'Christmas is still different in the Philippines': Why this Fil-Aussie always returns home for the holidays

Despite living in Australia for eight years and becoming an Australian citizen, Denny Geronimo Jr. from Melbourne makes it a point to return to the Philippines every Christmas, saying the Filipino way of celebrating the season is unmatched.

Despite living in Australia for eight years and becoming an Australian citizen, Denny Geronimo Jr. from Melbourne makes it a point to return to the Philippines every Christmas, saying the Filipino way of celebrating the season is unmatched. Credit: Supplied by Denny Geronimo Jr

Key Points

• Home is where Christmas feels complete: With no close relatives in Australia, Denny chooses to spend the holidays in the Philippines, where family and community define the season.
• Faith above all: “Everything may be gone, but we always attend dawn Mass,” Denny shares, highlighting Simbang Gabi as a tradition he never wants to miss.
• On social media, some Filipinos in Australia also shared whether they go back to the Philippines during the Christmas season.

LISTEN TO

'Iba pa rin ang Pasko sa Pinas': Bakit hindi pinapalampas ng Pinoy na ito sa Australia ang pag-uwi sa Pilipinas tuwing Kapaskuhan

SBS Filipino

09:01Filipino

📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino

🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily.

📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit sbs.com.au/filipino or stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Podcasts, and SBS Audio app.

📣 Follow Us on Social Media – Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram.