Exploring San Fernando, Pampanga: Arts, Food and Faith (2nd of 3 Parts)

After our museum visit, we had lunch at Souq (pronounced "sook") Restaurant along Lazatin Avenue. Souq offers a creative fusion of Kapampangan cuisine, widely regarded as among the best in the Philippines, alongside other Filipino and Asian dishes. Since we wanted to sample a variety of flavors, we ordered several dishes to share.

One of the items I instantly liked was the restaurant's take on Okoy, a favorite Filipino treat traditionally made with shrimp and vegetables. Souq's version was both familiar and unique, a combination of grated papaya, kamote (sweet potato), and kalabasa (squash), topped with shrimp. The fritters did not have the usual patty-like appearance; they looked like a bird's nest and were crunchy and tasty. 

I ordered the crab rice, which I found very good. The rice was soft and must have included malagkit (glutinous rice), and the crab flavor was rich and creamy. Its savory taste made it satisfying, and it paired well with the other dishes we ordered.

My sisters also tried the kare-kare, which featured tender pork belly instead of the usual ox tail or tripe. My sisters, however, found the peanut sauce much sweeter than what we typically expect from a traditional kare-kare. The sweetness was quite pronounced, and I even suspected that the cook might have used peanut butter instead of actual peanuts to make the sauce. Of course, that was only my personal impression, and some diners may enjoy this variation. However, I prefer a more savory and nuttier kare-kare that lets the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and bagoong shine through.

I also had the opportunity to try the Asado Matua, a Kapampangan take on the Chinese dish asado. The dish featured pork shoulder slow-cooked in tomatoes, soy sauce, and calamansi, resulting in a deep, savory flavor balanced by a nice tanginess. The meat was tender and absorbed the rich flavors of the sauce. In a previous trip to Pampanga, I learned that "matua" is the Kapampangan word for traditional or old-style, which made the dish even more interesting. The Asado Matua is the pride of Kapampangan cooking, often served during celebrations and important occasions.  

We also ordered the Pasta sa Taba ng Alimango, or pasta in crab fat sauce. I did not get the chance to try it because I had already ordered the crab rice and did not want to double down on crab dishes. My sister was the one who sampled it, and judging from how little she ate, I suspect she was not particularly impressed. 

Since I was not the one who paid for lunch, I do not actually know how much the meal cost. However, my sisters were very happy with the bill and felt that we received excellent value for the quality and quantity of food we enjoyed. They even said that we probably would have paid considerably more for a similar lunch in Manila. We appreciated the experience even more because of that observation. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Souq, and I'd gladly go back to try their other dishes. 

Original images taken during our trip. No intended copyright infringement.

Apple Pay Finally Arrives in the Philippines

 

Image from apple.com/ph

Apple Pay has finally arrived in the Philippines. After years of wondering when I would be able to use it, Apple Pay launched in the Philippines today, August 4, 2026. The service allows users to make secure payments in stores, apps, and online using their Apple devices.

As someone who already prefers cashless transactions, I’ve been looking forward to this feature on my iPhone and Apple Watch for a long time.

At its launch, Apple Pay had partnered with four banks: Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank, and UnionBank, which became the first institutions to support the service, allowing eligible Visa and Mastercard cardholders to add their cards to Apple Wallet and begin using Apple Pay. Hopefully, more banks will join in the months ahead as the service gains traction locally.

So far, according to the Apple website, merchants such as Abenson, Anko, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Ayala Malls, Beyond the Box, Coach, Digimap, Foot Locker, Globe, HOKA, Hollister, Jollibee, Lush, Power Mac Center, Rustan’s, SaladStop!, Shake Shack, Smart, The Loop, The Matcha Tokyo, The Movie Snackbar, The Underbelly, and WalterMart Supermarket, and apps and websites including foodpanda, Jollibee, Rustan’s, and Shopee, will accept Apple Pay on launch date. 

To use the service in a participating store, double-click your iPhone’s side button, authenticate with Face ID, and tap the payment terminal. When shopping online, selecting Apple Pay lets you check out without repeatedly entering card details and billing information.

