manually.
01:57Before Christmas came,
01:59the Filipinos were waiting for this year.
02:03Every barangay of San Fernando, Pampanga,
02:06built big and colorful lights
02:09in Ligligan Parol, or Giant Lantern Festival.
02:12But the lights of these giant lights,
02:15you know, it's not automatic.
02:16It's manually turned on
02:19using these giant drums,
02:21called rotors.
02:23So the wiring will be connected there?
02:26The wiring will be connected here.
02:29Okay.
02:31And when it touches the light,
02:35it will light up.
02:37It's like a music box, right?
02:39So,
02:42when it moves, it suddenly lights up?
02:44Yes, when it touches the wires.
02:48There.
02:50If it's here, it won't light up.
02:52Where is it?
02:54Does it all need to be connected?
02:56No, it doesn't need to.
02:58It's different.
03:00Oh, so there's also music?
03:02Yes.
03:04It's different.
03:06It's different.
03:10It doesn't need to be manually turned on.
03:12The pacing is good.
03:14The timing is good.
03:22So, each, what do you call this?
03:24Barrel?
03:26Rotor.
03:28Rotor.
03:30Each rotor, this is one piece?
03:32Yes, this is a different piece.
03:34Okay, it's a different piece.
03:36So you did the masking tape yourself?
03:38Yes.
03:40What can I try there?
03:42There's...
03:44Okay, I'll try.
03:47Here, I'll just bring it.
03:51Here, here, here.
03:57Ah, that's the front.
04:00How much does it cost?
04:02Php 14,140.
04:04Php 14,140.
04:07Php 14,140.
04:09So, if you're going to pray,
04:11if the...
04:13I hope there's no ghost.
04:15There's no ghost.
04:17That's it, right?
04:19You'll see this in the evening.
04:21It's really big, right?
04:23This is big.
04:25Because of the construction of the church,
04:27San Fernando was also considered the Christmas capital of the Philippines.
04:30But not only here,
04:32Christmas was also felt here,
04:34as well as in other cities in the Philippines.
04:35In Angeles,
04:37their tradition of
04:39Luvenas, or Parating ng Mga Parol,
04:41is still alive and well.
04:43It's been a long-standing tradition
04:45for many decades.
04:47When I do it,
04:49I enjoy myself.
04:51Now, I'll enjoy it more
04:54if I can learn how to do it.
04:56You're teaching?
04:58I'm teaching.
05:00Why are you teaching?
05:02I was given this for free.
05:03If I don't get paid,
05:05I'll pretend that I don't get paid.
05:07That's where
05:09I'll be happy.
05:11I'll share my knowledge with them
05:13so that their tradition
05:15will not be lost.
05:18In the procession of Luvenas,
05:2012 Parol
05:22are being paraded
05:24as a symbol of the 12 Apostles of Jesus.
05:27If in Pampanga,
05:29the Parol is a symbol of grandeur and grandeur,
05:30the Parol is for you,
05:32the people of Romblon.
05:34We won't run away.
05:36Their Parol,
05:38rumarampa, paak, plakado.
05:40Instead of throwing away
05:42the dry leaves,
05:44they're transforming them
05:46into fashion.
05:48That's the kick-tock sensation
05:50of Madam Pilikitok from Romblon.
05:52I'm known as Dahon Queen.
05:54This Christmas,
05:56I thought of making a gimmick.
05:58I thought of making
06:00Miss Romblon's national costume
06:02is inspired by the iconic
06:04Philippine Christmas symbol
06:06known locally as the Parol,
06:08signifying hope amidst despair.
06:10Presenting Miss Romblon!
06:12For her next outfit,
06:14still in celebration of the Christmas season,
06:16in times of darkness,
06:18there is light with Miss Romblon.
06:20And so,
06:22let's go home,
06:24because someone has already won.
06:26I want to give happiness to people
06:28so that their stress
06:30can be relieved.
06:32This outfit is for people
06:34who are trapped in sadness.
06:36When it comes to Christmas,
06:38it can't be without
06:40white belts,
06:42red outfits,
06:44and children's excitement.
06:46The Ho-Ho-Ho-Utopia Heroes!
06:48Ho-Ho-Ho-Course!
06:50Santa Claus!
06:52Santa here,
06:54Santa there,
06:56Santa everywhere!
06:58The Santa Collection
07:00Is it safe to call you
07:02Mrs. Santa?
