Although the holidays can be a hassle in terms of traffic and expenses, people still love Christmas, the traditions and anything about this merry season. Below I asked a few showbiz friends to give me a list of 10 favorite things about Christmas.
• Pauleen Luna, actress
Christmas tree – "In my room, so that I have my own."
A red pair of boots – "I collect shoes, you see."
Tons of gifts
Christmas in the US – "I haven’t been to the States and that’s my goal – to be there and experience Christmas there, not necessarily white. Puede din red… he-he-he."
Lechon
Leche flan
Christmas cards from loved ones
Caroling – "I used to do it as a kid."
Christmas carols
Baked goodies – "I will bake pastries this Christmas to give away to co-workers so that it will have a personal touch."
• Arnell Ignacio, host, Now Na!
Marca Pato queso de bola – "We always had that even when we were kids."
Excellente ham
Chestnuts
Hot chocolate
The smell of new shoes
Simbang gabi
Puto bumbong
Bibingka
Hot tea – "Tsaa – as we call it."
Arnelli’s Pizza
• Ryza Cenon, StarStruck Ultimate Female Survivor
Simbang gabi – "I used to complete that."
Puto bumbong – "The most delicious is the one sold at the back of our church in Nueva Ecija."
Snow – "I have yet to experience that."
The cold weather
Santa Claus
Queso de bola – "Regardless of brand."
Pine tree
Christmas balls
Gifts – "I want to give and receive."
Jesus Christ
• Rico Gutierrez, TV and commercial director
The nippy air
Family reunions
Being able to spend more time with son Abijah "because I don’t have work on Christmas."
Stuffed turkey
Short vacation – "Usually before the New Year."
Christmas lights
Attitude of people – "They are nicer during holidays."
Meeting my godchildren – "Only eight of them."
Dec. 24 get-together "with my ulilang friends – or those like me who don’t stay with family."
The day after Christmas – "Puede kang humilata and be stupid for the rest of the day."
• Jana Roxas, StarStruck survivor
Chestnuts – "We buy them at Farmer’s Market."
Three Kings
Puto bumbong
Puto’t cochinta
Magnolia queso de bola
Angels
Ninong and ninang – "Even if they hide from me."
Christmas lights
Lechon
Christmas tree
• Vaness del Moral, StarStruck survivor
Christmas gifts
Marca Piña queso de bola
Fruitcake
Leche flan – "My lola’s – the only leche flan I eat."
Spaghetti – "Also prepared by my lola."
Godchildren
Fireworks
Red wine
Candies in Christmas stockings
Thick jackets – "Because I’m from Baguio."
• Joy Viado, mainstay, Now Na; I-Robot
Christmas stockings
Fireworks
Countdown to New Year
Christmas tree – "With all red Christmas balls."
Exchange gifts – "The monito/monita"
Belen
Christmas lights
Parol – "I like the Pampanga lanterns in capiz."
Jalea ube
Christmas songs – "With Joy to the World as my favorite, of course."