Security is another major advantage. Apple Pay does not store actual card numbers on the device or share them with merchants. Instead, it uses a Device Account Number. Every transaction also requires authentication through Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, ensuring that payment information is not compromised. What’s more, if your iPhone gets lost or stolen, you can use the Find My app to quickly locate, lock, or suspend payments from that device.

Like any new service, Apple Pay Philippines still has some limitations. Only four Philippine banks and a limited number of establishments currently support the service. Some merchants may not be familiar with Apple Pay just yet since the rollout is so new. I expect adoption to grow as more banks and businesses come on board.

Even with those early limitations, Apple Pay is, I think, an important step forward for digital payments in the Philippines. It’s a small convenience, but one that makes everyday transactions faster, easier, and more secure. I am already excited to use it for my next store or online purchase.

Exploring San Fernando, Pampanga: Arts, Food and Faith (1st of 3 Parts)

We went on a road trip to San Fernando, Pampanga last month, and it was both a memorable and enriching experience.   It took us almost two hours to reach the city, and our day trip gave us a glimpse of the many facets of Pampanga’s heritage, including paintings and religious artifacts, Kapampangan food, and historic churches.

Our morning started with a visit to the Museum of Philippine Arts and Culture, where we explored an impressive collection of works by some of the country's most celebrated artists, including Juvenal Sansó, Ang Kiukok, H.R. Ocampo, Malang, and Magsaysay-Ho.

The museum's collection, divided into two sections, included works by artists who received the Presidential Merit Award and those who were honored as National Artists of the Philippines. While each gallery showcased a different artistic perspective, together they painted a compelling portrait of Filipino life, history, and identity.

One fascinating detail we learned from our guide, Seb, was that artists such as Ang Kiukok and Juvenal Sansó often included a small dot or distinctive mark in their paintings to help identify the work as an original. Some visitors might overlook that detail, but it added another layer of appreciation for the artist's personality.

 

The art pieces are part of the personal collection of former Commissioner Andrea Domingo, and I noticed that many of the paintings celebrated Filipino women. Although expressed and painted in different styles,  they all seemed to capture the grace, strength, beauty, and femininity of the Filipina. The women portrayed in these works were not merely subjects; they were central figures in the story of Filipino life and culture.

 

Another recurring theme in the collection was Philippine rural life. Many of the paintings featured scenes such as farmers planting rice in lush fields, fishermen bringing in their catch, women weaving baskets by hand, and others gathering fruit from trees or carrying the day's harvest. Seb explained that many of the artists drew inspiration from the places where they lived, and it was easy to see how their communities, landscapes, and everyday experiences found their way onto canvas.

 After viewing the paintings, we went to another building in the complex that houses a collection of historical and religious artifacts. Among the most notable pieces were the many images and statues of the Virgin Mary and the Santo Niño. The images reflect the deep Catholic faith that has shaped Filipino’s belief and culture for centuries. 

The collection also included old pots, earthenware, and other ceremonial objects that offered a glimpse into how the earlier generations lived.

While I found the artifacts fascinating, I could not help feeling a little sad as I looked at some of them. Many of the religious images were clearly very old, and several appeared worn, faded, or in need of restoration. Their appearance may give them character and authenticity, but it also raises the need for their preservation.

Nevertheless, these artifacts, along with the artworks of Filipino masters, would someday help us better understand and remember the cultural, artistic, and spiritual foundations of our society.

Original images taken during our trip. No copyright infringement intended.

More Than Strays: Why Communities Fight for Their Cats and Dogs

Events in recent weeks have shown just how deeply Filipinos care about community animals. From UP Diliman's beloved campus dogs and cats to Melody, the much-loved cat of Wildflour in BGC, social media was flooded with posts, appeals, and conversations defending animals that many people felt were being treated as unwanted.

What was striking was not just how loud the reactions were, but the affection behind them. Thousands of people spoke up for animals they did not actually own but had come to know through daily encounters. Students worried about campus dogs they passed on their way to class. Office workers checked for updates on Melody. Volunteers, animal lovers, and ordinary citizens all rallied around a simple idea: these animals mattered.

