What is New Year’s Day in the Philippines All About?

Before people even get over the Christmas rush, New Year comes right around the corner to lift us up from our food comas, giving us another reason to celebrate. Celebrating New Year’s Day is a big thing in the Philippines and it’s one of those public holidays in Philippines that brings the whole nation together no matter what your age, beliefs, or religion may be. It gives people a reason to have another family reunion or a house party that would most likely beat out celebrations from the past years.

Most establishments close early during the days leading up to the New Year, giving you just enough time to prepare a lovely feast. If you don’t plan on lifting a finger and cooking up a storm, there are a few great places to cherish the occasion together with friends and loved ones.

 

How to Celebrate New Year’s Day in the Philippines and Things You Can Do

There are many ways to celebrate New Year’s Day in the Philippines so it can be really hard to choose which activities to consider on this very special day. Filipinos love to celebrate, so you can definitely expect the surroundings to be filled with energy even when the countdown is over.

Lunch out with the family is a usual thing to do for Filipinos after the heavy partying during New Year’s Eve. Another way to spend the New Year is to have a staycation within the metro or go to provinces for a family outing. With the new restrictions on fireworks, events have spurred up to host marvellous firework exhibitions to entertain the many people who want to have a loud, exciting and extravagant New Year.

 

How New Year’s Day in the Philippines is Celebrated

Celebrating the New Year is a perfect time for people to get together and fill their bellies up with traditional Filipino dishes made by their aunties. It’s also the time to bring out the polka-dotted outfits that are known to bring you good luck when the New Year comes in. Nothing says New Year’s Eve more than quirky traditions that are generally easy to follow and fun to do! Just like how kids are told to jump when the clock strikes 12 midnight so that they grow taller in the New Year. It sounds a bit silly to do but it’s worth a shot!

In a Filipino household, you will always find 12 round fruits displayed on the dinner table. These signify prosperity and wealth for the upcoming year. You’ll also find that there won’t be any chicken or fish dishes prepared during the New Year because they signify hardship and poverty. That’s definitely something you wouldn’t want to deal with all year. If you’re not up for traditions and superstitions, there’s no need to worry! You can still enjoy festivities whichever way you want because there are just so many ways to celebrate the New Year in the diverse islands of the Philippines.
 

 

Venues and Specials Events for Celebrating the New Year’s Day in the Philippines

Have a Staycation in the Hotels or Condominiums Bordering the Manila Bay

Manila Bay is the perfect backdrop to watch the country’s best fireworks display during New Year’s Eve. As the venue for the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, Manila Bay is known to have amazing shows and a huge event involving well-known celebrities. Since it’s such a popular location for celebrating the New Year, several hotels provide packages that you really can’t ignore. Big hotels like Okada Manila, City of Dreams Manila, and Sofitel Manila will be fully booked months before the New Year so it’s best to plan a reservation ahead.

Best out of all, there are numerous nearby activities in the area that will entertain everyone in the family. You can bring the family to Manila Ocean Park or maybe bring your friends to the hotel-casinos to try your luck.

Enjoy a Buffet Feast With Friends and Family

You can never have a New Year’s celebration without good food, drinks, and people. There are tons of buffets in the Philippines but you’ll always find the best ones in the premium hotels. Fill your bellies up with quality dishes that the Shangri-la hotel has to offer and visit them at their different locations around the metro.

Meanwhile, the Dusit Thani and Conrad hotel buffets boast an exquisite array of dishes that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Better yet, most of these hotels host a New Year welcome party right after the feast so that you wouldn’t need to change venues to catch up with the countdown.

Welcome the New Year in Your Bikini and Flip Flops

Turn your New Year celebration into an actual vacation for you and your loved ones. Get the most out of your holiday work leave by going to the beach in a far off location outside of the metro. Some of the best beach locations in the Philippines, like Boracay and Palawan, have accommodations that host New Year welcome parties. There’s nothing like sitting on the warm sand with a coconut in hand while watching a beautiful fireworks display out in the distance.

Party Like There’s No Tomorrow in the Best Clubs Around Metro Manila

Metro Manila has produced a few big night clubs that have attracted a younger crowd to come out and celebrate during the New Year. If you’re young or young at heart, dancing to the beats of international and local DJ’s might just be the best fit for you. Have a crowd of energetic people around while you count down to welcome the New Year and maybe meet some new friends along the way. Find the best clubs in Bonifacio Global City or Poblacion, Makati and experience the nightlife that the metro has to offer in one of the most important days of the year.