Would Santa Survive Being Filipino?

Christmas in the Philippines is the season of giving. From sharing food over the Noche Buena to exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve—Filipinos view the Christmastide as the perfect time to make their loved ones feel special and to celebrate their hardships throughout the year as it comes to an end. 

Reflecting their values, the jolly, red-suited, grandfatherly gift-giver Santa Claus, who is said to live in the North Pole, is the central figure of gift-giving culture among Filipinos.  

Despite being a fictional character, Santa’s legend can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas, who became the patron saint of children in what is now Turkey. While his modern iconic image is most strongly associated with the United States, shaped in the 19th century by American writers and illustrators, Santa today has no single nationality, as his story has been embraced and adapted in various ways by cultures around the world.

But what if Santa were Filipino? How would he survive in the Philippines? 

If Santa were Filipino  

If Santa lives in the Philippines, there will be cultural changes in his attire, mode of gift-giving, and even the gifts and treats for the children. 

Instead of red coats and trousers trimmed with white fur, Filipino Santa would wear barong-inspired red tops and slacks which are more lightweight and breathable with the climate of the Philippines. 

Speaking of climate, Santa’s reindeer can’t exist in the Philippines, so he cannot use his classic sleigh, but the country has its unique ways to offer for the old man to deliver his gifts. 

If Santa lived in the Philippines in the past, his vehicle might have been a jeepney or a tricycle, or, to make it more traditional, a horse-drawn carriage or the kalesa. But if the gift-giver lived in modern days, he’d probably book a ride-hailing application, considering the country’s transportation system. 

However, Santa might also think twice before booking rides. Just last December 20, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) introduced a fixed pick-up fare for ride-hailing services during the holiday rush. This policy imposes an additional fee on passengers to cover the driver’s travel to the pick-up point, up to five kilometers, while also reducing surge pricing caps by 50 percent to balance driver compensation and passenger affordability amid peak holiday congestion.

But no matter the mode of transportation, the real question is: Would Santa be able to deliver his gifts on time, or would he just be stuck in the heavy traffic?  Or would he be among those who arrive at the ever-familiar “Filipino time”? 

Santa’s Presence and Presents

Despite the changes in his attire and way of gift-giving, Santa will surely love the celebration of Christmas in the Philippines because of the people’s heartwarming traditions. 

His experience wouldn’t be complete without attending the last night of Simbang Gabi or the nine-day tradition of dawn masses before gift-giving.  

Aside from toys, sweets, and new clothes as their presents, Santa would also love to bring pasalubong or treats like bibingka, puto bumbong and other festive delicacies for the Filipino kids; instead of milk and cookies, the kids would offer Santa a mano po in return.   

Santa might feel various changes from his clothing to the gifts he’ll give to the kids, but he will certainly love the Filipino culture and their unique way of celebrating Christmas. In the Philippines, both his presents and presence are valued.      

Would Santa Survive Being Filipino?  

Being human alone is already naturally challenging, but being a Filipino is another thing. 

Through the years, just like the other countries, the Philippines has faced both natural and man-made catastrophic events causing harm, agony, and even deaths. 

Despite the chaos, people have always been taught to be resilient and to just smile despite the ache. And this is the dark side of being a Filipino.   

Santa would certainly survive here as the generosity and gift-giving spirit associated with him resonates deeply with the Filipino culture. 

But surviving is not enough. The central figure of Christmas should thrive and help the masses survive.

Gift-giving does not just mean putting tangible presents in the socks hanging on every doorstep; it can also be fighting for what the Filipinos deserve, so they can also live and not just merely survive, and so that Christmas can be celebrated with genuine smiles on their faces. 

Article: Rolan Muyot

Graphics: Jan Mike Cabangin