SEASON OF GIVING. A Christmas tree adorned with gold and white decorations stands at the center of the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City. This time of the year is also a season of shopping as many Filipinos troop to malls and other establishments to buy gifts for their loved ones. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)
MANILA -- Aside from the glow brought by sparkling lights and glittering decorations, the most wonderful season of the year is shining even brighter as people from all walks of life give and receive gifts. More than just looking at the size and price of each present, gift-giving remains one of the most enduring and lovable traditions of the Filipino way of celebrating Christmas.
With Christmas literally just around the corner, it is not surprising to see thousands of peoples scrounging high-end malls in Quezon City and Makati or cheap shops in Divisoria, Manila to buy the best gifts for their loved ones and friends.
Despite the hassles and financial drain this entails, Filipinos go on a shopping spree in a bid to surprise and show their appreciation to a loved one.
For 30-year-old Rob Pagadora, of Laguna, this seems to be the case.
"Sapagkat ang diwa ng Pasko ay pagbibigayan at pagsorpresa sa ating mga minamahal (The real essence of Christmas, for me, is giving gifts to surprise and show our love to our families and loved ones)," he said.
For some, gift-giving despite being expensive, makes the givers feel good about themselves.
"Palagay ko kaya mahilig magbigay ng regalo ang karamihan sa mga tao ay dahil sa self satisfaction. Dahil kapag nakakapag bigay sila. Parang nagkakaroon sila ng self-fulfillment (Many people are into gift-giving during the Christmas holidays as this gives them self satisfaction and self fullfilment on that the fact that they can share)," Dan Charles Carlos, 18, of Malolos City, Bulacan, said.
Also, gift-giving and receiving of gifts make the Christmas Season merrier and festive, 19-year-old Patricia Antonio, of New Manila, said.
"I think that Filipinos are fond of giving and receiving gifts during Christmas because it makes them feel more festive. Since Christmas is 'the season of giving and receiving' I think that it’s an automatic action in relation to the holiday, it’s become a common thing," she added.
Family first
For some Filipinos, our "kababayans" fascination to give and receive gifts can be attributed to tradition and Filipinos' love for their families.
"Because it has been that way for so many years, it has become a tradition. This is what we call the Filipino family tradition every Christmas. I guess this stems from the fact that we, as Filipinos are giving and family-inclined in nature," Makati City resident John Lui Ramos, 19, said.
Another factor is that the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, he added.
Ramos' views were shared by 51-year-old Mary Ann Mila, also of Makati City.
"Para sa akin kasi yun na ang nakagisnan at nakasanayan ng bawat Pilipino. Isa ng tradisyon sa ating mga pilipino ang mag bigay at tumanggap ng regalo. Hindi lang naman materyal na bagay ang pwede mong I regalo sa ka pamilya kaibigan eh pwede din naman pagmamahal at pwede din namin ibalik yun sayo (For me, gift giving and receiving is the tradition that we Filipinos got accustomed to. This is not limited to material things as families and friends can also share and give love back)," she added.
For some, gift-giving is also a way of thanking God for the blessings received throughout the year and show the real meaning of Christmas aside from being a part of Filipino culture.
"Mahilig tayo magbigay kasi nakaugalian na. Parte ng Kulturang Pilipino ang pagiging mapagbigay. Sa pamamagitan nito naipapakita natin ang pagpapala ng Dyos sa ating buhay gayundin ang diwa ng Pasko" (We love to give gifts because it is part of our Christmas tradition and culture. By gift giving we show thanks for all the blessings given to us by God and the true meaning of Christmas," 27-year-old DZBB reporter Mark Makalalad said.
Most joyous season ever
Adding to the fun and thrill of giving is the Filipino belief that the Christmas Season is the most joyful of all the holidays.
"Bilang mga Pilipino, ang Pasko ang pinaka inaabangan nating pista ng taon. Nakaugalian na nating mga Pilipino na ipagdiwang ang Pasko kasama ang mga mahal natin sa buhay tulad ng ating pamilya at mga kaibigan (As Filipinos, Christmas is our most awaited holiday for the year. We have grown accustomed to celebrating the Season for with our families, loved ones and friends)," Mary Rose SJ. Jimenez, of Makati City, said.
Aside from the delicious and bountiful food, Christmas in most Filipino households will not be complete without gift-giving and receiving from families and friends, she added.
"Ang regalo ang sumisimbolo na espesyal ang taong binibigyan natin nito at naalala natin sila (Also gifts demonstrates the importance of that person to us and shows that we remember them)," Mary Rose said. (with reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
