What is Like to Have Christmas in Pampanga, Philippines?

It is a very proud moment for Filipinos particularly those from the Province of Pampanga to be included in the top destination by CNN for Christmas festival as most of Kapampangans are practicing Roman Catholic.

Christmas in Pampanga, Philippines, is a vibrant and festive celebration that highlights the province's rich cultural and religious traditions. Pampanga is often regarded as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines" due to its long-standing history of elaborate and unique Christmas customs. Here are some notable features of Christmas in Pampanga:

1. Parols (Lanterns)

• Pampanga is famous for its beautiful, intricate parols (Christmas lanterns), which are crafted by skilled artisans. The parol symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and is an important part of Christmas decorations. These lanterns are often made from bamboo and colorful paper, but more elaborate versions are created with glass, capiz shells, and even LED lights. Every year, towns like San Fernando host parol-making festivals, where artisans showcase their craftsmanship.

2. Simbang Gabi (Night Mass)

• Simbang Gabi is a traditional nine-day novena that takes place before Christmas. Starting on December 16, the masses are held early in the morning, and many people participate to prepare spiritually for Christmas. The Simbang Gabi is an important tradition, and it is a time for families to gather and reflect on their faith.

3. Noche Buena

• Christmas Eve in Pampanga is celebrated with a grand feast called Noche Buena. Filipino families gather after attending midnight Mass to enjoy traditional holiday foods. Pampanga is known for its delicious culinary offerings, and the holiday spread often includes local delicacies like lechon (roast pig), bibingka (rice cake), puto bumbong (purple rice cakes), and other Kapampangan specialties.

4.  Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando

• The City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga, through its City Tourism Office hosts an annual Giant Lantern Festival or "Ligligan Parul" that draws both locals and tourists. This event features a stunning display of Christmas lights and decorations, showcasing the local talent in creating spectacular light shows. It's a festive place to visit, with food stalls, entertainment, and vibrant displays that highlight the Christmas spirit
  

5. Christmas Food

• Christmas in Pampanga is a gastronomic celebration. Aside from lechon, suman (rice cakes), puto (steamed rice cakes), and tamales are often served during the holiday meals. For dessert, kakanin (sweet rice delicacies) and bibingka are popular choices. The food served during Christmas is not just tasty but often symbolizes the hospitality and abundance of the season.

6.  Kapampangan Spirit of Giving

• The Filipino culture is deeply rooted in the value of bayanihan (community spirit), and Christmas in Pampanga is no exception. Families, communities, and organizations often organize charity events to help the less fortunate. The spirit of giving is deeply felt, with people exchanging gifts and donations to ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday season.

8. Christmas Day Festivities

• On Christmas Day, families continue the celebration with mass, festive meals, and visiting relatives and friends. It’s a day for togetherness, with children receiving gifts and enjoying games and activities. The day is filled with joy, warmth, and love shared among family members and friends.

Conclusion

Christmas in Pampanga is a beautiful, culturally rich celebration that is filled with light, food, music, and family gatherings. The province’s emphasis on craftsmanship, tradition, and community spirit makes Pampanga one of the most unique places to experience Christmas in the Philippines.

Greeting You all A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Copyright 2004 - 2024 C. F. Baluyut Realty | Real Estate in Pampanga, Philippines. All Rights Reserved.

This Pre-owned House & Lot is For Sale (RS Code 014-2024)

Nestled in the vibrant City of San Fernando, Pampanga, this charming residential home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. With spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s designed to suit the needs of every family. Located in a peaceful yet accessible neighborhood, you’re just moments away from schools, shopping centers, and major roadways, making daily life a breeze. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a place to entertain, this home is ready to become your sanctuary. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a slice of San Fernando – where memories are made and futures are built.

 

Copyright 2004 - 2024 C. F. Baluyut Realty | Real Estate in Pampanga, Philippines. All Rights Reserved.

War in Ukraine & Russia: Will the Philippine Economy and Real Estate Be Affected with this event?

Recent news have been flooding the news, our social media feeds etc about this activities happening in Eastern Europe which is happening now in Ukraine against Russian aggression. Although the Philippines is faraway from the possible conflict, there are 342 Overseas Filipino Workers who have left Ukraine and were affected with the conflicts as they flee for their safety to the Philippines or have settled temporarily in other European countries not affected with the conflict.