07:04Yes!
07:06Your house is very beautiful.
07:08Your garden of Santas
07:10is very beautiful.
07:12When did you start this collection?
07:14I started with this collection
07:16more than 15 years ago.
07:18Of course,
07:20I see him as a very important icon
07:22for Christmas.
07:24The Santa Claus pieces of Mrs. Claus
07:26and Miss Susanne
07:28are of different sizes,
07:30I mean,
07:32how many Santa Claus's do you have?
07:34You know, I stopped counting.
07:36Which is a good thing.
07:38If that's the case,
07:40that's a lot.
07:42I know, I stopped counting.
07:44But do you still buy?
07:46Yes, I do.
07:48The smallest,
07:50biggest,
07:52most valuable Santa.
07:54Of course,
07:56the biggest is the one
07:58that greeted you at the door.
08:00Santa Niño.
08:03Even outside the house,
08:05Santa Claus is raining.
08:07Wow, look at this garden.
08:09It's perfect because,
08:11you know, I've been to so many,
08:13how should I say this,
08:15houses with a lot of Santa collections.
08:18But for me,
08:20Baguio is such a perfect,
08:22inappropriate place
08:24because the weather is so cool,
08:26I mean, it's cool.
08:28The Santa Claus of Mrs. Polo
08:30Ho, ho, ho,
08:32Tumata, hol, hol, hol.
08:34If Santa is a reindeer,
08:36Aileen is a Shih Tzu.
08:38They are Pasty, Kaylee,
08:40Katie, Bailey,
08:42Santy, Samantha,
08:44Marvin, and Mackie.
08:46Why do you like Shih Tzu?
08:48Because they are very loving
08:50and jolly.
08:52When they are together,
08:54they are playful.
08:56They are our toys.
08:57They are our toys
08:59that we play with every day.
09:02Jesus,
09:04if they are the only reindeers,
09:06a whole lot of them.
09:08Treats be with you right away.
09:10Ho, ho, ho,
09:12Merry Christmas!
09:14Knocking on every door,
09:16and singing until Christmas.
09:18Are you a reindeer?
09:20Have you ever tried being a reindeer?
09:22Well, I'll test you now
09:24with some locals of Cavite.
09:25This is the Diakula Christmas Carol Edition.
09:55Wow!
09:57They are stronger than us.
09:59Stronger than you?
10:01Stronger than them?
10:03We'll find out.
10:05The mechanics are very simple.
10:07Our band will play in the back.
10:09Whoever has the most correct answers,
10:11they will win.
10:13Let's play Diakula!
10:15Of course, you can also join the heroes.
10:17Hashtag Team Bahay!
10:19My show, take it away!
10:26That's it.
10:28Hark the angels sing!
10:31Deck the halls!
10:38Answer?
10:40Jingle bells.
10:42Answer?
10:44Wow, you also got it right!
10:46Jingle bells is correct!
10:48My show, take it away!
10:56Hark the herald angels sing is correct!
11:00Hark the...
11:02Hark the angels sing.
11:04Angel sing.
11:06Angel sing.
11:08I already know who will win.
11:10From the start, I already know who will win.
11:13I already judged your looks.
11:15I already know who will win.
11:17Hark the herald angels sing is correct!
11:21You heroes, you have several points.
11:23Meanwhile, Team Lagundong,
11:25will receive 1,000 pesos.
11:27Congratulations!
11:29Anopia namasin!
11:32Congratulations!
11:34Better luck next time.
11:36Thank you, thank you.
11:38The next riddle is also counted.
11:41If you complete the Shamna Araw,
11:43your prayers will be answered.
11:45Are you ready to celebrate Sibang Gabi, heroes?
11:49Here in Kawit,
11:50the last day of Sibang Gabi
11:52is the most awaited by your friends.
11:54During the last Nisa Kasin of Sibang Gabi,
11:56a tradition that has been practiced for hundreds of years,
11:59is celebrated,
12:01the Maitinez Festival.
12:03Alright heroes,
12:05we are here at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
12:07And as you can see,
12:09inside or behind me,
12:11I think they are preparing
12:13for their annual Maitinez Festival.
12:20Maitinez is the highlight
12:23of our December here in Kawit.
12:25No one can say when it started.
12:27General Emilio Aguinaldo was the last one to ask,
12:30he didn't know when it started
12:32because he was already awake.
