Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the Philippines every December 25. It marks not only the birth of Jesus Christ but also a joyful celebration of love, giving, and family. It is a time when everyone reunites after a long and tiring year to catch up and exchange gifts.

Families like ours gather at home to enjoy Noche Buena (the Christmas Eve feast) after attending the ninth Misa de Gallo in the evening, which is the last of the nine-day novena of dawn masses leading up to Christmas. At midnight, we open our Christmas gifts and express our gratitude to one another. Afterwards, we play Filipino games such as bingo, charades, and Pinoy Henyo, among others, and we win prizes from the elders. We also sing karaoke while enjoying desserts from our Noche Buena.

In the pictures I attached with this note, my extended family—including my mother, sister, aunts, uncle, and cousins—along with our two cute dogs, are happily taking our annual Christmas family group photo with our Noche Buena and our Christmas tree. This event is very meaningful to me because of the happiness it brings to every member of our family, leaving us with only good memories. Our problems are forgotten, even if only for a short time, and we simply feel thankful to the Lord for all the blessings He has given us over the past year.

Although Christmas has never been the same since my father passed away, I know that he is still always with us in spirit—watching over us and guiding us in every step we take. Christmas starts as early as September in the Philippines, so I would like to send everyone warm holiday greetings—even a belated Merry Christmas!

<Interview>

1. What was the most memorable part of your family gathering, and why did it feel special to you?

The most memorable part of our family gathering during Christmas is eating Noche Buena together before midnight. It feels special because we get to talk and bond as a family. I also really love the games we play after midnight, where we share so much fun and laughter—and of course, win prizes!

2. Since you spent Christmas and the year-end days here in Korea, how did you cope with the feeling of being away from your family during this season?

Christmas in the Philippines is mainly a family celebration. This past Christmas season was my first time spending the holidays completely away from my family and relatives, and it felt very different without them. Christmas starts early in the Philippines, so I especially missed the decorations that appear in my hometown as early as September.

However, since I have other Filipino and international friends here at KDI School, I didn’t feel too alone. I’m also in Korea, which I’ve always considered my second home, so it still feels like a home away from home. Still, I hope my family can visit someday and spend a white Christmas with me here in Korea.

3. What makes you feel like “home” here — and what are your hopes as you continue your journey in Korea?

First of all, I’ve always considered Korea my second home. Korea has always been close to my heart because of its beautiful culture and language, the people, the country’s development, and of course, BTS, K-pop, and K-dramas.

I’m also grateful that I got to spend the Christmas season with my friends at KDI School because they have been very kind and welcoming. KDI School environment feels truly homey and comfortable. Now, I’m looking forward to experiencing winter and learning more during my time here in Korea. I hope to meet new friends, visit new places, and continue discovering new experiences in the coming seasons. I’m also excited for snow—so I’ve been getting my winter coats ready!