The Panunuluyan pageant is held each Eve. A couple is chosen to
reenact Joseph and Mary's search for shelter.
Mass is held hourly on Christmas Day so that everyone can
attend. Religious services include pastore, or play, based on myth
of the birth of the Christ Child. The pastore closes with a star
from the upper part of the church sliding down a wire and coming
to rest over the church's Nativity scene.
Christmas celebrations may have evolved from old tribal customs
mixed with other influences. Serenading cumbancheros, or strolling
minstrels, end their performances by singing Maligayang Pasko to
the tune of "Happy Birthday".
The
only Asian nation in which Christianity is religion chosen by the
people. Christmas celebrations start nine days before Christmas
with a mass known as Misa de Gallo. At this mass the story behind
the birth of Christ is read from the Bible.
