A Way to End 2011

Many things happened in 2011 but those were memories of the past now. For those who are still hanging unto it, it's definitely time to move on and meet 2012 with a big grin! What way better to end the year 2011 than to be with family. New Year is practically the year were Filipinos try their very best to get home and spend the eve with their love ones. Commonly, the ending of the year starts with a bang - truckload of fireworks skyrocketing! 'Lechon' is an integral part of the menu but this time around, we don't have it on the table. It's quite a different year to end it. Well, for a change of everything. We got totally crazy about the conventional celebration but some old habits are hard to die. 

Instead of having lechon, we opt for dad's version of 'hamon'

While we have long ousted the idea of fireworks for new year, we never grow old with mom's spaghetti and wine gifts haha! Mom's specialty has been cooked alternatively. By alternative we mean instead of using ground beef, she used cornedbeef (yes, we're going local!). The perks of living in a province - right ingredients are playing hard to get so we must do with what we have. 

It's a saucy spaghetti with cornedbeef and cheeze toppings! 

And wine gifts? Mom has given her heart to Novellino Rosso Classico wine but again, the stores run out of stock. Maria Clara Sangria was never an option but we were left with no choice I guess, and just when we had one, mom's secretary has always been consistent of giving her such a gift and guess what, it's Maria Clara Sangria- that lady appears for real and now with a clone! 

two is better than one?

Now, she's turn between these two (such a brat!)

Also, New Year celebration in the Philippines has always been branded by the Chinese (with all the beliefs and feng sui for luck). And we just have it by tradition (though, we're not Chinese) but as I've said, old habits and traditions are hard to die. 

Rice-filled urn with a red bill inside for prosperity and abundance

Complete the list of lucky fruits for the new year and you'll surely bring luck to your home and yes, they have to be round in shape (ooops, mango?)

Before the clock strikes 12MN, you have to throw coins from the outside to your home's interior. This has been believed to bring in money to the entire household all year round! And we just did. You must not pick up the coins you threw as well and as for the urn-filled with rice, you must not touch it not until three days the least. And guess what? We definitely have to wear Green! Lucky color yeah!

We belong!