Philippines:

The Philippines is a predominantly catholic country so Christmas is celebrated throughout the holiday season, compared to many other Southeast Asian countries, and maybe throughout the world. Right after November's All Souls' Day, marks the beginning of the Christmas season and it continues through January 3rd, when most Filipinos still greet each other “Happy Three Kings.”

There's no greater symbol of the Filipino Christmas spirit than the "Parol," which is a Christmas lantern symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Traditionally parols are made from bamboo sticks and colored paper, but now they are also found made of capiz shells and cellophane with lights that blink and twinkle in dazzling patterns. All through the Christmas season, star-shaped lanterns can be found hanging outside homes and along the streets of cities and small provincial towns, farms and fishing villages. For Filipinos, making a parol, decorating one and lighting one is an expression of shared faith and hope.

December 16th marks the official start of the Christmas season with the tradition called Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) or Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster) which is normally held before the break of dawn. This nine-day devotion is a test of will and dedication for most Filipinos who endeavor to keep the tradition. Most Catholics start the Simbang Gabi with a prayer request in their hearts and a determination to finish the Simbang Gabi, with the belief that in doing so, their prayers will be answered.