MANILA, Philippines — As many Filipinos know, no Christmas in the Philippines is complete without hearing the words "namamasko po!"
In the Philippines, people in groups, usually children, set out in the streets to serenade homes with Christmas songs. But unlike those in other countries, Filipino carolers, as we call them, improvise on their instruments, using tansan or bottle caps or even a tin can to create a melody that can go along their singing voice. And as their performance ends, they chant the customary line—"namamasko po"—waiting for the residents to give them coins or any small form of gift as their reward.
Let us not forget of course the aguinaldo-giving, which has been a part of our godparent culture. As a child, there's no greater feeling than opening boxes of gifts from your generous ninongs and ninangs.
These Filipino traditions just prove that more than the emblems on the streets and the food that we share during Noche Buena, Christmas means spreading the holiday spirit through giving and sharing our blessing.
In line with spreading the holiday spirit through giving and sharing our blessing, here are some "namamasko po" scenarios we can all relate to:
YUNG HINDI NAGPAPARAMDAM YUNG MGA NINANG AT NINONG MO. MERRY CHRISTMAS NAMAMASKO PO
— iHeartKyleEcharri (@UrquizaDexter) December 25, 2015
Pabalik pa lang ako sa kwarto tapos may sisigaw na ulit ng "Namamasko po" oh pagod nko palabas labas mga kiddo hahaha :))))
— John Vinton (@JohnyAsuncion) December 25, 2015
When everyone is going out and doing their "namamasko po" tradition, I'm doing busy work in the kitchen sana bata ulit ako huhu
— Merry Christmas!!! (@kathlenemanalo) December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas! A lot of ppol going at r house and saying "Namamasko po..", even if u dnt know them, This is the season of giving...
— ROBZ REYES (@RobzDgreat) December 25, 2015
Kids who are carolling be like: We wish you a merry christmas and a happy new---NAMAMASKO PO!! NAMAMASKO PO!!!!
— Trish (@TRISHures) December 24, 2015
Carolers: Namamasko po. Family: Patawad Carolers: HELLO FROM THE OUTSIDE. AT LEAST I CAN SAY THAT I'VE TRIED ANG TARAY! UMA-ADELE!
— Cun†ess Gutiérrez (@rielgutierrez) December 16, 2015
bata: namamasko po me: balik ka na lang next year
— Duday (@JenjenTorresss) December 25, 2015
Bata: Namamasko po Me: Eto oh *abot ng 5 pesos* Bata: Ano ba naman 'yan! AY SHEMS CHOOSY KA PA
— Gene (@OleeneGene) December 25, 2015
Namamasko po! *knocks on the door/gate* *patiently waits for goodies* *no patawad pls*
— Donn Yves Geronimo (@DeterminedDonn) December 24, 2015
Puro *namamasko po!* huhuuuu 'di ba nauubos tao dito hHahahah
— Levin (@levprz) December 25, 2015
alarm clock for today: "NAMAMASKO PO" x3298434023984023984028934
— Prabha (@shredprabha) December 25, 2015