2014, October 30. Christmas (Pasko 2014)
Litho Offset, Amstar Company, Inc.,
Perf 14
Se-tenant Blocks of Four, Miniature Sheets of 16
10p Brothers with Baby Sister
10p Children Carolers
10p Boy with Grandma
10p Family at Christmas Table
Miniature Sheets of 16
(6,500)
Designer: Rodine Teodoro
First Day Covers: Manila
Phlpost Official FDC Envelope
Privately Issued
CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Christmas Day in the Philippines is primarily a
family affair. The Misa de Aguinaldo is celebrated on December 25
and is usually one of several Masses that all family members
(including non-churchgoers) are present. The Misa de Aguinaldo is
often celebrated by midnight, a schedule preferred by many Filipinos
who stay up late on Christmas Eve for the night-long celebration of
the Noche Buena.
Preferably in the morning, Filipinos typically
visit their extended family, especially to pay their respects to
senior relatives. This custom of giving respect is enacted through
the "Págmamáno". A supplicant takes the back of an elder's hand and
presses it against the forehead, while giving the greeting, “Máno,
pô” (lit. "[Thy] hand, please"). The elder often responds by
reciting a blessing or simply acknowledging the gesture, and in
return gives "Aguinaldo" or money in the form of crisp banknotes,
often placed in a sealed envelopes.
Godparents in particular are socially obligated to give
presents or aguinaldo to their godchildren, to whom they often give
larger amounts compared to other younger relatives.
A festive lunch may follow the "Págmamáno". The
menu is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family, with
richer families preparing grand feasts, while poorer families choose
to cook simple yet special dishes. Some families choose to open
presents on this day after the lunch.
When nighttime falls, members of the family
usually return home or linger to drink, play parlour games, and
chat. Some may opt to have another feast for dinner, while a
minority spend the entire day at home to rest after the previous
days' festivities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_the_Philippines