Holidays in the Phils...

Halloween (and November 1st is All Saints' Day in Manila) is quickly approaching.  Now, this is no lets-go-get-spooked-at-a-castle or dress-up and scare everyone type Halloween. In the Philippines, things are done very differently and are taken much more seriously. Candles are lit to light the way for the dead to return home, food is taken to graveyards to feed the dead and festivals/celebrations take place in the cemeteries.  So as you can imagine, with all of these beliefs and rituals, the spiritual atmosphere is very heavy. The festivities begin tomorrow and, even though I can already sense the heaviness, a first-hand account will be much better than just what I've been told.

On a lighter note, I've heard it many times that Christmas in Manila lasts longer than anywhere else in the world, but it wasn't until yesterday that I actually believed it.

I woke up to a mix of loud firecrackers (because Filipinos really know how to celebrate big) and Jingle Bells. The jeepneys have Christmas music blaring on our way to Safe and the girls have begun pulling out the Christmas decor when we arrive.  Later, the Christmas tree goes up, the Grinch and Christmas music is turned on, fighting over who will place the star on the tree ensues, and Safe becomes illuminated with Christmas lights.  Every person who walks into the door is greeted by the children with a very elated "Happy Christmas!" So as the heavy Halloween/All Saints' Day weekend is beginning, so is the amazing spirit and celebration of Christmas :)