A couple of days ago, I wrote a column about Gated Communities, and one of the regular site readers, Carolynn commented that caroling and such during the Christmas season would only last for a few days. Carolynn has only been here for a short time, so she didn’t understand that Christmas goes on for months in the Philippines. I responded to Carolynn and explained to her that Christmas would be a lot longer than a few days here in the Philippines. Don’t think that I am picking on Carolynn, I actually got a little chuckle when she made her comment, and just thought to myself that she will soon find out!
In my comment reply to Carolynn I explained that I had been told (and witnessed) that during times of economic downturns, that Christmas is brought in a little early to get people’s minds off of the poor economy, and make them think happy thoughts. I even said that I would not be surprised to hear Christmas Songs on the radio soon.
Today, I went for a haircut, which is something that I always enjoy. The barbers here always take special attention to give you a good service – a great cut, and also the most comfortable and “pampering” experience that you could expect. As I sat there enjoying my haircut, the radio was playing. Suddenly, a big smile came to my face when I heard my first Christmas song of the season! July 24, 2008, I heard “Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown. I instantly thought of the discussion a few days ago on this site!
The barber shop where I go has 8 barbers. I was watching their reaction to the Christmas song that was playing so early in the year. There was no surprise, just joy on their faces! Most of them were actually singing along with the song. After the song was finished, one of the barbers went over and turned off the radio, and the barbers were singing Christmas music on their own after that. It was as if the Christmas season was just kicked off!
So, now I am expecting that within the next few weeks the Christmas season will be in full swing in the Philippines, or at least in Davao City! We’ll be seeing the stores carrying Christmas merchandise, Christmas music on the radio, and people will even start wishing each other “Merry Christmas.” Of course, as a foreigner, it also means that people will start begging on the streets for their “Christmas Present.”
It’s a little early for me. How about you?
Hi Bob – Ah, yes! The "BER" months, jingling all the way! 😆
In general I personally have always been indifferent to the Holidays. We are a happy family and don't need an infusion of artificial happines into our lives to make us feel good about ourselves or others. Sound cynical, maybe yes. Different values I guess. Also the fact we are not Christians or believers in Jesus Christ.
Here in the Philippines I find the holidays to be one of the major reasons so much corruption and other negative elements continues to exist here so abundantly. It is like a feel good drug Filipinos in general use to avoid doing just about anything constructive. The same holds true with these silly festivals. How about the Barangay use the money to fix something that would better the community.
For example I don't have television in my house as I feel it is another time waster. I would rather spend the time more constructively having fun in many other ways that enhance my brain more. Hmmm reading for one thing LOL Now I do understand people do need some happiness in their life and these holidays do provde some relief but how about the normal couple of weeks instead of 4 months. Ya think. Thanks for all you do Bob. I learn so much here
Now I don't want you to think I'm a ulgar LOL It's not like I chase away carolars. And I am sorry Bob to have dampen the Christmas spirit here and obviously this was not even the point of your postst. It's just that even the name of Christmas makes me ill as it is a comple abobmination and distortion of what it was originally meant to be so I am sorry to be so negative.
kamusta bob
wow i guess they start the christmas season very early there.usually it doesent start here until well after thanksgiving.i guess here in usa christmas seems like everyone going out to buy presents for everybody.i myself enjoy something thats made personal from someone instead of buying gifts for me.to me its a time for family to be together and enjoy that time.usa is to into shopping and all that.i find it amusing you were sarinaded at the barber shop.i never had that treatment before.
salamat bob 😎
Hi Paul – Ha ha… but it's only July! It's still a month and a half until we get to the "ber" months, and the Christmas music has already started! 😯
Hi Richard Wicky – No reason to feel sorry, or worry about sharing your opinions. We all have different outlooks on life, and that is to be celebrated, not hidden away! For me, I enjoy Christmas, but this is just way too early for me. I like to start thinking about Christmas around the first of December or so, anything before that is just too early.
