I wouldn't dream of trading Christmas in the Philippines for a white Christmas. And that's why I made sure I'd be home this Christmas. I was hoping to get some work done before the new year, but I was being optimistic. As I wrote before, "schedules, eating habits and exercise routines are thrown out the window" in December.
The video below provides a glimpse of what I mean. Note that "Pasko = Christmas" and "Pinas" is short for "Pilipinas," the Filipino word for "Philippines." I've also reproduced the lyrics, and added my own English translation. Merry Christmas!
Pasko sa Pinas Artist: Yeng Constantino
Nadarama ko na ang lamig ng hangin Naririnig ko pa ang maliliit na tinig May dalang tansang pinagsama-sama’t Ginawang tambourine
Ang mga parol ng bawat tahana’y Nagniningning Ibang mukha ng saya Himig ng Pasko’y nadarama ko na
May tatalo pa ba sa Pasko ng Pinas Ang kaligayahan nati’y walang kupas Di alintana kung walang pera Basta’t tayo’y magkakasama
Ibang-iba talaga Ang Pasko sa Pinas Ang Pasko sa Pinas
Christmas in Pinas Artist: Yeng Constantino
I can already feel the coolness of the wind I can still hear the children's voices Carrying bottle caps strung together Made into a tambourine
The lanterns in each home Shimmer and shine The look of happiness is different I can already feel the spirit of Christmas
Can anything beat Christmas in Pinas The joy we feel is incomparable We don't really care if we don't have money As long as we're all together
It's really different Christmas in Pinas Christmas in Pinas