In UP Diliman, reports of plans to remove or impound community animals triggered concern among students, alumni, and animal welfare advocates who viewed them as part of campus life. In BGC, the disappearance of Melody from her usual spot outside Wildflour generated a wave of online criticism and concern before the restaurant clarified that she had been temporarily rehomed during renovations.

The strong response revealed something important: these were never just stories about stray animals. They were stories about community, belonging, and the unexpected bonds that form between people and the animals that share their spaces.

Anyone who has spent time in university knows how stressful campus life can get. Exams, deadlines, thesis defenses, graduation requirements, and the general chaos of university life can leave students feeling drained. Yet for many, seeing a familiar campus dog lounging near a building or a friendly cat wandering through the grounds offered a brief moment of relief.

The same can be said for office workers in business districts like BGC. After long meetings, pending deadlines, and endless emails, encountering a familiar cat like Melody could be the unexpected highlight of a difficult day.

These animals don't even know they're providing emotional support. They simply exist. They are completely unaware that their presence alone often brings comfort, familiarity, and a sense of connection. That may sound like a small thing, but during overwhelming periods of the year, small things can matter a lot.

The good news is that both situations appear to have been resolved. Melody was reported safe and under care, while animal welfare groups said the planned eviction of the furry residents in UP Diliman was abandoned.  Stakeholders in the university continued pushing for humane and community-centered approaches to managing campus animals.

I have a simple takeaway on this: community-based solutions are more sustainable than simply removing animals whenever concerns happen.

The reaction to both the UP and Melody incidents showed just how much people care. These animals were not seen as pests, but as familiar companions who made campuses, workplaces, and neighborhoods feel more welcoming.

I believe communities, establishments, and animal welfare groups should work together to care for them responsibly. Vaccination, spaying and neutering, and organized volunteer support are far more effective than treating these animals as problems to be moved elsewhere.

The real lesson from these stories is that community animals are part of the community. They may not attend classes, sit in meetings, or pay rent, but they contribute something just as valuable: moments of comfort, connection, and joy. And in a world where many people are struggling with stress, deadlines, and uncertainty, that's no small thing. Sometimes, the smallest members of a community leave the biggest paw prints. 

Images generated with AI

Childhood Obesity Is Rising. What Can We Do About It?

 When we think about malnutrition, we often imagine children who don't have enough to eat. But another nutrition problem is growing in the Philippines: more children are becoming overweight or obese.

Recent data show that overweight and obesity among Filipino school-age children and adolescents have increased significantly over the past decade. This matters because obesity in childhood can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems later in life.  And what’s more: eating habits formed in childhood often last a lifetime.  

Childhood Obesity Has Been Rising

 

Source: DOST-FNRI Expanded National Nutrition Survey 2023.

Image generated with AI

So what's driving the trend?

It is tempting to think that childhood obesity is simply a result of eating too much and exercising too little. In reality, things are much more complicated. 

The reality is, children today are surrounded by advertisements for sugary drinks, fast food, and highly processed snacks. These products are often affordable, convenient, and available almost everywhere. Meanwhile, healthier foods are not always the easiest or cheapest option for many families.

Experts call this the food environment: the world around us that shapes the food choices we make every day.

Small Changes at Home Matter

The good news is that parents don't need to be nutrition experts to help their children build healthier habits.

A few simple steps can go a long way:

🍌 Make healthy snacks easy to grab. Keep fruits, boiled eggs, corn, or nuts within easy reach.

🥪 School baon can also be an opportunity to build healthy habits. A balanced lunch does not have to be expensive or complicated. An egg with rice and fruit, a tuna sandwich and banana, or leftover chicken and vegetables from dinner can provide a nutritious meal for the school day.  

Image generated with AI

💧 Choose water more often. Replacing sugary drinks with water is one of the easiest ways to reduce excess sugar intake.

🚶 Make movement fun. A family walk, bike ride, dancing, or shooting hoops can be just as valuable as organized sports.

📵 Create screen-free mealtimes. Children are more likely to pay attention to what they eat—and enjoy family conversations—when gadgets are put away.

