Christmas in Manila

Merry Christmas! Maligayang Pasko!

The season is finally upon us. Here in Manila we have been celebrating Christmas since September. Or at least, that’s when the first Christmas decorations hit the malls and slowly took over the rest of the city. The festive spirit is strong here and I have encountered decorations in malls, in my classroom at Maryhill School of Theology, and of course, outside of churches and cathedrals, and peoples’ homes.

Here is a sampling of the Christmas spirit that surrounds us.

The Christmas market in Cubao.

Lots of lights and lightforms for sale.

Christmas stars abound in Manila.

Snowmen or snow clowns?

A festive pack to please at any party courtesy of ShopWise

Two weeks before our final Prophets class this Christmas tree arrived with gifts beneath it.

Metallic paper plates spell out Merry Christmas and multilingual signs bear the same greeting

Santa and Frosty the Snowman joined us for our final class

Even the blackboard was decorated for the season

The grand Christmas tree outside of Manila Cathedral

The nativity scene outside the cathedral

Christmas tree outside St. Augustine’s – the oldest church in Manila

This snowman won’t melt under the tropical sun!

Our Christmas tree, lovingly prepared by Tram

Our nativity scene, also loving prepared by Tram

A feast fit for Christmas Eve!

Christmas presents on Christmas morning

A Santa sighting at Robinsons mall!