So foreigners who come to the Philippines should be ready to greet and respond to people during this holiday. This is how Filipinos say Merry Christmas in Tagalog:
Merry Christmas ------------ Maligayang Pasko
Whens someone greets you Maligayang Pasko, you can say it back. Some would joke and say, 'same to you.'
This is how Filipinos ask for gifts/presents during Christmas, usually kids say this to their godparents. Although virtually all kids could ask for Christmas present from any adult, after all, the essence of Christmas is in sharing, material gifts or others.
My Christmas Present, please ---------- Namamasko po.
As a background, Christmas is basically a Catholic tradition and the Philippines is primarily a Catholic country, that is why many Catholic traditions are observed the whole year round. Godparents are required by the Catholic church to be present during the child's binyag (baptism). If they are unable to come, they can send a proxy. And part of asking gifts is the practice of children putting their godparents' hands, back of their hands, on their foreheads and saying:
Mano po, Ninong. (Mano po, godfather)
Mano po, Ninang. (Mano po, godmother)
After doing this and some pleasantries among the adults, the godparents then give their inaanak (godchild) their godchild's pamasko (Christmas present.)
Disclaimer: Due to the pandemic, this practice has been discouraged by the authorities this year, cutting the excitement and thrill of the season into half for the children. Also, due to shorter and shorter age gap among ninong, ninang and inaanak, kissing on the cheek has also replaced the putting the back of the hands of their godparents on their foreheads.
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