Trending Now: ‘Reverse carolling’, the sound of a modern Christmas

'Reverse carolling' flips the traditional carolling: instead of going door-to-door to ask for donations, carolers bring gifts, treats, or blessings to homes, sharing joy and kindness during Christmas.

A group of Filipino students in Nueva Ecija (top photos) went viral as they do a 'reverse carolling', flipping the traditional practice: instead of going door-to-door to ask for donations, carollers visit homes to give gifts, treats, or blessings, spreading joy and kindness during the Christmas season. Credit: ZNHS MAPEH Club and Ian Epondulan (Facebook)

On this week’s Trending Ngayon podcast by SBS Filipino, a group of students in the Philippines has gone viral for their ‘reverse carolling’—instead of asking for Christmas gifts, they go door-to-door singing carols and giving aguinaldos away. Meanwhile in Australia, several Filipino groups are also keeping the tradition of Christmas carolling alive.


Key Points
  • The spirit of Christmas is alive and well through reverse carolling—a modern take on the traditional practice where singers give, rather than ask.
  • A recent video of students in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, went viral after they sang carols while handing out grocery items as aguinaldo, touching the hearts of many online.
  • The reverse carolling video by the MAPEH Club of Zaragoza National High School has garnered over 1.5 million views on TikTok and thousands of shares on Facebook, as the students shared small gifts with those in need.
  • In Australia, while carolling is less common, some Filipino groups—such as the Filipino Chaplaincy Diocese of Parramatta Young Adults Choir—continue the tradition to raise funds for charitable causes.
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