Kerry's Korean Adventure: Merry Christmas: Philappeano Style

Merry Christmas! I woke from a wonderful slumber. It was very quiet and dark, compared to my nights i Korea. I enjoyed using a "real" shower, complete with a bath tub. There was also a seperate dressing room, with a vaity, to do my make-up. When Kelly and I went downstairs, the helper had set out chinese bacon, freshly sliced mango, papayas, and bagels. It was delicious! To our surprise, we were running very late (I think that we got caught up in the laid back atmosphere) and were whisked away to church.

The Christmas mass was in English and promptly started right away. Although I tried to focus, I was distracted by the beautiful nativity scene, Christmas lights, and three kings display. With about 85% of the population practicing catholiscm, it was not a surprise to see how the community is dedicated to this joyous celebration. They have one of the longest Christmas celebrations. They start decorating in September and the carols begin.

After many photographs, we went to Ann's aunt's house. There, waiting for us was a roasted pig. It looked delicious. It was quite small, but that is supposed to be the most juicy and scrumptuous kind. There was also lo mein with kalamasi (a minature lime). It is divine when the lime is squeezed over your serving of lo mein. It is also good for a cold. If you slice the lime and drink it, it will shorten our cold. You can also mix it with hot water and honey. Egg rolls, white rice, seafood soup, and baked prawns accompanied the pig.
I will say, it was interesting having a pig on the table. But boy was it good! The best part was the crispy skin. When it was dipped in the sauce, it was great!

Christmas Lunch

With very full stomachs, we headed off to Mega Mall. The name suited it quite nicely. It had American and Canadian stores, and after being in Korea for some time, it was refreshing to see western fashion. I just enjoyed window shopping, but for the die hard shoppers, the prices are amazing! Everything is very cheap.
The next stop, Irwin's house (Ann's cousin's residence). When we arrived, I felt a little out of place. It was a Christmas party full of friends and family. About 30 people were in attendance. It was very hard to blend in. The blonde hair and light skin did not make it easy. So, I immedietly went towards the buffet. There was roasted pig, rice, creamy chicken soup, and traditional Philappeano food. The food was delicious, but the entertainment was even better!

Everyone at the party was required to do a "presentation." This could be a song, poem, or dance. There was even a microphone, which gave a lot of feedback. I think that I may have lost a little bit of hearing. I tried to hide, but Kelly, Ann, and I were told to do a "presentation." We chose "We Wish You Merry Christmas," from our grande finale at POLY. Of course, it never goes smoothly with me. They introduced us, everyone clapped, and we stood there, for about 8 long minutes. The sound system was not working, and the music was not available. I felt as if I was swimming in a sea of awkward turtles.
The party was filled with many fun games. They played hot orange (similar to hot potato) and a relay race that involved passing a kalamansi with a spoon. My favorite was when the adults had to tie a string around their waist. At the end was a pen. They had to get the pen into the coke bottle. It was hysterical!

The grand finale, was when Ann's aunt, uncle, cousin, driver, and their three maids came out...dressed as belly dancers! They put on a dance to Shakira's song: "Hips Don't Lie."

The night ended with the passing of red envelopes to the children. Then, to my surprise, the adults were told to line up from shortest to tallest. We formed a circle and started to dance. As you approached Ann's uncle, he would give you money. There were 500 pesos mixed in and it was the luck of the draw. Kelly and Ann both received 500 pesos. The "circle of money" stopped when the money ran out.
As everyone left, they were given boxes of apples, oranges, and plants. Kelly and I were enterained by Irwin and his under water hockey videos.
I did notice that the family was able to relax, as the helpers cleaned up and put the food away. It is a very different lifestyle.