When the "-Ber" Months Hit Different: Your Guide to Filipino Holiday Season with PASO
- Anthony Magdangal
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Spoiler: Christmas starts in September, and we're not apologizing for it.
If you grew up Filipino or adjacent to Filipino culture, you already know—the moment September 1st hits, it's officially Christmas season. But November and December? These months are when the magic really amplifies. It's giving family, it's giving tradition, it's giving "why is there already a parol in October?" energy.
For those just tapping into Filipino culture (or reconnecting after being away), let's break down why these two months are absolutely iconic in the Filipino calendar—and how PASO is bringing these vibes to life right here in Ohio.
November: The Sacred Before the Celebration
Undas: Honoring Those Who Came Before
November kicks off with something deeply meaningful: Undas (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, November 1-2). This isn't your average cemetery visit—this is a full family reunion at the gravesite. We're talking coolers, picnics, candles lighting up the night, kids running between tombstones, and entire families camping out to spend time with departed loved ones.
It might sound somber, but honestly? It's actually beautiful. There's something grounding about how Filipino culture doesn't shy away from death but instead makes space for it—literally sitting with our ancestors, cleaning their resting places, sharing meals like they're still part of the conversation. It's a reminder that our roots run deep, and the people who came before us still matter.
Modern take: Even if you can't make it to the Philippines, lighting a candle for your lolo or lola, sharing their stories with younger cousins, or even just posting a throwback with a heartfelt caption—it all counts. Honoring legacy looks different for everyone, but the intention is what matters.
The Countdown Begins
By mid-November, you'll start seeing the pre-Christmas prep energy building. Parols (those gorgeous star-shaped lanterns) start appearing in windows. Group chats start planning Noche Buena menus. Someone's tita is already asking who's bringing what dish. The anticipation is real.
December: Maximum Holiday Mode Activated
If November is the warm-up, December is the main event—and Filipinos do Christmas like nobody else.
Simbang Gabi: The 4 AM Commitment
Let's talk about Simbang Gabi—the nine-day series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas. Yes, you read that right. DAWN masses. As in waking up at 4 AM, nine days in a row, to attend church before the sun even thinks about rising.
Why though? Tradition says if you complete all nine days without missing one, your wish will be granted. But beyond the superstition, there's something about the collective discipline—entire communities showing up in the pre-dawn darkness, the smell of puto bumbong and bibingka wafting from vendors outside the church, the quiet camaraderie of shared sacrifice.
Real talk: Will you realistically wake up at 4 AM nine days straight? Maybe not. But even catching one or two masses, or finding a virtual option, connects you to millions of Filipinos worldwide doing the same thing. There's power in that.
Good news: As always, the Philippine American Ministry is organizing Simbang Gabi this year from 12/15/25 - 12/23/25. Locations will be announced. Stay tuned for more information on how you can be part of this beautiful tradition right here in Ohio.
Noche Buena: The Feast That Goes Until 3 AM
Christmas Eve dinner, or Noche Buena, is THE meal of the year. Forget Christmas Day—December 24th at midnight is when we feast. The table is overflowing: lechon, lumpia, pancit, ham (yes, the sweet Filipino-style ham), fruit salad with way too much condensed milk, queso de bola, and about seventeen other dishes.
But here's what makes it special: it's not just about the food. It's about everyone finally being together after a long year. It's your tito telling the same stories from 1987. It's kids staying up way past their bedtime. It's the chaos, the laughter, the "kumain ka na ba?" asked forty-seven times. It's home, no matter where you are.
Parol: The Star That Guides Us
The parol—that iconic star-shaped lantern—is everywhere during Filipino Christmas. Traditionally made from bamboo and paper, modern versions come in all sizes and styles (LED, capiz shell, even minimalist geometric designs for the aesthetically inclined).
But the parol isn't just decoration. It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, hope, and light guiding the way. In a deeper sense, it represents Filipino resilience—finding light even in dark times, creating beauty from simple materials, and shining bright as a community.
Style inspo: Whether you go traditional or modern, hanging a parol in your space is an instant cultural flex. Plus, it makes for excellent content.
Experience It IRL: PASO's Holiday Glitz 2025
Reading about traditions is one thing. Living them? That's where PASO comes in.
Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Philippine-American Cultural & Civic Center, we're throwing an event that brings all of this together: Holiday Glitz.
Here's what's happening:
Cocktail Hour (6:00 PM): Arrive in your festive attire, mix and mingle, and soak in the holiday energy
Dinner (7:00 PM): Because no Filipino gathering is complete without an amazing feast
Community Celebration: This isn't just a party—we're also inducting new board members, which means we're growing, evolving, and building the future of Filipino-American community here in Ohio
Think of Holiday Glitz as your Noche Buena outside the house—a chance to celebrate with your extended Filipino family (both by blood and by choice), honor traditions in a modern setting, and create new memories that become part of your own story.
Tickets:
Adults: $55
Students: $30
Children under 12: $10
Reserve your spot:
Christine Siy: 216-200-2242
Aimee Von Lehmden: 440-655-6941
Fe Juan: 440-225-3953
Dress code? Festive Attire. Translation: this is your moment to break out that barong, that terno-inspired dress, or literally anything that makes you feel celebratory. Main character energy only.
Why This Matters (Especially Now)
Here's the thing about tradition: it's not about perfectly replicating what our grandparents did. It's about understanding why they did it and finding ways to carry that forward in our own lives.
Maybe you can't attend Simbang Gabi at 4 AM, but you can light a candle at home and take a moment of gratitude. Maybe you can't fly back to the Philippines for Undas, but you can share your family's stories on social media. Maybe your Noche Buena looks different—smaller, louder, or even just takeout with close friends—but the spirit of togetherness remains.
Events like Holiday Glitz matter because they create space for our community to come together, to see each other, and to say: "We're still here. Our culture is still alive. And we're building something beautiful together."
Plus, we're inducting new board members, which is huge. Fresh perspectives, new energy, and continued commitment to making PASO a place where Filipino culture thrives in Ohio. That's the kind of legacy worth celebrating.
Your Invitation
Whether you're Filipino, Filipino-American, grew up eating lumpia at every party, or you're just culture-curious and love a good celebration—you're invited. Not just to Holiday Glitz (though yes, absolutely come), but to be part of this ongoing story.
Traditions don't stay alive by sitting in the past. They stay alive when we show up, when we participate, when we add our own chapter to the narrative. The "-ber" months aren't just about nostalgia—they're about continuity. About carrying light forward.
So mark your calendar: December 13, 2025. Put on something festive. Show up. Eat good food. Celebrate with your people. And let's make this holiday season one to remember.
Because when Filipinos gather to celebrate? It's always going to hit different.
Ready to experience Filipino holiday traditions IRL? Get your Holiday Glitz tickets now and be part of the celebration. See you on December 13th! 🌟