New Year

I miss celebrating the New Year in the Philippines at the time when firecrackers were still legal. My uncle used to sell them so we’d have all the hard core “paputok” (fire works) – “pla pla” (named after a fish because of its shape) also called a triangle, “sintron ni Judas” (Judas’ belt), “labintador” etc

I was so oblivious of its danger for everyone was doing it. For the kids it was “lusis” and “watusi”! Smoke, noise, sparks of light --- it was not a war zone but the street around 10 to 12 midnight greeting the New Year.

“Media Noche”, the meal on New Year’s Eve was a time for my family to celebrate with all our relatives from my father’s side. A bowl of round fruits (symbolising life and prosperity) was always at the centre of the table – filled with the usual dishes, Leche Flan, pink gelatin, paella, suman, sweat and sour fish, pancit and a punch! As kids, it was like celebrating Christmas again for we’d receive another batch of gifts from our relatives from my father’s side.

The first day of the year was dedicated for our family reunion. It was a big party indeed with each family coming together as if teams in a corporate function! It was very organised that we even had a program with performers lined up, a raffle, games for kids and for adults, introduction for each family, picture taking, luncheon, singing and dancing. For a time when I was a bit older, we did not have family reunions like this anymore – of course some moved out, worked and lived at different countries, some loved ones were gone forever.

MANIGONG BAGONG TAON (Happy New Year)