Christmas caroling
Our house has been officially named… “ang bahay na patawad” (a.k.a the house that does not entertain carolers). I laughed when I heard my yaya tell us about how she heard some street kids talk about our house to other street kids.
It has always been the tradition in the Philippines, for kids and adults alike, to set out and go from house to house in the neighborhood singing carols and asking for money for their efforts. They often shout - “Namamasko po” at the top of their lungs hoping someone would come out and give them money.
Many, would be street kids or neighborhood kids. Others would even come from far away places. Most of the time, they would just sing out of the blue, without prior notice. Some organized groups visit houses early on and give out letters advising the residents that they will be caroling at a certain date and time. I think that way is more polite and considerate than just dropping by unannounced at any house of their choice.
You see I am not by nature, a scrooge. Far from it, actually. But if there is one thing I hate, it is when people take advantage of special days like Christmas. I really do not know what is in these carolers minds but they must assume that just because its Christmas, people will naturally be fooled into giving out money.
It is not as if I have not done my share of Christmas caroling. I have. But I have always joined groups that practice for weeks and send out letters to the houses that will be visited. We also do not use the money we receive to divide amongst ourselves for our own personal use. We use the money to fund a cause or activity and this is always stated specifically in our letters.
Another thing I hate is when the carolers gripe loudly about not being given money. I am sure there is some cursing that is done too. It saddens me that these kids do not understand what Christmas is really all about.
This year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that they will be rounding up the street kids who will be found caroling. This will be done to prevent them from harm or presenting harm to others especially motorists. The kids will then be turned over to DSWD or to their families.
I say cheers to MMDA for this move… but it did not stop many, many, many street kids from knocking at our gate and screaming their throats out - “Namamasko po!!!!!!”. Sheesh!
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Oh so that’s why there weren’t too many kids going to our house to sing…and I thought it was only our dog’s fault. Haha. It was a tad bit annoying during Christmas day though…I woke up with kids calling through our gate, “Namamasko po!” And they weren’t even singing. Eh. It’s like trick or treating during Christmas day, without costumes. Heh.
Tina - First of all Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Its actually annoying to see that the kids don’t even pretend to sing anymore and just ask for money outright. Sigh.
I hope the police won’t start going crazy with power and start torturing these kids. They do that for some reason.
The kids in my area are very persistent they can stay for hours asking for money.
Happy New Year! for you and your loved ones, my prayers for a 2008 filled with abundant blessings and joy, and may love, hope and peace reign in your hearts.
Exene - I hope they dont too. No matter how annoying these kids become, torture is not the answer. Love your blog!
Dine - Happy new year to you and your family! Cheers!
so you’re like - heh! patawad! lolz. happy new year apple
Liz - Hehe. Wala namang heh.
Mostly I ask ChrisH to face them and say patawad. (Im such a coward). Happy new year to you too!