Live in the Philippines

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Merry Christmas

Holidays / by

And here in the Philippines we are allowed to say that without the fear of punishment or condemnation from the easily offended “PC” crowd. Not that I ever paid them any mind, except I will enter no store that does not have Merry Christmas in the window.

The Santa is on the roof
The Santa is on the roof

It was explained to me in the 1980’s in Puerto Rico that the Christmas Season included any month that ends in “BER” All the stores they are sneaking in the Christmas decorations a little at a time and Christmas Music is becoming more common at the malls.

Mayang (Mrs. Thompson) is my official word on all things Christmas and over our long years together I’ve learned to stay in the background and let the Season unfold in an orderly way.

Back in June I started squirreling away an extra few hundred a month into the contingency fund to finance Christmas in the Thompson household. This is Sacro-saint every year and may the lord have mercy on your soul if you attempt to step in the way of that speeding train.

This month she presented me with her Christmas USB with 50 albums of holiday music on it. I’m to check it to ensure it will function properly when it is plugged in and to add new downloaded albums to the mix in both English and Tagalog. She pointed out years ago that a lot of the songs on each album sound the same. I explained that some artists will copy the songs of the others. One thing I’ve noticed is that RAP talkers don’t make Christmas albums, which I think is sad. But still pleases me at the same time.

Next will be in mid October the decorating of the house for the Yuletide Season, something that can be seen from the International Space Station. And I see it in the PHP 1,500.00 increase in my power bill. But in December the Electric Cooperate refunds to me PHP 10 to 11 thousand Pesos of my yearly bill. So it’s a push with lights. We also get a food basket, consisting of the hottest items stocked in every Sari-sari through-out the archipelagos. I give it to the family.

With November will come the Night Market’s that will pop up on every street in Olongapo tying up traffic for two months, but it is Christmas, and I must smile as the Muslim vendors are selling the Christmas lights made in China that are guaranteed to burn down your house. You can feel the Christmas joy crackling in the air as those lights start arching and sparks are filling the night air with a light display.

Now comes the shopping, never ending relentless shopping, trudging through Malls, Markets and Night Markets with that music pounded into your head and lights flashing in your eyes until you find yourself on the ground going through a Grand Mal Seizure. So I used to sneak off and seek out a watering hole and rest there until one day I was requested to remain at home during Christmas Shopping. Bless me you’ll never know how hard I worked until that happened. I will make one trip per year to a large mall in San Fernando to do my shopping, I will enter the door. And a few hours later I’ll be back in the parking lot with my shopping done and on the way home. I could accomplish the same in 30 minutes but the other shoppers slow me down, well plus the SMB beer stations too. Bless the person who thought of that. I went on line and am having delivered to my grandson in Atlantic Beach Florida his first “Radio Flyer Red Wagon” A rite of passage for every little boy in the US of A to wake up Christmas morning with that under the tree. I’d get him a Flexible Flyer Sled, but it is Florida after all.

In the West it’s a little early to talk about this but here in the Philippines we’re right on time. So no Bah-Humbugs, evil Grinch’s or politically correct minions of the left need comment, only you folks that beam when you see the smile on that child’s face on Christmas morning need apply. A MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON TO YOU ALL

PS did you notice how many times I used the word Christmas?

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Comments

  3. My observation is that somewhere along the line, people started telling us there are problems where there are no problems.. Keep Christ in Christmas? Huh? You have no choice, you would have Christmas if it were not for Christ. If only there was a law or if God kept a record of all those people who said “Shutup” all year long when someone wanted to share the love and well being of words of Christ, and forced them to forfit Christmas parties at work or at friends homes. That would be justice. Enjoy the “spirit” let it make you happy. May God protect you from negative attacks that are meant to make you as miserable as some are around Christmas. And if you can help them with an Egg Nog, God bless ya!

