My First Christmas Party with Filipinos in Bangkok

I was happy that I convinced my Sweetheart to join our Christmas party at Siampinoy (a social networking site for Filipinos in Thailand) last December 18, 2009 (Friday). At first, he hesitated to come with me because he said he didn’t know anyone there. But, I told him not to worry because I didn’t know them all, either. Except for the host of the party. If I was not able to take him there, I won’t be able to attend that night. I don’t wanna attend there alone, and the party will start at 6pm. I have a curfew that I must be home before 6pm whenever I planned to go out. He did not imposed such curfew, but I don’t want to go home that late (I mean for me, out of respect for him). When I was single, I can go out at night whenever I wanted to. Not anymore because I am committed now and I don’t want him to wait on me at home. For me, that is not good in a relationship.

We’ve decided to bring Italian style spaghetti for our potluck share in the party. Since, he needed to go to work; I accepted the responsibility to cook spaghetti. When my Sweetheart went back home, I told him to taste my spaghetti and he said it was good. I was glad to know he appreciated my spaghetti. We went to the party together as early as 6:00 pm. As requested, the host of the party picked us up at the entrance gate of their Village as we both don’t know where to go. The venue is a little complicated/confusing because the all the houses’ structure are alike.

We’re the first visitors there, the other members started to show up one by one after an hour of waiting. We’re aware about Filipino time dilemma which is always late by an hour hahaha. I enjoyed the food and so was he (mostly Filipino dish). The menus that night were Chicken barbecue, Pork estofado, Pancit molo, and Mixed vegetables. They were teasing us at the party because of our sweetness for each other. One of them said that I am lucky to have him. But I guess, we are both lucky to have each other because the feeling is mutual.

My Sweetheart and I had very much fun at the party, meeting nine (9) of the SP members that night. It was indeed a pleasure to meet new friends in person. We left the party at 10pm already because we’re so tired and sleepy. This was my first Christmas party with my fellow Filipinos I’ve ever attended in Bangkok.

Christmas Is Around The Corner

Today is December 14, 2009, it is the 348th day of the year (349th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 17 days remaining until the end of the year. It is nine (9) days more before Christmas. People are busy about buying stuff in preparation of this coming holiday season. Family, relatives and friends will be gathering together to celebrate this once in a year holy event.

I remember when I was still a child, the happiest days of my life were my birthday, Christmas and New year. For obvious and common reasons for children and maybe some adults, too. In our country (Philippines), we are preparing for Christmas and New year as early as September because of the word "ber" (at the end of Septem) which means the coming succeeding months will all end in "ber" and, to us, that sounds pretty much of Christmas as it is celebrated in "DecemBER". We are so excited preparing early because we don't wanna miss something on our list like gift giving, to remind family and relatives to spend Christmas with us, friends to invite, god children (in tagalog-"inaanak"), the Christmas menu that will be served, Christmas decorations, our clothes to wear on that special day, listed activities/itineraries before Christmas, The nine Christmas dawn masses (in tagalog-simbang gabi: a Filipino tradition) and many more. Christmas is just around the corner.

I miss the way of celebrating Christmas with my family and relatives in the Philippines (the traditional way). This is my first Christmas here in Bangkok with my Sweetheart and I know in my heart that I will be happy to spend it with him. But, a part of me is sad because my first child, Nicole is there celebrating it in the Philippines with my maternal aunt. How I really miss her so much. I also misses my mom, sister and brother. There's nothing more that I can do than pray for them and someday we will see each other again.

Giving and exchanging gifts are part of Christmas gathering. Santa Claus is very famous to children. Social gathering is fun, food is great, the weather is cool, so many gifts to open, super cool Christmas carols and songs, too many food on the table... but let us not forget the reason for this very important season. Christmas is not only about Santa Claus, it is not about mere social gathering or tradition, it is not all about giving and receiving gifts... December 25 is THE BIRTH OF OUR DEAR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. We must not forget about HIM. Let's count our blessings and pray. Christmas is about giving unselfish love, forgiveness and asking for forgiveness, it is giving yourself to others by serving and loving others, our neighbors as Christian without even asking any in return.. which I strongly believe is the TRUE MEANING of Christmas.

Have yourself a loving and blessed Christmas!