My family lived in the Philippines until I was eleven years old. We lived in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines.
I have vivid memories of caroling with my family and friends. At the time, the excitement overwhelmed my senses because caroling happened in the evenings, when the air was crisp and chilly and the sky lit up with countless stars. I wasn’t aware then that being able to look up and see so many stars was a gift. Light pollution was scarce; maybe that term didn’t even exist yet.
We would go caroling from house-to-house, accompanied by a guitarist, a couple of tambourine players, and the occasional clapping.
| (Tagalog) Ang Pasko ay sumapit Tayo ay mangagsi-awit Ng magagandang himig Dahil sa ang Diyos ay pag-ibig. Nang si Kristo’y isilang May tatlong haring nagsidalaw At ang bawa’t isa ay nagsipaghandog Ng tanging alay. Bagong Taon ay magbagong-buhay Tayo’y mangagsi-awit Tayo ay magmahalan |
(English) Christmas has arrived Let us all sing Beautiful melodies For in God is love. When Christ was born Three kings came to visit And each of them presented Unique gifts. Start a new life at the new year Let us all sing Let us all love one another |
This was the song that I remember most. I think I remember it most because my brother and I use to sing the first two lines this way;
And pasko ay sumaaaa pit pit pit!
Tayo ay mangagsi-awit wit wit!
The families, whose homes we were serenading, would usually come outside a minute after we started singing. And, after our last song, the two sides greeted each other with kind words, happiness, and smiles. Sometimes, we were given arroz caldo served in styrofoam bowls. For the road, ya know? Other times, we were given money!
Inversely, when groups caroled in front of our home, it was also a wonderful feeling. The energy in their voices, and the cheerfulness in their eyes were something to behold.
These memories come back to me each year around this time. I’m saddened that Christmas Caroling is not a big thing here in America.
diversiev 