Hi Ron W – That is just normal treatment at the barber shop! You know, here in the Philippines everybody sings all the time! In the States, people are too shy to sing out loud like that in public, but here it is quite normal! 😆
Morning Bob,
I enjoy a haircut too. Mainly because of the combing and attention to the scalp which is rarely touched by others in everyday life. I pity those living in certain asian countries where touching others heads is strictly verboten. Very relaxing to the point of wanting to go to sleep! On Christmas, I enjoy the time, even as a philistine! I don't particularly care for organised religion as I believe it causes more problems between individuals and races than it solves. I enjoy Christmas for the goodwill to fellow man aspect (not to mention the partying), however, I don't enjoy people foisting their values onto me. Doubly so in what I consider my private spaces. Anyone banging on my door unannounced I feel I should be able to "shoot first and ask questions later"!!! 😈
Hi AussieLee – Like you, I enjoy my privacy a lot, and I don't like people showing up unannounced. Hmm… shoot first, ask questions later…. you might be on to something there! 😆
Bob, You gotta be shittin me!
That is friggin sad.
I am NOT a Holy Roller, but from the sounds of things even Xmas in RP has become nothing but a commercialized shopping spree pumped up by Xmas music in July.
Hi Neal In RI – Firstly, I am not trying to be mean, but I consider this a family forum, and I would appreciate it if you would refrain from foul language. It really has no place in the discussion.
I don't see any "commercial" aspect of what I wrote. These guys just heard a Christmas song on the radio and enjoyed it. It brought them joy and happiness and took their mind of the troubles that the society faces today. A lot of Filipino families don't even buy any gifts for Christmas, so I don't see any real rampant commercialism invading the holiday here.
Aussie
Your a man after my own heart with your Shoot First approach.
Im pretty sure you can find a chineese made AK47 somewhere on the black market in southern RP if you put the word on the street.
Bob
I shall repent and change my ways to not offend any readers who may be a bit cleaner at typing than me. If my single event of ill typing caused the downfall of a Family, that Family was indeed already a bit Tapped out. Nevertheless I shall repent just remind me from time to time.
It just is not logical to play Xmas music in July. Why would a radio station even play it? But if it reminds them of a happy time of year I guess it would make sense in some unique RP way.
Hi Bob & Neal In RI,
I dare say you could, although I'm very sus about the qaulity of a lot of Chinese manufactured equipment. Maybe an Uzi would be better? Seriously, though, my brother back in the 70's whilst on Bougainville Island (New Guinea) drew a chalk circle at stomach height on the indide of the front door. The idea was that his wife could fire a shot through this circle and the undesireable would probably be able to stagger off and not cause an embarrassment on their doorstep with the local authorites. Don't think she ever had to di it though. 😆
I was in a coffe shop here last week and TWICE I heard "Last Christmas" by Wham.
I am going Christmas shopping now, so get your presnt list in now!!
Hehehe, guess that taught me in a big way Bob. But yes not even in the "ber" months.
After reading the rest of the comments, I think it is really just a way of making another fiesta. Have recently been to the opening of a couple of health weeks, and anything for a sing along and photos.
I personally dont "do" christmas". Since my children moved I dont see too much point, but then again I dont listen to Wham and Backstreet Boys but that seems to make the taxi drivers happy, so if carols take minds off of not so nice lives then why not.
I am not going to even comment on the begging, havnt exeperienced it yet.
Have fun, I'm off in Taxis and malls today and I think I'll play "spot the carol" to keep occupied.
Hi Bob,
Christmas lasts three months in the states too, but instead of Christmas songs we are bombarded with Christmas commercials trying to sell products. I have spent one Christmas in the Philippines, and they sure do take it seriously. I am not a religious person at all, but at least Filipinos seem to take that part of the holiday seriously. In the states I feel like it is just one big mass advertisement to sell products.
