How to Celebrate New Year's Eve the Filipino Way

Filipinos consider New Year's Eve a time of celebration for the entire family, including children of all ages. Most Filipinos also follow a traditional belief that if the family spends at least the approach of midnight together, then it will stay together for the entire year.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Firecrackers
• Roast Pigs
• Women's Watches

1. Awake small children right before midnight.

2. If you're out, make sure you return home before midnight. After the countdown and a short time of gathering with the family, you can leave again.

3. Light firecrackers at midnight. Some families dance and sing to bring in the new year.

4. Serve sweet rice and ginger tea after the countdown.

5. On New Year's Day, roast a pig over hot coals and serve with any number of Filipino dishes such as pansit, lumpia and adobo.

on 12/19/2005 Do not use dust pads and brooms on New Year's day. Do not take showers; do it before New Year's day.

on 11/22/2005 Mixing and matching pricier clothing with cheaper options can stretch that wardrobe dollar.
For example:
Watch by Swiss Army (pricey)
Shoes by Donald Pliner/Kenneth Cole shoes (sorta pricey)
Blazer from Gap/Penney's (less pricey)
Jeans from Old Navy (even less pricey)
Graphic T from Target or WalMart (Cheap) All found on sale or clearance of course.

on 11/22/2005 (This is for the kids) Make sure you try to catch a lot of money that your tita's, tito's, or cousins throw. Watch out for the older kids, they can be rough sometimes! Try putting tape on your hands!

on 11/22/2005 Make sure your wallet/pocket isn't empty at midnight. Shake your wallet/pocket (full of money) at midnight, and your year will be fruitful.

Eat pancit for good luck and long life.

on 11/22/2005 Be sure to eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight. The grapes represent prosperity for the 12 months in the new year ahead!