Christmastime is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is also the time to spread happiness. But what is Christmas without some good food and bonding time with family? That is what we Filipinos are known for. Merrymaking at its best combined with the sweetest dishes on our table — it’s what defines a perfect Christmas for us. But just recently, we have been troubled by some very strong rains and flood. Our tropical country was lashed by typhoons just too recently. I heard some parts of the country hit by the typhoons are having a hard time lifting their spirits up for Christmas. Some people are not as lucky as ourselves. But that doesn’t end there. We could be our very own fellowman’s heroes.

Christmas in the Philippines always includes the traditional Misa de Gallo. After such would be the perfect time for families to munch on native treats — that’s based on my childhood experience. We usually have puto and sikwate (hot chocholate) after the mass. But is this custom still being celebrated nowadays? Or do people go to church, go home and continue their own busy lives like any other day? To revive the real Pinoy Christmas Spirit, Kraft Eden Cheese made possible the event called Keso de Gallo, 9 days of reviving the goodness and enjoyment of our very own native delicacies.

Churches in 9 towns will experience this event, on the 9 days of Simbang Gabi. Luckily I came to experience the event when it was here in our place, Cebu, and at the very church our family hears mass to every Sunday. What was served to the churchgoers of Cebu is called Mixed Vegetable Maja Con Keso. It is not your ordinary maja. Let’s call it extraordinary maja. This maja is special because it is made with vegetables such as malunggay, squash, carrots and monggo. These humble vegetables can be found on our backyard and amazingly, they could become ingredients for something as yummy as a maja. Them and some cheese could sum up to a delight. The other 8 towns also experienced the same cheesy treats.

What I experienced during the event is that we Pinoys never fail to smile and be happy. With simple things, we could put a smile all day. The Keso de Gallo event is a way to remind everyone that despite all our problems, there will still be reasons to celebrate and to be happy with your family. I wish that there will be maximum happiness and love throughout the world this Christmas and throughout the whole new year.

Thank you Eden Cheese for this event. Congratulations for being everyone’s hero this Christmas.

Check out more photos here. For Kraft Eden Cheese recipes, events, information and news, head on to Sarap ng Buhay website.