I loved Christmas as a kid, now I don't like it much at all. The whole thing is stressfull, and everyone feels obligated to give each other gifts. Heck, I'd rather give people gifts at other times of the year when they know it is from my heart, and not out of a sense of duty because it is Christmas.
Hi Bob
I like "Christmas" songs any time of the year, ther'e usually happy songs and nice to sing along to. So I say roll out the music.
Hi Neal In RI – The radio stations choose to play Christmas music because people are having a hard year, and they want to raise the spirits of the people.
Hi AussieLee – Sounds like everything was ready to go! 😆
Christmas in July? The idea does have its merit. As long as there are no mindless shopping involved, its all good. Songs and celebrations are fine as it tends to bring out the best in most people.It's all harmless fun and if I'm not mistaken , it has a positive effect on the local economy.
Nah. carolynn put it correctly, just another way to enjoy a fiesta (why hadn't i thought of that before?).
Christmas does not carry the same baggage that it does elsewhere in the world. It's a lot about family & less about consumerism – The gifts are still there but there is no pressure to give.
Sure, July, seems a little early for me to be hearing christmas songs, but i'm not going to rain on anyone's parade if it brings a smile to their face. There are bigger issues to complain about.
I'm not the religious type, but christmas is also another way for family to get together. so why not? Besides, since there is no thanksgiving day in the Philippines, then this can be an extension of that. Everyone regardless of their beliefs can appreciate that.
On the singing & the music on radio, Sometimes a holiday song is played because it's just good music.
No over thinking there.
If, in mid-year, I catch Elvis on tv singing blue christmas, i'll be singing along too, and you can bet that i'll be thinking of my dad (elvis fan) while doing so. I guess you can call that a christmas moment for me too.
Now having a haircut in a room full of holiday singing barbers in July, even Scrooge would break a smile seeing that.
Kamusta Bob,
Well, I think it is good idea, if it makes the people there feel good..then I am all for it. I know when I hear certain Christmas songs, it makes me feel good..and bring back good memories of childhood. So I guess looking at it that way and from that perspective, its a good thing. More power to them I say, and as far as it giving them "artificial" hope..so be it. Times are tough for some, so let them enjoy it the best they can.
Maraming salamat,
Danny 😉
PS. Merry Christmas 😆
Christmas can never come early enough in the Philippines. And why not? There's always something to look forward to.
First, isn't it mandatory(?) to give what they call a 13th month pay? Otherwise known as the Christmas bonus/pay… So in December, folks get the equivalent of 2 months pay for working 1 month! What a deal! Only in the Philippines … and that is certainly unique.
Now I don't know what happens with "Christmas in July" since you cannot squeeze in an 8th month pay as that would eat into August. Probably a 7-1/2 month pay is feasible. What do you think?
Watch out employers!! That includes you, Bob.
As to what Christmas is about, among Filipinos. The focus is more on the merrymaking, the feasting, the family visits, paying respects to the ninongs/ninangs (these are the "godparents" – for those curious about the term) …
And when the whole barangay is somehow related to one another, then you can imagine it is one big fiesta!
Exchanging presents is only a side note… I think…
Bob,
Forgot to ask. Where is that picture taken from? Is that in Davao? Nice…
-Filipina Reader
Hi Bob- One of the things I most look forward to when visiting RP is going to the barber shop for a shave every 3 or 4 days. Not only do they give me a great shave, but I always enjoy the atmosphere in the shop. Also when I walk to the barbers, at least 1 or 2 people will want me to stop for a chat, so is a fun outing.
Hi john – Ha ha… when you go Christmas shopping, don't forget a gift for me!
Hi Carolynn – You'll do Christmas this year – You won't have a choice! ha ha.. just teasing! 😆
Hi Joe Parisi – Looks like this year Christmas will run a lot longer than 3 months. Christmas music started already, that's 6 months, because it doesn't end until the end of January! 😯
Hi Jack – Looks like you are in for some enjoyment this year!