A Seasons Greeting of Hope and Optimism to All for 2022 and Beyond!

2021 was tough yet challenging year to survive amidst the pandemic that raises concern on the economic growth of this nation and the entire world with global recession. Real estate has been widely affected in the previous months but still investors remain optimistic on the rebound and the rebuilding of what we have lost over the past 20 months post March 2020 when the entire world shuts down.

We at C. F. Baluyut Realty have firm belief that we will still bounce back from this endeavor and return to a "new normalcy" over the coming months ahead as we charter to the unknowns of 2022 and beyond. We hope and pray from our almighty God in guiding us to right path and making clear and wiser decisions in this new year. As we look forward in giving a better real estate services to our prospective clients.  

Copyright 2004 - 2022 C. F. Baluyut Realty | Real Estate in Pampanga, Philippines. All Rights Reserved.

Real Estate Documentation Process in times of New Normal

It has been 19 months since the shutdown of our economy with almost 3 million Filipinos were infected with almost 2.5 million recovered while almost 39,000 were casualties as of this writing. The Philippine economy is still sluggish and slightly opening up the market but slowly recovering. The market is experiencing resistance from external forces such as world economic downturns from the pandemic, demand for oil for production by China and many others. Recently, Chinese economy was affected with the collapse of Evergrande. This incident does not affect the Philippine market as Evergrande it has no links or affiliates in Philippine real estate.  

Inside Real Estate: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of the Xevera Communities in Pampanga

 

 

It has been a year since the distribution of the transfer certificate of titles of the unit owners who have completed their payments previously and are currently residing in the two Xevera subdivisions in Bacolor and Mabalacat City and the Sameera Subdivision in Angeles City. In the past decade, Globe Asiatique Realty Holdings Corporation under the leadership of their then president and CEO, Delfin Lee. Globe Asiatique Realty Holdings, Inc. (GA) was the one of the leading real estate development firms in Pampanga and other parts of the country.

Inside Real Estate: Condo or House Pasalo Phenomenon

 Have Condo or House Pasalo ring a bell to your ears?

It has been a recent phenomenon for investors in the past year since we went to a standstill a year ago, those initial investor who wish to immediately divest their real estate properties particularly residential condominiums, townhouses and homes in National Capital Region (Metro Manila) and elsewhere in the Philippines. In this topic, we will focus more on residential condominium which played a significant number of cases for assume balance.  A condo unit's assumption of balance (known as Condo Pasalo) from banks or other financial institutions where unit owners are currently struggling to keep up their payments of this supposed income producing investments as they became white elephants when the pandemic hit the country. The real estate sector almost near rock bottom where the residential condominium segments were the hardest hit at - 15% drop with residential leasing for condo significantly drop because of many factors  but there were definite increase in sales on residential properties outside of NCR and the townhouses in the city.  

Christ has Risen Again | Easter Message 2021

 

It has been a year since the lockdown, and still the surge of the COVID 19 or SARS-COV 2 or more known simply as the Coronavirus has affected the entire world with economy stopping and the public health emergency had risen the alarm after international cases were detected outside of mainland China were reported. As of this writing there were nearly  

The Income Approach In The Valuation of Real Estate Properties

 

In the process of market valuation, income approach is not commonly reported by appraisers because of the complexity of developing a opinion of value on a property. Right now, the ones that are ideal for making income are residential apartment complexes, residential condominiums, hotels, commercial buildings, subdivided warehouses and many more.

SOLD: Residential Rowhouse / Townhouse in City of San Fernando, Pampanga

 

SOLD: This rowhouse / townhouse type home is for sale. Location wise and accessible to different destination in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga with one of our partner / co-brokers. 

The Urban Gardening Experience: A Possible Growth in the Philippine Agricultural Sector?

 

It has been a year since the announcement of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in our country. As the pandemic progressed and affected the entire world when international borders and travel overseas via air, land and sea where halted out because of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Avida Land Corp's first development in Angeles City now available!

With the previous success of Ayala Land in Pampanga with its developments in Angeles from Marquee Residences, Marquee Place and other developments in San Fernando - Avida Residences San Fernando and in Porac, Pampanga - Alviera Estates comes Aldea Grove Estates, the first Avida Land Corp (an Ayala Land Co.) development in Angeles City was officially launched in October 2019. 