    • Marc;
      I allow all to hold their beliefs close, as we all should. But where I’ll draw the line is at the interference in my belief system. If some misinformed human attempts to tell me I’m wrong, then they will fully understand the wrath of the lord who may use me as a conduit.
      If not for the birth of Christ, as you correctly said; “There would be no Christmas for them to be angry at.”Yom Kippur, Ramadan and any other does not offend me and I would take no action to stop people from celebrating them. I require the same consideration.

  4. We also intermix the playing of Christmas music during the first “ber” month. But no decorations until November.

    Paul, how do you get 10 to 11 grand back from the electric company?

    • Rusty;
      We belong to a Co-op and every year there is a refund of one month’s average bill, the why has never been explained to me. But to receive any refund you must have always have paid on time. Not all receive the rebate, plus the bags of free food.
      Our decorations will start going up this month, all the curtains and seat covers are already in holiday mode. As I said, I stay out of the way and just let it transpire.

  5. Merry Christmas I arrived in the Philippines on Oct 17, 2014…when I was collecting my luggage…Bing Crosby’s WHITE CHRISTMAS ..was playing on the intercom ..

  6. Paul,
    Thank you for the article. As usual well written and thought out. I agree whole heartedly with you, I find it strange that other faiths no one say a thing about their holidays or symbols of faith, but the follows of Christ seem to be fair game for every liberal in the USA. I refuse to be ashamed of my faith and just wish that they would give me the same respect that I give them.

    • Luke;
      I even respect atheists, if that’s really their belief. (Or non-belief LOL) I remember when democrats were Christian before the Hard Line Liberals polluted their party. Joe Biden is a Catholic and proud, I still respect him. But the rest are just trying to rule us with political correctness. And you’re right, it only affects Christians. How they got
      The Latino vote is beyond me. Now there is a new group that is offended by our flag. It will only get worst.

    • The more they “hone” in on our sword, the sharper it gets. It is jealousy of not preparing themselves for a life where Christ is no longer an option but a necessity.. For me, Christ, and Yom Kipper are necessities. Its a messed up world. I should be fine, less confusion when I move to Davao. lol.

  7. Merry Christmas Paul! ( although it’s still a little early for ME to be really comfortable thinking about it.:))

    We’ll be starting to make plans here too pretty soon I guess, about what to buy and give and eat during the holidays. I had gotten kind of tired of the over the top Christmas extravaganzas in the States, so Christmas here is more welcome and mellow for us. I’ll be trotting out all my Christmas stars for hanging, and adding also to my collection. We recently found a new barangay church that we love, so I’m anticipating midnight mass already.

    Your grandson will love his new Radio Flyer wagon I’m sure. My Radio Flyer wagon was one of my dearest toys, and I carried my Raggedy Ann doll around in it everywhere. My flexible Flyer sled was a popular toy for me too in Rhode Island winters.

    I hope you and your family all have a great Christmas and soon to be coming new year!

    Queenie

    • Queenie;
      I was stationed at Newport RI in the 70’s in the trunk of my car I brought my 5 foot Flexible Flyer down from my folks house in Dorchester. If you were ever there it had a hill with three flat parking lots on each level heading down to the piers where my ship was. I would sled down the hill every morning to get to work. I left the sled on the ship one night and when I came back around 0130 (am) all the Southern Boys were using it for the first time. I laughed until tears were in my eyes. Some toys are forever!

  8. WoW, Christmas time already in The Philippines. It seems that just about anything and everything is ” More Festive ” in The Philippines. Once again I will be able to experience some of it with another visit on the way. I think in another few weeks many of the stores here will begin putting out their Christmas displays as well. Christmas music in the air already ? Maybe I should transfer some of my original Christmas 45’s to a USB thumb drive and bring it with me. One of my favorites is a song called ” Merry Christmas All ” as performed by the Salsoul Orchastra. You can find it on Youtube.

    • NY Bob;
      Because Christmas time is so anticipated the season does seem to get here quicker than most else. (Except my birthday which seem to come every 3 months) The decoration sales have started and now a electrical engineer is require to sync all the new electronic lights. I am trying to download that song you mentioned. But I did like it.

