Key Points
- Noche Buena, Simbang Gabi, caroling, exchanging gifts, and family reunions are just some of the traditions that Filipinos continue to practice even while living in Australia.
- Noel and Esther Diaz, married for 62 years, IT professional Ulyza Nor Oliverio, Marissa Manoto, and the Filipino-Australian couple Aaron and Amber Vega shared their experiences of keeping Filipino Christmas traditions alive even while in Australia.
- According to the 2021 Census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 400,000 Australians of Filipino descent live in Australia.
Christmas in the Philippines was pure joy with family. Now in Australia, our children and grandchildren are our greatest happiness. Being together is the true spirit of Christmas.Noel and Esther Diaz, 62 years married with grandchildren
For over 10 years, I never missed Simbang Gabi, and our faith brought countless blessings. My daughter finally had a child, and my husband fully recovered from heart and kidney failure. I truly believe our family’s faith made it all possible.Marissa Manoto, devotee Simbang Gabi
Christmas and its food bring our family together, filling our hearts with warmth and taking us back home to the Philippines, even from afar.Aaron and Amber Vega, Filipino-Australian couple
On Christmas Eve, we celebrate Noche Buena and stay up with family. Christmas Day is for the beach, food, and movies. Now in Australia, I send them money so I can still feel part of the celebration.Ulyza Nor Oliverio, Sydney-based IT
📢 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.
