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Christmas or "Paskuhan" is not only the longest and most important Filipino Celebration. It is when the Filipino shows iff his best qualities: his religiosity, love for family, conviviality, and excellent cooking! Perhaps the most important of traditional Christmas practices in the country is the country is the Simbang Gabi, or dawn Mass. For nine days before the Christmas Eve Mass, families troop to the churches for an early morning Mass, after which they rush home for the traditional breakfast of native delicacies, such as the bibingka (rice cake), salabat (ginger tea) and tsokolate-eh (thick native cocoa). At Las Pinas Church, the celestial music of the Bamboo Organ resounds in the air as accompaniment to the angelic voices of the Las Pinas Boys Choir. Parol (native star lanterns) of every color, shape and size adorn every home. Bibingka stands offer simbang gabi favorites, and other traditional Christmas food fare, such as the jamon (Spanish or Chinese sweet ham), or queso de bola (Edam cheese).

Suggestions:

Theme Party:
* Simbang Gabi
* The Paskuhan theme is best in October, November or December

Venues:
* Casa Manila
* Las Piñas Church Courtyard
* Nayong Pilipino
* Paskuhan Village in San Fernando, Pampanga
* Puerta Real Gardens
* Selected hotels and resorts can recreate a Christmas theme in their ballrooms and gardens.

Entertainment:
* Boys' Choir
* Brass Band
* Symphony Orchestra

Gifts:

* Miniature parols (star lantern) made of capiz shells
* Silver filigree christmas ornaments/miniature boxes
* Philippine Christmas book
* Any gift will go well with this theme