      • Christmas seems to be part of the few holidays where we aren’t predicting the end of times. And if the world did end we know we were doing the right thing at the time.

        • Marc;
          I’m more concerned with my end of times than the worlds. It is not something I even think about, there is enough negativity without adding anymore.

  9. Hi Paul good post, there’s a guy back in England celebrating Christmas Day everyday
    Of the year he loves it , his wife could not take it anymore and left him he wasn’t bothered
    He carried on, read his story in the British newspapers his home is decorated with Christmas lights all year long he said people think I’m crazy but I’m not bothered,
    lol crazy brits, Derek in pasig.

  10. Hi Paul

    I love the concept of Christmas in PI. People don’t expect presents and if they receive just one small gift they are delighted.

    We always have everyone round on Christmas Eve and of course there are presents under the tree for all who attend. To see the eagerness of the kids when they see the pile of presents brings a lump to my throat and reminds me of my childhood when Christmas was a magical time. Their faces drop though when we tell them that no-one can open a present until the whole of the guest list has arrived. Even the lure of the afternoon Karaoke microphone cannot drag them away from the 2 meter radius of the tree.

    I shall be doing exactly the same this year and every year as it gives me a wonderful warm feeling, even if it is 35C outside.

    Cheers

    AJ UK

    • I love the concept of Christmas in PI. People don’t expect presents and if they receive just one small gift they are delighted.

      This is not my experience in the PI. I’ve been there for Christmas three consecutive years and what I’ve noticed is that family definitely expects presents. I actually think its worse than in the states. For example….lets take an ordinary employee at a call center. Usually the month before Christmas they will get an “bonus” months wages. Its not really a “bonus”, but I couldn’t get the several people I talked to about this to understand that so its a moot point. Basically they just divide their annual wages by 13 instead of 12….but that’s neither here nor there. The point im making is that this “bonus” will be spent in its entirety on Christmas gifts for family. Most will spend the bonus money plus some more. By comparison….I don’t know many Americans who spend an entire months wages on Christmas gifts. I know there may be some…..but I cant think of any….
      Anyone else experience this?

      Whats even weirder is Im aware of some who will definitely know they have expenses and bills due soon but will still defer to be able to grant their family a “good” Christmas. I know the total dollar amount will not compare to the states…but on a relative term….the PI definitely spends more….

      • Willie,

        There are Filipinos that expect to receive a zillion gifts from some foreigner’s. Which, in my opinion, is the foreigner’s fault. The foreigner want to impress their Filipino relatives with their so called wealth. Bragging!!! You are poor and I am rich attitude.

        However, Filipinos that have nothing really appreciate whatever they are given. It doesn’t matter the cost.

        These poor Filipinos, which are probably the majority, have the Christmas spirit. No gifts but a great Christmas spirit.

        Rusty

        • Rusty,

          Sorry if I wasn’t clear but my comment had nothing to do with foreigners. I was speaking about the Filipino’s that I know who work in call centers.

          • Willie,

            I see. Then I don’t have a clue as to why someone in a call center would expect more than what is given at Christmas.

            I guess there are greedy people everywhere.

            Rusty

            • Gentlemen;
              In the US of A do you think that the vacation and health package was not also figured into the salary just like at the Pinoy call center’s Christmas Bonus?

              • Paul,

                Yes definitely in the U.S. all benefits are a part of your total compensation. I guess my point got kinda lost in translation. My whole point was that I know many Filipino’s who spend their entire Bonus Month check on Christmas and I don’t know anyone in the states who spend an entire month’s wages on Christmas.

              • Willie;
                I know we spend a fairamount every Christmas, of which I’m sure I don’t really want to know how much. But I’d guess it is one of my three pension checks. I might need to start working at the call center with my Boston accent.