Most importantly, children learn from what they see. When parents model healthy habits, children are more likely to develop those habits themselves.

Parents play a vital role, but they cannot do it alone.

 The environments around children influence their choices every day. That's why many countries are introducing clearer food labels, restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and strengthening policies that encourage healthier eating.

Several proposals in Congress seek to do exactly that. These measures would help families identify healthier products, reduce children's exposure to unhealthy food marketing, and support better nutrition choices.

By combining stronger policies with everyday actions at home, we can give Filipino children a better chance to grow up healthy, active, and ready to thrive.

After all, healthy habits begin at home.  But healthy environments help those habits succeed.

Kumusta or Kamusta?

It began with a speech that unexpectedly drew attention to a familiar part of everyday Filipino conversation: the simple act of asking, “How are you?” In a session discussing an incident in their office, a lady legislator had a complete meltdown because, according to her, some of her colleagues did not reach out to ask how she was doing. "Wala man lang nangamusta sa amin," she said. Nangumusta is a verb form of "kumusta," or "how are you." That brief comment, almost incidental to the larger issue, quickly spread online, and from there, the conversation took an interesting turn.

People began focusing not just on the act of checking in, but on the word itself. Should it be kumusta or kamusta?

Image generated with AI

At first, it felt like one of those light, almost trivial debates you’d see online. But the more people joined in, the more it became clear that this wasn’t just about spelling. It was about how Filipinos actually use language in everyday life.

Technically, kumusta is the standard form you’ll find in dictionaries and formal writing. But in everyday life, many Filipinos naturally say kamusta. It’s what shows up in conversations, chats, and casual greetings.  Rooted in the Spanish greeting “¿cómo está?” it didn’t stay exactly the same. It changed, adjusted, and eventually took on a form that felt more natural to Filipino speakers. Somewhere along the way, variations like kumusta and kamusta settled in.

Both are widely used and widely understood.  No one would stop you mid-conversation to clarify which one you meant. There’s no confusion, no misunderstanding. It’s just one of those cases where the “proper” version and the “everyday” version exist side by side.

And that’s really the point: language evolves the way people use it. One form may be more formal, the other more conversational, but neither feels out of place.   

Still, the discussion goes back to something more important than spelling. Whether you say kumusta or kamusta, the meaning is the same: it’s a simple way to check in and connect with family and friends.  Something very important to us Filipinos. 

So in the end, it’s not about choosing the “right” word. You don’t have to overthink it. You can say kumusta. You can say kamusta. Either one works, and most people won’t give it a second thought.
What matters more is to say it and mean it when you do.  Because sometimes, that small question, however you spell it, becomes an act of reaching out and, small as it may seem, keeps that human connection alive.

Happy Easter! He is Risen!

 

My Experience, My Data: Using Autoethnography for Research

So, here’s something I didn’t see coming in grad school: apparently, my own experiences could count as research. I know, it sounds a little strange. I was trained to trust data, reports, and policy frameworks, not my day‑to‑day experience with how I do research. But then I learned about autoethnography, and it completely changed how I think about public policy and how it actually works in real life.

I first heard about autoethnography from my thesis adviser during my master’s program, when we were still trying to figure out how to deal with my research topic for my thesis.  Autoethnography, introduced and promoted by scholars like Carolyn Ellis, Arthur Bochner, and Tony Adams, encourages researchers to use their own experiences as part of the analysis, as long as those experiences are connected to bigger social and institutional realities. At the time, the idea felt a little unusual, but also exciting. It made me wonder whether my own encounters with policies and institutions might actually matter as research material.

Like many researchers, I was trained to value data, reports, and evidence-based frameworks. Numbers, models, and official documents were the tools I trusted most. But when I started working on my master’s thesis, I realized that these tools don’t always provide the depth of a particular issue. Using autoethnography pushed me to pay attention to everyday moments, meetings, group discussions, and even decision-making processes that often get lost in research amd analysis but say a lot about how I incorporate knowledge into my outputs.

Indeed, autoethnography allows a researcher to not only write down their experience but also to take a step backward and look at the data before them, analyzing how their experiences relate to societal norms, values, and issues.

