23 December 2013 - Filipino Christmas in New York officially started with the celebration of Panunuluyan sa Konsulado on December 18. It is the Filipino Christmas tradition where members of the community re-enact the story of Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and culminates with the birth of our Lord in a humble manger.
This is the second year the Filipino community in the United States Northeast is celebrating Panunuluyan, Tagalog for “to seek for lodging,” substituting for Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado which was held previously for 26 years.
The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted the final night of the nine-day celebrations at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, with more than 30 Filipino community organizations taking part in co-sponsoring performances, gifts and simple feast every night from December 4 to 12.
During the opening night, Philippine Consul General in New York Mario De Leon likened the hardships of Mary and Joseph in seeking shelter in Bethlehem to the experiences of the Philippines during the past year. He cited the territorial disputes faced by the country, as well as the natural calamities that left many FIlipinos homeless, especially after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Father Patrick Longalong, parochial vicar at Our Lady of the Snows Parish Church in Floral Park, New York encouraged the community to offer this year’s celebration of the Panunuluyan for the comfort and healing of their devastated brothers and sisters in the Philippines.
All the nine days featured a different interpretation of the organizers’ performance of the Panunuluyan. San Lorenzo Ruiz and Himig at Alay Choir turned the Nativity play into a musical show with their beautiful melodies set with the dialogues. The regional community groups Ay Borongan, Bicolandia Association, Ilocano Association, and La Communidad de Zamboanga rendered the play in their native languages.
The final night, sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General with the Philippine Center Management Board, Philippine Jaycees New York, PAGASA and Catholic Fellowship of Young Professionals used star power as Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. and Consul Bong Carino portrayed the roles of King Balthazar and King Gaspar, respectively.
The community was united in prayer and reflection during the nine days, as they prayed the rosary, listened to the Gospel and a spiritual recollection by the solemnizing priest and said the “Prayer for the Light of the World” as one.
A simple feast of Filipino food capped each night, with pancit as a staple offering, along with lumpia, dinuguan, arroz caldo, bibingka and puto bumbong, while carolers entertained the guests. END
