Simbang gabi, Misa de Gallo, lechon, bibingka, buko salad, puto bumbong, ang pao – you probably already have an idea what is this all about.
Filipino Christmas, known as “Pasko,” is a festive and joyous celebration making it the most anticipated and celebrated occasion in the Philippines. For foreigners, it is a surprise that Filipinos start celebrating Christmas as soon as the “Ber” months (September, October, November, December) begin – making it one of the longest Christmas seasons globally.
Come “Ber” months – it is impossible not to hear the songs of Jose Mari Chan in every radio station, Christmas carols are heard in malls, homes, and even on the streets. Some households put up decorations and Christmas lights as early as September to spread the festive season.
International student Precious Calayan from Sydney is emotional that this year, for the very first time in 28 years – she will celebrate this festive season away from her family.
“It is very heavy for me whenever I think about it – not being able to be with my family in this occasion really hits me hard. I grew up knowing that Christmas and New Year is a Family occasion where I get to bond with my mom, dad, brother, cousins, and other relatives.
I’m slowly accepting that this is my reality now, and this is the sacrifice that I have to face because of the choice that I made – as well as being grateful and contented with the life and the opportunity that I am having.”
For Filipinos – Christmas is a time for family reunions, enjoying delicious food, a time not to miss the karaoke, and truly a time when the spirit of giving and love prevails making it a truly heart-warming and joy-filled season.
Ending the Year with Grit and Gratitude
Experience is indeed the best teacher. Only on her 6th month in Australia, Precious has achieved quite a lot. Equipped with determination, and resilience – she can only appreciate how the setbacks have changed her views.
“I can say that this experience really changed my life and perspective in things, I have matured so much wherein I care less for things that don’t really matter in life also as not spending much money for shopping and other material things because now I always have the thought behind my head that I can just save it for something important in the future.
My life in the Philippines was very chill and very well settled which is why it is very different when I arrived here – here I have to do everything for myself such as washing my clothes, doing groceries, taking care of myself when I’m sick, working to provide for myself and a lot more.
I faced a lot of challenges here – when I was renting a studio in the City, the rent was very expensive, it was hard for me to keep up with the payments since I’m just earning enough money to pay rent and also thinking of how I can still afford to buy my needs and necessities.
Good thing I found a cheaper place just a few minutes away from the city and also a much stable and well-paying job, so now I’m finally getting settled and finally having once in a lifetime opportunity like when I got a shift to work as a chef at the Opera house and being able to land a job as chef in just a few months that I am here.
After everything I’ve been through here (in Sydney), I would like to say that –
- Be patient in everything because it really takes time to get settled and be stable here.
- Never be picky with the opportunities that is coming your way because it will always be a good stepping stone for you to reach your end goal.
- Be strong. Don’t let the sadness and homesickness stop you from moving forward and making your dreams happen.
- Be grateful with everything that you have and everything that is happening in your life whether it’s a small or big thing.
- Always pray, because God is the only one you can lean and depend on besides yourself and that no matter how hard the circumstances are he will always provide.”
Before the year ends, take time to reflect and remember that…
“There are no shortcuts to excellence. Developing real expertise, figuring out really hard problems, it all takes time―longer than most people imagine….you’ve got to apply those skills and produce goods or services that are valuable to people….Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it…it’s doing what you love, but not just falling in love―staying in love.”
