There is a poem that is quite famous, called “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” although these days, it is more commonly known as “The Night before Christmas.” It was written by Clement Clarke Moore. Although the original date that it was written is unknown, it was first published in 1823 by the Troy, New York Sentinel. The original publication did not credit an author, it was anonymous, however Moore was later credited with having authored the poem. Still, there is controversy, and some claim that the poem was actually written by Henry Livingston, also of New York.
Over the years, there have also been parodies of the poem. One that I have become familiar with, and have always loved is the “Cajun Night Before Christmas” in Louisiana.
This year, I decided to play with the poem and make a Davao version for expats. I’m no poet, I can assure you, but I hope you find my version to be fun. Here we go.
The Night before Christmas in Davao
by Bob Martin
Twas the night before Christmas and we’re livin in Davao
The holidays are a little different here, let me tell you how
We ain’t got no chimney, but we don’t care
There’s snow and it’s cold back home, why would we want to be there?
We’re all really happy, just not in our beds
It’s Noche Buena tonight, and the food is what’s in our heads
Mama’s doin the cookin’ and I’m taking a nap
Hey, it’s hot here, I have no more energy to tap
But outside the gate there arose a big clatter
I even woke up, better go see what’s the matter
Christmas Carolers – at first I thought it was funny
But then they said – “sir, where is my money?”
The carolers kept singin, I didn’t care for the sound
But, if I didn’t give money, they would stay around
I gave a few pesos, and the singers were leaving now
Then suddenly I saw Santa’s sleigh, and it was pulled by carabao!
I took a second look to make sure I had nothing to fret
Yep, it was Santa, but he was dripping in sweat!
The carabao were slow and clumsy as to the earth they came
I realized that Santa was Filipino when he called them by name!
“Now Ding, hey Inday, Dong and Girlie;
On Jun, on Piter on Maria and Shirley!
Land there by the coconut tree, what are you drinkin?
There ain’t no chimney in the Philippines, what the heck are you thinkin?”
A few coconuts fell as the sleigh passed by the tree
If I was standing there, the coconuts might have hit me!
The carabao made a u-turn right up in the sky
When they landed, I noticed they left a few carabao pie!
I ran to the house to tell Mama what’s happening
But I saw that the kids were already singing and clapping
When I got to the house, I saw Santa eating our food
Was Noche Buena early this year, or was Santa just being rude?
Santa was dressed all in fur, no wonder he was sweaty
Hey, he is being rude, he just ate all the sweet spaghetti!
A bundle of durian he had flung on his back
Maybe he’d leave some, for it would lighten his pack
But then Santa laughed and it shook his belly
For he knew that the durian this year were quite smelly
Because of the smell he put a plug on his nose
It seemed like his visit might be coming to a close
Before leaving he started looking around
He tip toed around and did not make a sound
As he snuck around he tripped and almost fell
But then he was happy, he found the San Miguel!
He was chubby and plump, so he had a San Mig Light
I thought to myself – that was alright!
A wink of his eye, and a twist of the cap
If he drank too much, he might need a nap!
But he drank just one bottle, then went straight to his work
He opened two durian and then turned with a jerk
He heard a bit of a sound and for a moment he froze
Then he ran for the door, he was quick on his toes
He jumped in his sleigh and gave the carabao a whistle
But it took a few whips before they took off like a missile
But I heard him exclaim as he went out of sight
Merry Christmas Philippines, and to Mindanao Bob – Goodnight!
Merry Christmas to all LiP readers
About MindanaoBob
Hi, Bob- Now we know why you’ve been pretty quiet the past 24 hours. I’m impressed. It’s a very Filipino rendition of “Twas the night before Christmas”. This has all the makings of an intellectual property, and I honestly think you should copyright this poem to ensure it remains protected under your name for posterity. And also to avoid any controversy as to the authorship 100 years from now.
Hi John – ha ha… truth is that I wrote this about a week ago. My original plan was to post it on Christmas day, but then I got thinking that the number of readers will be lower on Christmas Day, since everybody will be spending family time, so I decided to put it out a little earlier.
I’m happy that you enjoyed it.
Hi Bob;
I liked it (the poem)! It’s quite timely also, as last night our little carolers arrived at my gate to help welcome in the Christmas Season. Their kinda fun and we keep a large supply of coins for them. Between the singing kids and firecrackers the noise level dose seem to rise a tad this time of year, but all in all I do like it (albeit not so much firecrackers)
Hi Paul – Glad you enjoyed it! Ha ha.. yes, the kids are certainly out already and looking for those coins, so it’s good that you have a supply at the ready!
BTW, firecrackers are illegal here in Davao. When we lived in GenSan there were a lot of firecrackers, but since moving to Davao 8 years ago I haven’t heard a single one! Ah… the peace!
Bob;
A fireworks free zone! Now that’s something I could live with. Plus knowing all my inane comments are copyrighted makes me feel good!
Hi Paul – I’m glad that I’m giving you such a warm fuzzy feeling this morning. Just don’t tell anybody… they might think we are weird!