Image generated with AI

As I wrote my thesis, reflection became part of my research process. I began asking simple but important questions about my own experiences with research: Why did I use this information rather than that? Why use data from other regions instead of our neighboring countries? What I initially thought were just personal reactions often turned out to reflect institutional issues, like official preferences and other constraints.

The process wasn’t always easy. Writing about my own experiences meant being honest about uncertainty and discomfort. Still, it helped me see policy from another perspective. Abstract concepts suddenly felt real, and my research felt more grounded in lived reality than mere theory.

Using autoethnography allowed me to uncover the different ways I incorporate my knowledge in my area of expertise in my research. Only through careful reflection did I realize these practices existed. This process changed how I approach my job and deepened my understanding of my field.

Looking back, the biggest lesson I took from using autoethnography is this: good public policy research isn’t only about getting the analysis right, it’s also about paying attention to how we do our research, on the things we consider when we make our recommendations. Autoethnography taught me that reflection can be a strength, not a weakness, and that sometimes the most useful insights come from the everyday moments we often overlook.

Discovering UCC Nespresso-Compatible Coffee Capsules: A Must-Try for Coffee Lovers

I usually start my work morning with the comforting hum of my Nespresso machine brewing my coffee.  I’ve been using mine for almost four years now and am honestly happy with it.  While the original Nespresso coffee capsules are generally great, I’m also always on the lookout for capsules from other coffee makers that deliver both quality and character. Recently, I stumbled upon UCC’s Nespresso-compatible capsules, and I have to say they’ve earned a spot in my coffee keeper.

A brief background on the maker.  UCC, or the Ueshima Coffee Company, is a Japanese brand with a long-standing reputation for coffee craftsmanship. When I learned they had capsules compatible with Nespresso Original Line machines, I was curious.  Coffee at local UCC Cafes is far better than that in popular stores. I wanted to try the ones in the capsules to see whether they were just as good.  Spoiler alert, they were, and in some ways, they exceeded my expectations.

Image generated using AI

So far, I go for two variants: Espresso Forte No. 09 and Lungo Forte No. 06.

When I need a strong start to my day, I reach out for Espresso Forte No. 09.  It offers a medium-to-full-bodied cup with warm, toasty notes. It is bold without being harsh, and the aroma is inviting, and some people in the office couldn’t help but notice.  It’s perfect for a quick shot or a creamy latte. I usually add oat milk to make a latte because of my lactose intolerance.  If you love a balanced espresso that doesn’t overpower, this one’s for you.  

When I prefer a longer cup, I make coffee with Lungo Forte No. 06. It’s gentler and aromatic, with cereal-like undertones, and a lighter body than the Espresso Forte, and hits the sweet spot.  Brewed as a lungo, it’s ideal for sipping while reading emails or enjoying a quiet moment. It feels like a warm hug in a cup.  Lungo literally means “long” in Italian.  It is made by using more water and a longer extraction time than a standard espresso shot. 

Both variants come in aluminum capsules, which means freshness and consistent extraction every time. They fit perfectly in Nespresso Original machines, so there are no awkward jams or weak crema. 

At around ₱420 for a pack of 10, these UCC offerings feel premium without breaking the bank. You can find them in UCC online platforms and local supermarkets. That’s a big win for us local coffee lovers.

If you’re looking for a high-quality alternative to original Nespresso capsules, UCC delivers. If you like your espresso bold, Espresso Forte No. 09 is perfect for you, but if you prefer a gentler, longer cup, then go for Lungo Forte No. 06. Both variants bring convenience and quality to your daily coffee ritual.

Personally, I love that UCC combines Japanese quality with flavors that feel comforting and familiar. It’s a small upgrade that makes my mornings feel a little more special.

Disclaimer  

This blog is an independent review and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Nespresso or UCC. All opinions expressed are based on personal experience and research for informational purposes only.

