Category Archives: The Philippines

Christmas in the Philippines

Posted on December 24, 2012 | 5 Comments

I am tickled to host some very impressive guest writers today: Austin Molina, with help from Anthony Molina and Shaw Molina. They shared with me how families and children celebrate Christmas in The Philippines. Some say that The Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the world- beginning with singing Christmas carols in September, and ending after Epiphany in January! I was so excited to learn more from the Molina boys- not only are they intelligent writers, they are also the sweetest little family!!!

Molina boys Christmas in The Philippines- Kid World Citizen

Austin, Shaw, and Anthony and little cousin Teia

Christmas in the Philippines is called Pasko. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year is “Maligayang Pasko” and “Manigong Bagong Taon!” Continue reading →

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Posted in Asia, Celebrations, The Philippines

Tagged Christmas

The Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Fairy, and Mooncakes

Posted on October 4, 2012 | 6 Comments

Amanda “Miss Panda” Hsiung-Blodgett is the creator of the “Let’s Learn Mandarin Chinese with Miss Panda!” audio albums for young children. She is raising her two children to be bilingual in Mandarin Chinese and English. Follow her bilingual adventure with her children at Facebook and www.MissPandaChinese.com where parents and teachers can find Mandarin Chinese learning resources. Today, Miss Panda tells us all about the Mid-Autumn Festival!

The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival or “Zhōng Qiū Jié” (中秋節) occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month each year (falling in September or October on our familiar solar calendar). Continue reading →

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Posted in Asia, Celebrations, China, Food, Hong Kong, Taiwan, The Philippines, Vietnam

Tagged Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, mooncakes

Exquisite Flan from the Philippines

Posted on March 30, 2012 | 4 Comments

The other night we were invited to have dinner with some friends from Spain. I volunteered to bring dessert, and was planning on bringing my mother-in-law’s Mexican flan, a popular custard. I couldn’t find her recipe, and we couldn’t get in touch with her so I resorted to asking my friends on facebook.

Flan is a sweet, baked custard made from eggs and cream. It is common in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. Here's how mine turned out!

Cricel Molina de Mesa, a friend from my high school, graciously shared her mom’s original recipe. Her mom, Cristina Molina, grew up in Manila, Philippines eating flan for special occasions. Because the Philippines was a colony of Spain from 1565-1898, they share many cultural, religious, and culinary traditions. Continue reading →

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Posted in Asia, Food, The Philippines

Tagged dessert, gluten-free

A Lesson Plan for Chinese New Year w/ Props and Stories

Posted on January 11, 2012 | 16 Comments

“Chinese New Year,” as it is known in English, is also known as the more encompassing name “Lunar New Year,” or the “Spring Festival” (春節 in Chinese). Besides China, it is celebrated in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Tibet, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Many countries with large Chinese populations (such as Australia, the US, and Canada) also have large Chinese New Year celebrations. Despite the diversity of the people who celebrate this widespread holiday, and their varied traditions, it is universal at this time of year to gather with family to start the new year. Teaching kids about celebrations around the world broadens their minds and increases their cultural awareness.

I have used this lesson plan for the past several years in my kids’ classes with success- the kids love the props, remember the different elements, and are engaged and having fun while learning about a very important holiday. I’ve included books, crafts, and adaptations for different grade levels, so all ages can learn about Chinese New Year! Continue reading →