There are many things that make the Filipino Christmas unique. One of them is our version of the Western tradition of singing carols.
At sundown every Dec. 16, children knock on doors to sing carols in exchange for a coin or two. What makes this truly unique are the musical instruments used: Tambourines made out of wire and flattened bottle caps; cans topped with plastic wrappers as drums and tin cans filled with pebbles as noisemakers.
Through the years though, owing perhaps to the harsher economic climate, the singing of Christmas carols has oftentimes been associated with purely “entrepreneurial spirit” rather than “Holiday spirit.”
Fortunately, traditional “caroling” is set to get more attention via an unlikely medium: A TV commercial, commissioned by Purefoods Fiesta Ham, the popular Noche Buena delicacy.
In the ad, a family is about to enjoy their Noche Buena when two kids start singing Christmas carols outside their home. As the lady of the house slices the Purefoods Fiesta Ham, the singing outside becomes merrier and grander because the kids were joined by several choir groups, one of which, as seen on TV was the UP Singing Ambassadors.
It’s a noteworthy short, even if it’s a commercial. It evokes the feel of the true Pinoy Christmas: A family gathered around the table; a modest feast (featuring the star of the Noche Buena season) to celebrate family, and carolers giving cheer in the background.
But what it also does is bring us back in time, when we were children and caroling was about having fun, spreading that Christmas fun around even through makeshift instruments, and sharing and enjoying whatever blessings you had — be they coins or, in this case, slices of pure, premium meat Fiesta Ham,
Hopefully, through the Purefoods Fiesta Ham TVC, many of us will once again be reminded that it’s not the decor or holiday trappings that matter. Rather, it’s the simple joys of coming together to sing a Christmas carol, or celebrate family and togetherness, with a special feast.