The Black Nazarene: History, Devotion, and a Tradition That Moves a Nation

Image generated with AI

Every January, Manila transforms. Streets fill with barefoot devotees, yellow and maroon banners rise above the crowds, and the familiar rhythm of prayer echoes not only in Quiapo but even across the archipelago. The Feast of the Black Nazarene, reverently called Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno by his devotees, is more than a religious event.  It is a cultural phenomenon that reveals how faith, identity, and collective memory continue to shape Filipino life.

The Black Nazarene is a representation of a dark-skinned Christ carrying His cross on the right shoulder, wearing a maroon robe. He looks up towards heaven with a pained expression on His face.

The story of the Black Nazarene traces back to 1606, when Augustinian Recollect missionaries brought a life-sized image of Christ carrying the cross from Mexico to Manila. Carved from dark mesquite wood, the image’s color has long sparked myths. One popular belief I heard as a child was that the reason for the dark color of the image was that during its trip from Mexico to Manila, the ship it was on caught fire, and the image was burned, but only on the surface. People considered this a miracle. Later on, I learned that its origins are simpler: the wood it was made from itself was naturally dark.

The image quickly became a major focus of devotion from its first home in Bagumbayan to its later transfer to Intramuros.  In the 1700s, it found its permanent home in Quiapo Church, where it later on survived fires, earthquakes, and even the devastation of World War II. For the devotees, its survival through these almost catastrophic events reinforced their belief that the image is miraculous.

Over the centuries, the Black Nazarene has drawn people from every corner of the country: workers, students, vendors, professionals, families, and pilgrims who carry stories of struggle and hope. The church has become a sanctuary for those seeking healing, guidance, or simply a moment of contemplative surrender to the Poong Nazareno.

The heart of the devotion to the Poong Nazareno is the annual Traslación, held on January 9. This reenactment of the historic transfer of the image from Intramuros to Quiapo took shape at the 400th anniversary of the image in 2006, and has grown into the largest yearly expression of Catholic devotion in the Philippines.  I remember that before that time, the procession was only around the Quiapo district and its environs.  I even had an experience when I was in the area during the procession when there was a rush of people wanting to get near the Nazareno.  I had to take cover along with other people inside a bakery; otherwise, we would be crushed by the surge of devotees.

Millions of devotees join the procession each year, many walking barefoot as an act of humility and solidarity with Christ’s suffering. Others reach for the ropes of the andas, a wheeled platform heavily adorned with flowers and lights bearing the image, and pulled by devotees.  They believe that even the slightest touch of the ropes can bring healing or protection.

Even as I write this post, the celebration is already underway, and crowds are already gathering at the Luneta Park for Masses and other devotional activities.  There is even a nine-day novena prayer in Tagalog available from the Hallow app, which I pray after the Angelus. The novena includes the hymn Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, composed by National Artist of the Philippines, Lucio San Pedro, to honor the image.

from hallow.com

The Pahalik, which takes place a day before the Traslación, is an act of devotion where pilgrims and devotees, some coming from far provinces, line up to touch, kiss, wipe with a handkerchief, or just pray before the life-sized statue of the Black Nazarene.   The scale of participation, often reaching millions, reflects not only religious fervor but also the deep cultural roots of this tradition. Devotees would line up for hours, yet they patiently wait and consider this part of their sacrifice and an expression of their faith.

Image generated with AI

The enduring devotion to the Black Nazarene reveals something essential about Filipino spirituality: faith is not a passive act. It is embodied, communal, and resilient. Some experts theorize that the Poon’s dark complexion forms a rich connection to the devotees.  Here is a Christ who looks familiar, who feels close, who understands the weight of human suffering.

In a country shaped by colonial history, natural disasters, and social challenges, the Black Nazarene stands as a symbol of perseverance. Every year, the Feast acts as a reminder that hope is not abstract; it is lived, carried, and shared.

From Our Family to Yours, A Happy and Blessed New Year

 

New Year’s Eve in the Philippines is Noisy, Joyful, and Delicious

New Year’s Eve in the Philippines is more than just a countdown.  It is steeped with traditions that are a vibrant blend of customs bringing luck, abundance, and joy, giving our celebrations a magical feel. Many of these practices, while rooted in Filipino culture, combine Spanish and Chinese influences with local beliefs, making our celebrations wonderfully unique!