Ready For Occupancy: Pre-owned Six Bedroom House and Lot in City of San Fernando, Pampanga

 

This large house is very ideal for people who have large family. It has wide open spaces and rooms, gardens and family recreation facility to be enjoyed by potential families. It was constructed in late 1990s to early 2000s and was built on a two adjacent lots. Other than that, it is walking distance to a nearby public school and the nearby neighborhood is safe and quiet in a secure subdivision.   

Buying Real Estate Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines

 

"The Time To Buy is When There's Blood in the Streets."  - Baron Rothschild

With the ongoing pandemic and the disruption of business and everyday lives,  In the past few months, there are a lot of negative news being reported from negative economic growth that lead to recession, inflation of basic commodities including food and rising fuel costs, and the rising unemployment brought about by this sad ordeal in our country because of complacency and lack of foresight among key leadership. There are still opportunities arising from the sudden halt of our existence. People have learned to adapt in such events and scenario for the good or bad.

A Look Back on 2020 and Beyond: The Philippine Real Estate Sector (Part 2)

 

Residential Real Estate Prices Declines

In the recent BSP Residential Real Estate Index Q3 2020 report, there is a sharp decline of properties particularly residential condominiums by -23% with many investors affected with the pandemic and the decline of foreign workers of various Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in Metro Manila which have become the renters of these properties. With high vacancies and non-payments of loans. Majority of owners have decided to sell off their condominiums for other interested buyers particularly real estate speculators due to possible circumstances such as non-availability of credit from financial institutions because of stringent requirements against risks and defaults with a slow economy in recession.

Pre-owned Property: Ready For Occupancy Residential House in City of San Fernando, Pampanga

Despite the pandemic, This year 2021 let your dreams come true with this new listing from our real estate portfolio.  This elegantly designed home with modern aesthetic appeal was a conceptualized by an licensed architect in the second half of 2020 and was recently finished to the delight of the current homeowner. This unique private home was use formerly used as a rental vacation home.

A Look Back on 2020 and Beyond: The Philippine Real Estate Sector (Part 1)

The Year 2020 has passed over the past few weeks and we have survive another year under fear of the pandemic which has brought a lot of challenges over the past month after the COVID 19 SARS-COV 2 in December 2019. As we Filipinos are hopefully awaiting the arrival of the Anti-COVID 19 vaccine to our shore which is one of the key factor to help jump start the economy again to recovery. Although, the vaccine is NOT a magic pill or a silver bullet to annihilate this disease. It will tremendously help of those infected with better chance of survival but surely challenging times lay ahead with new variants of SARS-COV2. 

Real Estate Property Listings - Available As of January 2021

Good Day Investors!

Here is the list of our properties in our inventory we had included the links and pictures posted in this website.

Legend:

RS - Residential House and Lot, Condominium, Apartment Complex

AS - Agricultural / Agro-Industrial 

CO - Commercial / Hotel / Building

INSIDE REAL ESTATE: Due Diligence, Why The Need to do This?

To most sellers particularly non-accredited real estate salesperson are not familiar with such activity even with some PRC licensed real estate brokers who are only doing project selling which does not require much due diligence as long as real estate developers are compliant with Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (now known as Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development - DHSUD) requirements before selling such properties like copy of License to Sell (LTS) which we also ask the marketing officers of land developers to give us before getting ourselves accredited and sell the project. This is one such example of conducting due diligence in what we in the real estate selling practice do is ask for an LTS before getting ourselves accredited with a developer.

However in resale properties (real estate properties with private owners and no longer under the developers' disposition) the performance of due diligence is very important and should be conducted by real estate professional in investigating a real estate property. 

A Christmas 2020 Message!

We would to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients for continuosly trusting us with our services as we draw closer with a positive outlook towards 2021 with the upcoming news of vaccine and the possible decline of COVID 19. 

2020 is one of the toughest years to date in terms of the business climate with negative outlook in every aspect of life brought about the COVID 19 pandemic and we are hoping that we become more resilient and overcome all the odds against this disease. Although, there are few business opportunities we are grateful to our almighty that we have survived but will continue praying for our health and well-being of everyone in this country and the world who are affected with this pandemic.   

Let us not forget that it is the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ who is the celebrant of this day. 

From our team C. F. Baluyut Realty, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays with your family!

 

Copyright 2004 - 2020 C. F. Baluyut Realty | Real Estate in Pampanga, Philippines. All Rights Reserved.