Kwentong Pasko mula sa Seattle

Here are my thoughts about Christmas in the Philippines. Nagbabalik sa aking ala-ala ang maraming kaugalian sa atin kapag panahon ng kapaskuhan. Simbang Gabi brings back my memory of stalls outside the churches attracting drowsy devotees with the oven-hot puto bumbong, bibingka and many other native cakes. Katerno ng mga kakaning aking binanggit ay umuusok na salabat, coffee or tsokolate. On Christmas Eve, bawat sambahayang Filipino, kahit gaanong kahirap ang buhay, Filipinos celebrate Noche Buena with some table fare beyond the day-to-day budget. Isang napakagandang kaugalian na aking nakagisnan ay ang pagmamano ng mga kabataan sa mga nakakatanda sa kanila. Sa araw ng Pasko, ang mga kabataan ay namamasyal sa bahay-bahay upang bisitahin ang kanilang mga lolo, lola, tiya, tiyo at mga ninong at ninang Tuwing sasapit ang ganitong panahon, nagbabalik sa aking ala-ala ang iba pang mga kaugalian sa Pilipinas. On New Year’s Eve, Filipinos gather for the “media noche" or midnight meal – feast that is also supposed to symbolize our hopes for a prosperous New Year. Kahit ipinagbabawal ang anumang uri ng paputok (firecrackers), many Filipinos see these as the traditional means to greet the New Year. The loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are not only meant to celebrate the coming of the New Year but are also supposed to drive bad spirits away. 'Yung mga umiiwas sa sakuna na dulot ng paputok other methods of merrymaking include banging on pots and pans and blowing on horns. I remember my Auntie Tinay, wearing her favorite polka-dot house dress, would bring out her can of coins which she would shake at the stroke of midnight. Our dining table would be adorned with oranges, grapes and other round shape fruits and objects that we believe would bring good luck. We would open all the windows in our house and turn all the lights to drive away the evil spirit. Iyan ang aking kwento tungkol sa kapaskuhan. Maligayang Pasko mga kapuso! Dr. Romy Protacio PO Box 27366 Seattle, WA 98165 - GMANews.TV