お茶の間留学

New Year’s Day for our family always starts early, and this year was no different.

For our New Year feast, we decided to cook a variety of dishes. One of them was Afritada, a classic Filipino stew made with tender meat cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. We also prepared Lumpia, crispy Filipino spring rolls filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables, which are always a favorite at celebrations. Another dish was Humba, a sweet and savory braised pork cooked with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices, giving it a deep and comforting flavor. We also served Cajun shrimp, which added a spicy and flavorful twist to our table, and of course, we prepared ham, a traditional New Year food that symbolizes abundance.

As a family, we wore shirts of the same color to symbolize unity and togetherness. As midnight approached, we prepared our fireworks, including Binggala, a traditional type of firecracker that creates loud sounds believed to drive away bad luck. We also had fountain fireworks and other fireworks, which we shared with our neighbors as we welcomed the New Year together.

Overall, spending the New Year this way—busy, noisy, and filled with food, laughter, and family—made the celebration truly meaningful and memorable. What about you? How did you spend New Year in your country?

https://www.tagaloglang.com/new-years-eve-in-the-philippines/