      • Willie;
        Since the comment that you quoted was not mine I’ll not respond. I (My wife and I) have a large family, and we insure there will be a present under our tree for each and everyone. Here is what I do know. I want nothing because if I do want something I l already have it. So for the past 20 years I get what I want.(LOL) I have to also send presents to the family members in the States (My Daughter and grandson) and spend a goodly amount every year. (That is not a complaint as I plan for it in our budget) But truthfully I’ve not really witnessed any greed either in the states or here. Maybe I’ve been lucky.

      • Hi Willie

        I think we move in different circles. My wife’s family are mainly farmers and live a meagre existence. It probably explains why they are so pleased to receive something.

        Currently there are no call centre people in the family or even shopping mall workers for that matter.

        Hopefully some of the education opportunities that we have given will produce the next multi-millionaire in the country and then we shall see LOL.

        Cheers

        AJ UK

    • AJ UK;
      I must agree with what you wrote 100%, Christmas eve the party has always been at our house and at midnight all presents are passed out. I love it!!!!!
      I was at lunch today and sitting at the next table was my dear friend from England, who lives in South Africa now, he was trying to call me when I tapped him and said:“Hi Frank” The small world factor strikes again..

  11. It’s my 5th year visiting hospitals, day care centers, schools and even private homes of less fortunate and sick children during the months of “BER” but in essence Christmas is everyday for us here. As for this thing about in the US which are pushing these new ideas not to offend anyone by saying Merry Christmas this is totally out of line. As long as people aren’t hurting each other it should be still considered normal. Live and let live I say. When I first arrived in the Philippines I saw that a little cheering up of the children that are sick and less fortunate goes a long way in bring happiness in their lives so why not? I was baptized Mindanao Santa by many and the name stuck. This year it will be again a cheerful holiday and I will do my best to bring joy where ever I go during these coming months. Of course we can’t please everyone but we don’t have to knock others because they believe in something. To each their own. This is what I believe. By the way it is a real beard. Ho! Ho! Ho!
    Take care Bob and blessings for the season ahead and Merry Christmas…. (y)

    • Thank Bob, I am very thankful right now many of my friends and family in Canada are working on fund raising activities which will help fund some of the care packages we will be giving to some of the less fortunate. In my heart this is a must. Deeds speak louder sometimes. (y) Also I am invited every year to do the Christmas message on the radio stations here. Then we can talk about food programs or clothing programs to help those that really need it. These are all very positive things.

  12. It’s really sad what is happening in the USA. The PC and SJW (social justice warrior) crowd are really on a rampage to destroy the values and aspirations that made the country great. Sure some mistakes were made along the way, but most people understand that and have come a long way in adjusting, but it’s never good enough for these people. I’m greatful that I can enjoy the christmas season here without persecution.

    • Peter;
      My standard reply to the PC Police I keep in a file and [post it so I don’t have to argue with an idiot: It really fun on Facebook: Political Correctness is a doctrine, recently fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and promoted by a bias mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end!
      Then I smile and move on with my life. The PC Police can only have power if we give it to them.

  13. Mr. Paul T. I am sure you enjoyed Christmas in Puerto Rico when you were there. I hope you still remember the “parrandas or trullas navideñas.” And of course the ” lechón asao.” 🙂

    • Jose:
      I miss the Christmas assault on your house by carolers and you must feed and give them a drink and move to the next house. I was on one that lasted two days.

  14. Paul,
    Loved your article. As i’m typing this, I’m listening to Christmas Music played by AccuRadio. They have a pretty good selection of just about every genre. Anne has plans to put up the tree before the end of the month. So like you i just stay out of the way. Little Jaden will be able to watch all the Christmas show’s on Hallmark Channel that i enoyed watching as a kid. This Christmas should be special for us as some of Anne’s family she has not seen in years will be celebrating with us.

    • PapaDuck;
      Jaden is still in the cartoon phase of life, but if there is enough explosions he’ll watch a movie. (LOL) It’s nice to share the holiday with family.