CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE PHILIPPINES 2019
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| by: Ronan Vergara |
What Christmas could ever be more colorful than one which is celebrated as early as the onset of the “ber” months? Yes, Christmas carols can be heard as early as September, and more so at the beginning of December, when you can expect hoards of children and sometimes adults caroling you in front of your houses, and even at the sides of your car during traffic, asking for some “Talent Fee” for their impromptu Christmas concert.
Then, starting December 15, the Catholic Church begins the “Simbang Gabi” – a series of nine Masses is held before the break of Dawn, thus giving it the name “Misa de Gallo.” (Spanish for “Mass of the Rooster) Christmas lanterns adorn every place, coming in different shapes and sizes, from a little tasseled star to a gigantic supernova.
Surely, these images would bring forth memories of your home, the Philippines, and the more you remember, the more you’d long to come back home for Christmas.
So come home to where your heart is and experience the Christmas holidays.
Coming home, you might need to look for the most suitable accommodations to keep you comfortable always without slashing much from your budget. So, if you’re planning to stay in the National Capital Region in Novaliches - you could well consider residing at the fully-furnished residential in Novaliches, Quezon City. These units accept short-term as well as long-term (one to five years) occupants. More so, these are located in the heart of Quezon City, thus giving you free reign to where you want to be.
Balikbayan Tips for Christmas Rush Accommodation
Coming Back Home to the Philippines.
Nothing can ever exceed the joy of coming back home. This is very much true for our “Balikbayans,” who would love revisiting the Philippines after being away for some time in different places around the world. And of the twelve months in a year, the influx of Balikbayans happens in December.
If you’re planning to return to the Philippines for the holidays, here is one very simple tip: avoid the Christmas rush. It is advisable to book for a plane ticket months before December so as to save money for the air fare and ensure available seats. Some Filipinos overseas do this too late an instance that they fail to go back home right before December 25.
Take note too that December is a peak season for businesses in the Philippines, and this includes hotels and resorts, so expect to pay a little more than the usual rate in hotels. If you’re the type who cries “save” rather than “splurge,” then cut of the idea of staying in a hotel for some days. Staying at the house of your relatives is also very much okay, that is, if you still got relatives and friends here who are much willing to spend some nights with you.
Definitely, there are alternatives to find sound and practical furnished accommodation in Novaliches where you can stay during the holidays. With its location, you have good access to many different parts of Metropolitan Manila.
Christmas Gifts Tips for Balikbayan
Balikbayan Gift Giving 101
I got two sisters and a nephew working in Canada who regularly send huge gift boxes during December. But what’s more exciting is having them with us during the holidays, wherein we’d feel much more a complete family.
I know that this is one feeling shared by all Balikbayans who long to be back for Christmas, and if you’re that Balikbayan, you would expect a good number of hands stretching out before you for some imported items.
But I know you’d agree with me that it’s more practical to buy the gifts here in the Philippines, and if this is your preference, you have to think of the most practical place for you to do your most practical shopping.
Since malls (including duty-free shops) would care less in giving discounts during the Christmas rush, you may want to visit some other shops that offer more for less. A classic place is Divisoria, although you have to brace yourself for some elbow pushing as the crowd there inconveniently swells during Christmas season too. There is also the Dapitan Arcade that offers good holiday items at lower price compared to malls.
So if you plan to do some shopping in this place, you better stay in an area close by. Residential units in Novaliches, Quezon City is a perfect place to stay for the holiday season. With fully furnished units- this temporary residence won’t lack anything more to keep you safe and sound and comfy all throughout your hectic holiday in home.
Traffic Jams during Christmas Time and Surviving
Jamming the Holidays – in the Streets
During the Christmas season, people seem to get more and more excited over their Christmas shopping that they get to stay out in the malls more often than usual. Hence, traffic jams ensue, and you’d be left with nothing else to do but sulk in the bus or in your private vehicle.
Once I had to endure six hours of travel in a route that normally takes two hours to finish, and I got to brush up on softening my short temperament amidst the traffic congestion and my filled up bladder. The streets are terrifyingly congested, aren’t; they?
As long as overly excited mallers traveling all over Manila mix up with the mayhem caused by road improvement projects, there will always be heavy traffic, and you can’t do nothing but adjust. Since traveling is inevitable, you can only settle for the next best thing – stay near your parents' all the time, so they can assist you and your family whenever needed.
If you plan to reside in the Metropolitan Manila area, better choose to stay a residential unit right in the heart of the busy city to save you much time and effort in traveling to and from your work. In Novaliches, the center point of the ever-bustling Quezon City, there are apartments that may be well-suited for your convenience and needs. And you won’t feel shortchanged in these fully-furnished apartments for short term and long term accommodations.
So, this Christmas, chose the best place to stay, and let nothing else but laughter and cheers jam your way and consider also staying days at the mountain city, called Baguio City.
Tip: Always be early.
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