The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
Before kids can get their agináldu (Christmas gift/money) from their elders, they have to siklód (máno in Tagálog) first! SIKLÓD • (sik-LOHD)respectful greeting to elders by asking for their hand and placing it on one’s foreheadTagálog (Filipino): máno Siklód is done by asking for the hand of elders and pressing the back of their hand … Read more
Dukit Viva Apung Tiago! The Feast of St. James the Apostle and the Dukit Festival (woodcarving festival) is celebrated today by the district of Betis in Guagua, Pampanga, a district known for its woodcarving industry. DÚKIT • (DOO-kit)carving; (to) carveTagálog (Filipino): úkit, lílok Background: Antique Mother and Child with Angels (Molave Wood) by Juan Flores, … Read more
Majigangga Lanterns aren’t the only giants of the Kapampángan Christmas; there are giant Christmas puppets as well! Every December 28, the town of Santa Ana, Pampanga parades these scary-looking giant puppets that represent the evils of the world that are banished during the Christmas season. MAJIGÁNGGA • (muh-hi-GAHNG-guh)Kapampángan giant Christmas puppets of Santa Ana, Pampanga … Read more
Taklang Batuin A bright and flashy Christmas is a highlight (pun intended) of Kapampángan culture, and the City of San Fernando is considered the Christmas Capital of the Philippines with its giant lanterns! The star of the festivities—the parúl (which originates from Pampanga)—is iconically star-shaped. BATUIN • (buh-TWIN)starTagálog (Filipino): bituín Example sentence:Kórtí lang batuin ding … Read more
An aginaldu refers to either a boxed gift or usually, a monetary gift given to children by their godparents during the holidays. The money is usually given as fresh new bills placed inside Chinese red envelopes! AGINÁLDU • (uh-gih-NAHL-doo)Christmas gift, Christmas moneyTagálog (Filipino): agináldo Etymology“Agináldu” comes from the Spanish word aguinaldo which refers to a … Read more