Shhh….
Astonishing.
Hi jonaky – I hope you enjoyed it!
Hi, Bob- Further thoughts on my comment above. If you register your work for copyright, it’s protected throughout your lifetime PLUS 25 years. The Philippines is a signatory to the Berne Copyright Convention of 18??, so if anyone in the Philippines uses the poem commercially without your permission, you can sue them for monetary damages and maybe you don’t have to work as hard anymore in LiP. Hahaha
Hi John – Under current copyright laws, you don’t even have to register it. By simply publishing it, it is covered by copyright. So, every single thing that is on the LiP site is under copyright protection.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi, Bob- And here I was already seriously considering lifting the poem, tweak it a little and have it printed on Christmas cards to be sold in the Philippines, thinking that it was in the public domain since you released it in the internet hours ago without a copyright notice, or the notification, “All Rights Reserved”.
Hi John – There is a copyright notice on every page of the LiP site. Look right at the bottom of the page – any page on the site. It says :
Copyright © 2009 · All Rights Reserved · Published by WowPhilippines
…cute Bob………but keep your day job !!
Oops… you mean I won’t be up for a Pulitzer? Now, I am feeling really bad, brian!!! Ha ha..
Hi Bob, Loved the poem. I was really wondering what you were going to do with the names of the reindeer. Cute idea with all Filipino names! Merry Christmas to you and all your family.
Hi John – I’m happy you enjoyed it! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Kamusta ka Bob,
Haha, love the poem..thats great… Malipayang Pasko
amping,
Danny
Danny – Malipayong Pasko, akong amigo. I am happy that you enjoyed the poem.
Hi Bob,
When Juramie and I retire to Leyte, I have to remember to substitue the milk and cookies with sweet spaghetti and San Miguel Light. Of course, I might leave a glass of Tuba out also to give the big guy a choice.
I find it very funny to hear “I am dreaming of a White Christmas” as the background music at the coffee shop during my Skype Bisaya lessons with Bebe. Maybe you can write a new version with Pasko in Boracay for next year.
Thanks again,
Jack (and Juramie)
Hi Jack – Sure…. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas on white sand beaches!!!
Hi Bob and family, Merry x-mas diha ninyong tanan! asa akong regalo bob beh! gimingaw na gyud ko kaayo gyud sa pinas ug labi na karong pasko ug bag-ong tuig. mingaw kaayo ang pasko diri sa amerika dili ko ganahan diri. Unsa inyong handa karon pasko? magluto ug lami si feyma? hehehe hinaot makasabot kana ug bisaya bob. cge ha, ayo-ayo mo diha tanan.
Kumusta Jayce? Kumusta si Kevin pud, ug imong mga anak? Salamat sa imong greetings. Dili ka ganahan ug Paskong Amerika? Ngano man? Gimingaw nako ang Pasko didto sa Amerika!
that’s a good one Bob …Merry Christmas an happy New Year to you and your family ..Phil n Jess
Hi Phil – It’s been a while! I hope you are doing well! Glad you enjoyed the Christmas Poem! Merry Christmas to you and your family also!
Hi, Bob!
Ha! ha! I’m very impressed with your poetic talent! I really liked your Filipinized version of this classic Christmas poem! Santa could indeed trade off his reindeers for carabaos, just for a change! They may be a bit slower but they could help Santa carry much more presents while blazing through the night skies! ha! ha! Good one!
Hi JR – Ha ha… I really enjoyed writing the poem! I’m glad you enjoyed reading it! I can just see those carabao flying through the night sky! And, I bet Santa would indeed enjoy a San Mig as he stopped by at the houses in the Philippines!
Hi, Bob!
Yes, if Santa could taste that San Mig pale pilsen just once, I’d imagine he’ll immediately trade off those cookies and milk with a bottle of ice cold San Mig! And a piping hot dish of sisig along with it will make Santa much merrier! He’ll wish everyday was Christmas! ha! ha!
Hi JR – Oh, I think that the milk and cookies will be good for Santa in the cold environment, but here in the hot weather, a cold San Mig will hit the spot and keep Santa fresh for his continued journey!
Hi, Bob!
Oh, yes, I forgot about the fact he has to travel to cold countries to give those presents to the kids there! ha! ha!
I will never forget when I lived in Hawaii and my Mom visited me at Christmas — it was her first time away from CONUS — and she couldn’t believe we were having a beach picnic. Even being outside in Ohio is painful that time of year
Hi Miguk – I can certainly understand her feelings! It’s hard to adjust to something so very different!
very cool poem bob my wife laught about it. good job bob well its realy cold here in michigan ,grand rapids well bob to you and your family (hope its right )maligayang pas’o at manigong bagong taon maligayang bati, tonka,vivian,hannah
Hi tonka – Nice to hear from you! I hope you and your family are doing well.
Hey, I’m happy that you enjoyed the little Christmas Poem! And your wife too.
Merry Christmas to you guys!