12:34So the people of Kawit
12:36are continuing this tradition of Maitinez.
12:40Every year,
12:42at the end of the night of December 24,
12:44the parade of people will start in the Bible.
12:46It starts with Adam and Eve.
12:47But what everyone is most looking forward to
12:50is the continuation.
12:52Kawit has a theatrical background.
12:56Mary and Joseph are looking for a successor.
12:59Then this will end at the church,
13:02at the altar.
13:04The angels will welcome Mary and Joseph,
13:06the ones who are giving birth.
13:08Then they will sing.
13:10That's where Jesus Christ will be born.
13:12So that's the center of the Maitinez celebration.
13:14This is the altar of Maitinez.
13:16This altar will become a giant balloon.
13:19One of the members of Maitinez is Len,
13:22who is giving birth as Virgin Mary.
13:25I actually remember,
13:27we didn't have Christmas Eve at home.
13:31So Maitinez is always here.
13:33It's a tradition.
13:35When I was young,
13:37I said, I want that.
13:39When there was an audition,
13:41I said, I have to try this.
13:42I auditioned.
13:44You feel that it's such a huge part of their lives.
13:50You know, trying to extend the tradition
13:54for years and years.
13:56And you can see in their eyes
13:58that they're excited to do it,
14:00even though they do it every single year.
14:02There's like a sense of pride
14:04that you can see in their eyes
14:06that the devotion of the local community
14:09towards this specific event
14:12that only happens once a year,
14:15is a bit wild.
14:18And I think that's their definition of Christmas.
14:21Of course, our families also have their own traditions
14:26during Christmas.
14:28It's Christmas time,
14:30and I think for most families,
14:32during Christmas,
14:34the family will be together.
14:36Of course, the family should be complete.
14:37Usually, we just keep on eating.
14:41What's important to me,
14:43and I think to my siblings,
14:45and I think to my husband,
14:47is that the apple pie can't be missing.
14:51Enter the wife.
14:55I agree.
14:57The apple pie can't be missing.
14:59Why is that?
15:01Because your father started it.
15:04Every Christmas,
15:05he would always have Manang Meri.
15:07Who's Manang Meri, love?
15:09Manang Meri is the long-term,
15:11long-time mother-in-law of my grandmother.
15:14We grew up going to my grandmother's place every Sunday,
15:18eating really good food because of Manang Meri.
15:21Because of Manang Meri!
15:23And how he cooks,
15:25how she cooks,
15:27there's no recipe.
15:29She knows it by heart.
15:31It is really the best.
15:33It's just perfect.
15:35I'm not going to have apple pie
15:37unless it's Manang Meri's apple pie.
15:39There you go.
15:42The recipe of the apple pie
15:44was learned by my husband from Manang Meri.
15:46So now, it's our family secret.
16:04Love, oh my goodness.
16:07It's still hot.
16:12There's a mic that I'm holding.
16:15I'm dropping it.
16:19Merry Christmas.
16:21Merry Christmas.
16:28But we always have a present to eat every Christmas.
16:31There's nyog,
16:33there's mantequilla,
16:35and kule violet.
16:38Let's admit, we're also excited for Christmas Eve
16:41because there's puto bongbong, right?
16:44In the past, nyog was just mashed,
16:46but now, there are many other toppings.
16:48How many puto bongbong did you order, Peros?
16:51This special puto bongbong in Cavite
16:54is even more special.
16:56It was completed by the study of the children of the owner.
16:58This special puto bongbong
17:00was cooked by the 70-year-old puto bongbong queen
17:03of the Fernando family,
17:05Nanay Teresita.
17:07Our puto bongbong
17:09was completed
17:11by our siblings.
17:13It became our bread and butter
17:16since we were kids.
17:18I studied
17:20and graduated
17:22in Computer Engineering.
17:24Computer Engineering
17:26and I traveled to other countries.
17:29Because of puto bongbong,
17:31I graduated
17:33and by profession, I'm an aircraft mechanic.
17:36And now, I'm based here in Japan.
17:39We do our own work
17:41and we will never leave our family
17:44to sell puto bongbong.
17:46We're proud that
17:48my mother gave us a good job.
17:51When Christmas Eve came,
17:52we were all together
17:54with our children.
17:56We were all there,
17:58including my mother and my nieces.
18:00And my children,
18:02they all know how to make puto bongbong
18:04because they were with me.
