Filipino Culture

The Longest Christmas Season on Earth: Welcome to the Philippines’ Ber Months

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If you grew up in the West, you probably think Christmas season begins after Thanksgiving… or maybe not until the first week of December. In the Philippines? Christmas starts the moment the calendar hits September 1.And it doesn’t end until well past New Year — sometimes stretching into January, or even February depending on local … Read more

Filipinos and Their Sandals: What Flip-Flops Taught Me About Home

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Ever notice how what we expats call flip-flops are pretty much the national footwear of the Philippines? Sandals—tsinelas—are everywhere. Jeepney? Sandals.Market day? Sandals.Mountain trail that would make a goat nervous? Still sandals. Not tennis shoes for traction.Not boots for motorcycle safety.Not galoshes for the mud. Just those trusty rubber sandals, slapping along like it’s the … Read more