The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is training the spotlight on Filipino Christmas traditions by offering a glimpse into the country’s vibrant holiday culture through excerpts from the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art (CCP EPA).
The encyclopedia, regarded as the most authoritative resource on Philippine art and culture, features more than 5,000 articles crafted by over 500 scholars and experts. It provides in-depth coverage of topics such as architecture, literature, music, and theater, alongside regional and national traditions.
The latest print edition spans 12 volumes, while the digital edition, the CCP EPAD, offers the same content enhanced with more than 5,000 photos and hundreds of video excerpts from CCP’s archives.
and theater together with regional and national traditions
This season, CCP shares insights from the encyclopedia on Filipino Christmas practices. Highlights include the Pastores, a dramatization of shepherds paying homage to the Infant Jesus, and Tatlong Hari, which focuses on the journey of the Three Magi.
Musical traditions also take center stage, with “Villancicos” —Spanish-inspired hymns sung during the Misa de Aguinaldo and Misa de Gallo—representing the fusion of faith and music in Filipino celebrations.
The encyclopedia also explores iconic Filipino Christmas songs. “Simbanggabi,” a choral piece by National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro, remains a favorite in holiday competitions. “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit,” originally written in Cebuano in 1933, and “Pasko Na Naman,” composed in 1965, continue to be staples during dawn masses.
Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas in Our Hearts,” the best-selling Original Pilipino Music (OPM) album in history, is also highlighted. Released in 1990, the album achieved Double Diamond status in 2006, with its title track becoming a symbol of the Filipino holiday spirit.
The CCP EPAD is available via subscription, with rates starting at P75 per month. For those interested in owning the print edition or USB format, inquiries can be sent to epa@culturalcenter.gov.ph.
The CCP EPA, first published in 1994 and updated in 2018, continues to fulfill the CCP’s mission to make art accessible to all Filipinos.
