It’s the year end and New Year happens to be the biggest festival around the world, but nothing beats Philippines. Celebrated with éclat and great ardor, this Southeast Asian Island gives you more than what you expect. The New Year in Philippines is celebrated with lots of blare and sound as it drives away all evil spirits creates space for good ones. Fireworks, glittering lights, happy people is of the common sight and it lacks nowhere in display of its celebratory élan.
Crescent-shaped beaches dusted with talcum powder-like sand; uninhabited tropical islands, lush impenetrable jungles bristling with unique wildlife, the thrusting soaring capital of Manila, historic cities, a diverse local cuisine and culture …the Philippines has all this and more. Go there and discover some of the 7,107 islands of this vibrant archipelago where English is widely spoken, the people are fun loving and life moves to a lilting beat. So here are few things to look out for New Year celebrations in Philippines:
Fireworks: This is about pure, unadulterated, angelic and fun fireworks like you have never seen before. Fireworks have become a major part of New Year’s tradition as the Simbang Gabi (dawn mass) is a Christmas tradition. The experience of seeing all those bursting and glittering lights and looking up in the bright skies is truly magical.
Make some noise: For those who are not fans of fireworks, there are alternative noisemakers. So what do we use? Trumpets (they’re hot items during this time), pots, pans, whistles, car horns, anything that will make a lot of noise. Or you can turn up your radio or MP3 full blast and have the songs blaring at top volume.
Food: Here comes the best part food! Celebrate the New Year’s Eve by sharing a midnight meal with family and friends (called the Media Noche). This feast symbolizes family union and celebration. Tikoy, pansit, hopia, lumpia, adobo all the mouth watering dishes are made and feasted upon during this time.
Others
What to wear during the New Year’s Eve celebrations? How about clothes with polka-dots on them? There is the belief that wearing clothes with polka-dots will bring lots of money (or prosperity). If you want to increase your good luck, make sure that all your pockets and wallets have money on them. This will ensure that you will not have empty pockets the rest of the New Year.
Lastly, when you celebrate the coming of the New Year, make sure you have a happy smile on your face. Failure to do so will mean you will have 12 months of unhappiness during the coming year.
Manigong Bagong Taon!
Say happy New Year Filipino style