Media Noche vs. Noche Buena: How to Tell Them Apart?

Filipinos have mastered the art of holiday celebrations. As a result, the month of December ushers in a plethora of festivities steeped in intriguing and entertaining customs associated with both Christmas and the Filipino New Year.

The Philippines attracts a large number of tourists from all around the globe during the holidays to partake in the country's many unique customs, such as celebrating Christmas by exchange gifts with loved ones and jumping high in the hopes of growing taller, or ringing in the New Year by cooking foods thought to increase longevity.

Because of this, Christmas and New Year's Eve are celebrated as big events in the Philippines.

Media Noche and Noche Buena Difference

It is common knowledge that food is an absolutely essential part of all these holiday celebrations—that is why we have what we called Media Noche and Noche Buena to share with our families and loved ones.

Although they may sound similar, they actually have distinct meanings. Together, let's find out and be enlightened about the differences between Media Noche and Noche Buena below.

Noche Buena, A Christmas Eve Celebration

First, we'll explain the significance of Noche Buena.

Although it technically means "the Good Night" in Spanish, this expression is often used to allude to the holiday's grandest feast. Each year on December 24th, it is observed as a Christmas Eve celebration.

It is characterized by a sit-down meal shared amongst family members and friends and is widely celebrated in Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines.

The Filipino Way of Celebrating the Christmas Night

In the Philippines, the Christmas Eve feast may begin as early as 10:00 p.m., although it is most often conducted around midnight on December 24. This is after the whole family attends the midnight mass, known as Misa de Gallo, that welcomes the birth of Jesus Christ. Celebrating this ancient custom dates back to the advent of Christianity more than three centuries ago, during the Spanish invasion. Despite its non-Filipino origins, Noche Buena has become a uniquely Filipino holiday tradition through centuries of adaptation and incorporation of new ideas and customs.

Top Filipino Noche Buena Dishes

Families from all across the country usually gather at one home for the holiday feast known as Noche Buena, just like we do for Filipino fiestas. Whether they have gourmet dishes or simple cuisines for the annual celebration, here are some of the top Filipino food that are always included on the Yuletide midnight meal menu:

Jamon or Christmas Ham

Regal elegance is embodied in this feast, perfect for a royal occasion. Because it can be made in no time at all, a holiday ham becomes a staple at every Filipino family's Christmas dinner table. The pineapple glaze does double duty as a sweetener and flavor enhancer, working well with the pork's hearty taste.

Queso de bola

This crimson orb of delight makes its annual debut in supermarkets and grocery stores all over the country when the most loved -ber month comes. In honor of the holiday, cheese enthusiasts always make sure to provide Quezo de Bola. Even if this cheese isn't really eaten by your family over the holidays, just having it around will make your house seem more festive. Whether it's sliced, diced, or served whole, the Quezo de Bola may be included in many different types of seasonal dishes.

Spaghetti

Probably the most well-known Filipino traditional dish, it is served at the majority of social events. Pinoy spaghetti has a sweeter flavor than the other versions since sugar is included in the ingredients. All you need is some cheese, some ground beef or pork, and some tomato sauce to make this delicious Noche Buena dish.

Fried Chicken

Another staple food for Noche Buena and a great partner for spaghetti is fried chicken. This is the best match and a family's favorite, especially for households that have kids at home, because it is easy to prepare and cook.

Puto Bumbong and Bibingka

This powerful duo often appears in Simbang Gabi. Filipinos often congregate in the open air after church to take in the reassuring scent of these festive delights. This dynamic combo is best enjoyed in the comfort of one's own home after the Simbang Gabi.

Fruit Salad or Macaroni Salad

Whether you want a flavorful dish or sweets for dessert, fruit salad and macaroni salad are two of the simplest and quickest desserts that your whole family will surely love.

Media Noche, a Filipino's Lavish Midnight Feast

The Spanish word for "midnight," Media Noche, describes the extravagant meal that begins at midnight on December 31 and often continues until sunrise the following day, January 1. It represents Filipinos' hopes and wishes for a successful new year.

Common Filipino Media Noche Dishes

Even though chicken and fish aren't eaten on Media Noche because of the popular Filipino belief that it signifies food shortage, Filipinos think that if you set out as much food as possible on the table, you'll have food all year long the following year. Below are some New Year's eve food ideas that can commonly be found at the Filipino dinner table.

Pancit Malabon

Originating in Malabon City, this kind of pancit is distinguished by its yellow-orange sauce, achieved by combining shrimp broth, patis (fish sauce), and crab fat. This is somewhat similar to palabok but with thicker noodles. It goes well with calamansi and fish sauce.

Biko or Kakanin

One of the variants of sticky rice cakes is a Filipino dessert often topped with latik, which is a coconut-based caramel prepared by combining coconut milk, glutinous rice, and brown sugar.

Midnight Sandwich

Since Filipinos patiently stay up till midnight on December 31st and welcome in the New Year together, Filipino families also prepare some midnight sandwiches as snacks while waiting for the main dinner buffet.

Morcon

Filipinos prepare this meal, which is similar to a stuffed roulade, together with sweet pickles on special occasions like Christmas and New Year's.

Lechon or Roast Pig

In whatever setting, Lechon stands out as the undisputed champion. Whole roasted pigs, with or without apples on the lips, are often offered, and both its soft meat and crispy skin are more than enough to crave for it. In the Philippines, this is one of the most desired meals.

12 Round Fruits

Before the new year begins, it is traditional to prepare 12 round fruits in the hopes of bringing good fortune throughout the year. Fruits represent months of the year, and this shape is believed to bring financial and professional prosperity, which is why this is a well-known custom that takes place throughout Media Noche.

Make Your Noche Buena and Media Noche Celebrations More Fun in Your Own House and Lot in the Philippines

There's no better way to celebrate the holiday seasons with your whole family than in a space that you can call your own and have the freedom to decorate and design to your heart's content.

Make sure to complete your holiday preparations this year and reserve Lumina Homes' affordable house and lot for sale as your long-term and perfect investment for the upcoming year!

With over 50 communities nationwide, you can now choose the best site for you and your family and own the affordable house and lot that you are dreaming of. All these home model units are made with high-quality and durable materials, promising you that your home investment will last the test of time and any natural disaster.

Hurry and make your home reservations now, just before the holidays, and celebrate the season with practicality, contentment, and satisfaction in Lumina Homes.