Hi Julius – the best effect is making people happy!
Hi macky – I agree, Christmas here is more a gathering time, no gifts? No problem!
Hi Danny – Merry Christmas to you, my friend!
Hi ecstasy – Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I enjoyed hearing what you had to say!
Hi ecstasy – That picture is a publicly shared photo from Flikr. I am not sure where it was taken.
Hi anthony – Yes, I also really enjoy a good haircut! And, they almost always give a very nice massage after cutting your hair!
I forget what country I was in, I'm not sure if it was the Philippines, but I remember once a bathroom attendant tried to give me a back massage while I was standing at a urinal. I swung my head around and said "no thanks" That really freaked me out.
Joe Parisi,
I had that happen to me in a club in Korea, the attendant sprayed colonge on me too. I need to learn how to say "I have a shy bladder" in Korean!
Bob,
I think Filipinos like Christmas so much because it fits with their cultural and Christian beliefs of brotherhood and tolerance…and also it's a good reason to party!
Mark C.
Maayong buntag, Bob. I actually like the christmas music – it cheers people. I just don't like it to be blaring loud inside the malls. I was actually quite disappointed in New Zealand. There were hardly any signs of the Christmas spirit. In fact, all the chrismas trimmings were taken out on Boxing Day, as if, they were in a hurry to get rid of the Christmas spirit. In Norway, I would have liked the "uplifting of spirits" early there especialy because days are short and it is cold. Snow can come as early as September where we were. But, every community seem to have a brass band and you see them playing carols in December, which is very very nice. In North America, isn't it Costco starts selling Xmas trimmings in July or August? No music, unless you start winding those music boxes on display.
Each country is different, but in the end, I think it is quite nice to hear christmas music early. They are classic, and easy to sing along to.
Ellen
Hi Joe Parisi – I have to say – that would be my reaction too. Standing at the urinal is a place that demands a little more personal space! 😆
Hi Mark C. – Any reason to party and enjoy life is a good thing!
Hi Ellen – Good morning! I like Christmas Music too – it was just a little early for me this time around!
hi bob,
i know how other people feel about hearing christmas songs especially at a very early month, some people feel that christmas is just a commercialism, some people don't, however, in my opinion, I would rather hear christmas songs rather than the noises our goverment makes, or the noises the anti-government makes, i am sick and tired of hearing how bad philippines is (economy) or how the country is collapsing, at least for a change let me hear a christmas songs that can uplift my spirit and the spirits of those who have a very bad times with the country, the presence of christmas season, althought it is few months away, makes everyone feel good despite the hardship the country is going through, there is still someone out there who wants to contribute upllifting the spirit of my kababayans through playing christmas music.
Hi dans – yes, there are indeed advantages!
Hi Bob and to all, of course it's too early. But sometimes, even in January, I love to hear X-mas-music, because there are lot of wonderful compositions even back to the Classical Composers… – I am glad you enjoy your hair cut. I also do today. Guess, who is my barber 🙄 🙄 🙄 ???
Hi Dans, I agree with you strongly… 😉
Hi Klaus – I know who your barber is, and I heard that she works cheap! For me, I just enjoy going to the barber shop, interacting with the barbers, kind of getting out and away from the house for a while.
Well I guess that means I'll be home in time for Christmas LOL. It's never too early for me, I love the holidays.
Hi BrSpiritus – Do you know your schedule for coming home yet? I was thinking about you the other day while watching "Deadliest Catch" on Discovery Channel, with the Crab Fishermen catching crab in Alaska, just wondering how you were doing! I hope you'll make it back to Davao soon!
Yeah bob I come home on the 11th your time. Venice is meeting me in Manila and I'm so happy to be coming home soon. I have pictues of a couple of the boats from the series, the Rollo and the Raven. Be happy to share when I get back.
Hi BrSpiritus – Have a safe journey! Good luck to you and Venice!