18:06Now, Nanay Teresita's recipe
18:08has been passed on to the 3rd generation of the family.
18:11I was always with my grandmother
18:13when she was selling puto bongbong
18:15and my mother.
18:17Now, I'm selling puto bongbong.
18:19I started selling puto bongbong
18:20when I was 8 years old.
18:22I started with my grandmother
18:24when she was selling puto bongbong.
18:26Sometimes, I cry because I'm happy
18:28because I said,
18:30thank God,
18:32I raised my children.
18:34It's a shame that my husband
18:36didn't see the situation
18:38of his children now.
18:43When Christmas Day comes,
18:45you don't just wait for a gift.
18:48Of course,
18:50you have to prepare for it.
18:52Have you thought about what you'll prepare?
18:55Usually,
18:57this is the centerpiece of the preparation.
18:59And when it comes to making puto bongbong,
19:01it comes first.
19:03Just by the sound of it,
19:05you'll know that it's lechon.
19:07Will you make lechon this Christmas?
19:09Of course, you will.
19:11But if the budget is tight,
19:13you can still make lechon,
19:15even if it's not the whole lechon.
19:17Lechon bilao is a must.
19:18We thought of making a complete set
19:20with Cebuano's favorite foods.
19:22We added lechon beli,
19:24bam-i,
19:26and other Pinoy classic dishes.
19:28The star of this bilao is lechon beli,
19:30the softest part of pork.
19:33Sugar up!
19:35Merry Christmas!
19:38What if I make lechon instead of pork?
19:41Will you still be mad at me?
19:44Lechon kalabaw is tastier
19:46compared to pork.
19:48There's no sauce in the sauce of kalabaw.
19:50Because it's injected there,
19:52it's already tasty.
19:54If there's lechon beli in pork,
19:56in kalabaw,
19:58there's lechon lomo,
20:00or the back part.
20:02Let's try how to cook it.
20:04The mixed flavors
20:06will be crushed manually in the lomo.
20:10Then it will be tied
20:12to start the lechon.
20:14Viajero Drew is out.
20:16Lechonero Drew is in.
20:19If you order a whole lechon kalabaw,
20:21it will take 7 hours to cook.
20:29But if you order lomo,
20:31it will take only 2 hours to cook.
20:41It's really hard
20:43if I don't know that it's kalabaw.
20:45I'm really thinking of beef.
20:47I get it now why
20:49Filipinos prefer kalabaw
20:51to beef sometimes.
20:53Or most of the time.
20:55And I guess for the nth time,
20:57we tried kalabaw,
21:00I think I appreciate kalabaw more.
21:04Or beef.
21:06I think they're fooling me.
21:17Christmas is when
21:19families get together.
21:21What's the point?
21:23As long as they're together,
21:25it's happier.
21:27But what's the point of celebration
21:29if the family is not together?
21:31A family of doctors
21:33that grew up in Baguio,
21:35the Claridad family,
21:37and because of their profession,
21:39sometimes their way of celebrating Christmas
21:41is different.
21:43We celebrate Christmas
21:44in a traditional way.
21:46Yes, we do that.
21:48Well, most of the time,
21:50since we're doctors,
21:52we spend time during Christmas
21:54in the hospital.
21:56Yes.
21:58Since...
22:00Can't we celebrate
22:02December 24, 25
22:04until January 1?
22:06Usually doctors,
22:08you guys are workhorses.
22:10Can't you do that?
22:12No, we can't.
22:14So it's better to be
22:16in the hospital
22:18than rushing to the hospital.
22:20The clock strikes at 12.
22:22Do you guys have
22:24parties in the hospital?
22:26Yes.
22:28So what we do usually is
22:30noce buena with them.
22:33And they also bring
22:35some of their food and share.
22:37Christmas is such
22:39an important
22:41time
22:42for our family, of course,
22:44because,
22:46especially now,
22:48because we're starting
22:50to produce new traditions,
22:52and seeing them,
22:54their faces,
22:56their faces lit up
22:58when we give presents.
23:00So the true heart of Christmas
23:04comes from the family.
23:07That's it.
23:12We, Filipinos, have the longest
23:14Christmas celebration in the world
23:16for more than 4 months.
23:18We have our own Christmas haves
23:20and Christmas dos
23:22so that we can fully enjoy it.
23:24Whatever it is,
23:26one thing is a must this Christmas.
23:28Loving and giving
23:30is the true joy of Christmas.