DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY:The Philippines

We Filipinos are known to be hospitable and that we value our families so much. We never
forget to wear a smile because of the positive attitude that we possess amidst our problems or even after
disasters come our way. These are the main reasons why we should be proud of our race. Because our
population is mostly composed of Roman Catholics, our faith and the traditions of the Church become
part of our everyday living. From the switching-on of the suns light until the back-up lighting from the
moon, we practice our Christian values and beliefs -----this is evident in our prayer recitals. We celebrate
every special occasion with great preparations, one of which is the Christmas season.
When darkness falls and overrules the sunlight, sparkling eyes rove around the new sights to
behold. This usually starts on the first day of September and is only seen in the Philippines. Playful
rainbow colors enthusiastically move about in the dark grey walls which were once lifeless and cold. This
is but one of the marvelous sights as the most-awaited celebration comes near.
The material things are but usual things to be excited about; it is the different kind of freshness in the air,
as if each place we go had been sprayed with the sweetest scent of the most expensive perfume, which
makes Christmas a one of a kind celebration. People from all walks of life unite in decorating their
homes, inside and out. For the rich ones, dancing colors of green, red, yellow and blue from an
expensive lantern rule the night. Human-sized Santa Clauses projected the best smiles as they sit under
a humongous Christmas tree bejeweled with gaudy Christmas balls.
On the barrio setting, branches of real trees are placed in the living room dangled with only eight to ten
ball candies making it the sweetest Christmas tree ever. From the upper corners of the paintless walls,
the stringed hand-made paper decors waltzed to the happy tunes of Christmas songs played on local
radio stations. Little children roam the streets and like baby moths they circle the amplified light posts
which had been magically turned into a Christmas light post with its boasting Christmas lights.
For the month of October, lovely voices are heard from children and choir groups roaming at night
and singing Christmas carols. As the month of December comes, another most-awaited activity is the
Simbang Gabi, the Holy Mass celebrated for 9 consecutive nights as a preparation for Christmas Eve.
These are only some main activities that we long for as it reminds us how special Christmas is.
So, what is Christmas for us Filipinos? With our long preparation and celebration any one can say
that it is the longest festival in our country. For young Filipinos, it is the time when most grins are seen,
parents are less likely to scold them, school works do not give too much pressure because theres none,
candies and chocolates fill their stomachs, ninangs and ninongs finally appear with their heart-warming
gifts, best dresses are worn and new shoes pamper their feet. For older ones, this is the time when
thank you becomes a common expression, sweat shirts and long sleeves which were kept in the
deepest part of the closet are finally worn, and friends, both old and new, finally meet for the longest
time.
Christmas is more than just a celebration; it is a blissful way of welcoming the coming of our savior
Jesus Christ. As one united nation bonded with faith in God and love for family, we signify this season as
a very special occasion as it is the time when we share precious moments together with our loved ones.
Filipinos love Christmas but it does not mean that we should only get excited and prepare for the activities
on the month of December, it means that we should feel the Christmas spirit all the time of the year and
do good deeds each day.