Puto Kalabasa with Eden Cheese | Photo by Flowell Galindez

BACOLOR, Pampanga — Christmas is the time of the year for giving, sharing and togetherness. As part of the tradition we Filipinos do during Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the Redeemer by observing nine mornings…nine days of waking up early and hearing mass we know as misa de gallo or simbang gabi. Christmas isn’t complete without a sumptuous meal served, may it be simple or extravagant. This is how Filipinos celebrate life. Yet 2009 was a tough year for most of us Pinoys. A lot of us have felt the brunt of tragedies and catastrophes. But no matter how tough it is Filipinos find hope in Christmas. Read the rest of this entry »