For some people, wearing something printed with polka dots is a must on New Year’s Eve, as the round shapes symbolize coins and wealth, attracting prosperity in the coming year.  Our elders tell us never to welcome the new year with our pockets and wallets empty, or else they will be empty the whole year.  So, I make sure to put some coins in my pocket and give them a good jingle when the clock strikes midnight.  It is said to attract wealth and prosperity, and I think it raises the expression ringing in the new year to the next level.  Speaking of quirky traditions, my aunt takes it up a notch. She places coins on every step of her staircase, then climbs up, collecting them one by one as the new year begins.  This, according to her, would encourage wealth to enter and stay in their home.

Filipino New Year celebration is also famously loud. Families bang pots and pans, toot torotot (party horns), and watch light fireworks. It’s rooted in the belief that loud sounds scare away bad spirits and invite good luck for the year ahead.

Interestingly, this tradition has a legendary origin tied to Chinese folklore, which I found on this website. Long ago, a fearsome sea monster named Nian would emerge every New Year’s Eve to terrorize villages. People were desperate until they discovered Nian’s two weaknesses: the color red and loud noises. So, one year, villagers decorated their homes in red and made as much racket as possible. It worked! Nian fled, and peace returned. Ever since, making noise during the New Year has been a symbol of protection and celebration, a practice that traveled across cultures and found a joyful home in Filipino festivities.

Then there’s Media Noche, the midnight feast that’s the heart of the celebration. It’s all about abundance and togetherness. Families go all out, loading the table with delicious dishes because starting the year with plenty is supposed to invite more plenty.  Maybe that’s why everyone lost their minds when a certain official said ₱500 is enough for Media Noche. 

Each item on the table has its own meaning and symbolism.  Native sweet delicacies or kakanin symbolize unity and stronger family ties, as their stickiness represents the closeness of family members.  For others, serving and eating kakanin will bring good luck and prosperity that stays with the family throughout the year.  Serving and eating noodles like pancit during the feast ensures long life and good health.  

Following the significance of round things as symbols of wealth and prosperity, every table should have round fruits on it during media noche.  But here’s a twist: not all round fruits make the cut. Those with black seeds are often avoided because black is associated with bad luck and mourning.

Now, let’s talk about what not to serve. Crabs? Nope.  They move sideways, and we want progress, not detours. Winged fowls like chicken? Also a no-go, because good fortune might just fly away. A colleague once reminded me about the saying, “isang kahig, isang tuka” (one scratch, one peck), which suggests living hand-to-mouth, definitely not what we want for the new year!

Let’s not forget other Filipino beliefs, like cleaning the entire house before the new year to release all the negative energy of the ending year, and throwing all doors and windows wide open to let good luck come rushing in.  Hopefully, the smoke from the firecrackers and other pyrotechnics outside does not enter our house and ruin our celebrations.  Rice containers and water containers should be full so that the family never runs out of essentials and stays financially stable throughout the year. 

When we were kids, our elders would tell us to jump as high as we could at midnight to grow taller and reach our dreams faster.  I actually did this for several years, even leaping from my bed just for extra height, and guaranteeing growth in the coming year.

One should also hold off on spending money on January 1! Many Filipinos believe that if you open your wallet on the first day of the year, cash will keep flowing out for the rest of the year. So keep those coins jingling in your pocket, but let them stay put, because we all want abundance, not an empty purse!

These beloved Filipino traditions keep us connected, remind us of our roots, and fill our hearts with positivity. As these traditions fill our homes with laughter, warmth, and hope, let’s open our hearts wide to welcome the new year together.  While these traditions are fun and meaningful to follow, let us remember that it is even more important to keep our faith in God strong throughout the year, putting our trust in Him and allowing Him to guide us in all that we do.

May the spirit of abundance and togetherness flourish in your life, and may every day ahead bring you joy, good health, and boundless opportunities. Here’s to cherished memories around the Media Noche table, to coins jingling with promise, and to dreams that grow taller with every leap at midnight. From my family to yours, have a blessed New Year overflowing with love and happiness. Maligayang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!

All images generated with AI