OUR customs and traditions are intact. The family is the “nucleus” of our society where Filipino values and practices are intact. Celebrations are the expressions of family solidarity and customs. No matter what happens, Pinoys here and abroad pray and feast together as thanksgiving for blessings, tension release and survival amid crisis.

Celebrations do not have to be lavish; A small birthday cake and a lighted candle, the traditional bihon guisado, adobo, a kilo of lechon, fish and veggies, or just puto or bibingka, are enough to gather the family together. The camaraderie is the best ingredient, and prayers, the heart of togetherness.

The ”Ber” months start the Christmas season. Yes, holiday celebrations will continue, but will be different this time because of our concern for Covid-19 survivors and volunteers. The Christmas lanterns and trees will not glow brightly for the hungry and unemployed, out-of-school youth, and the overseas Filipino workers stranded in many parts of the globe, but the tradition of family celebrations lingers.

Our greetings to friends who celebrated their birthdays, anniversaries, event openings, and to those who reopened their businesses like food chains, started online classes, conducted webinars or visited relatives in nearby towns.