A Filipina Mom Blogger

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. Agnes Pharo

During my stage mother days, I never tired of listening to my children sing over and over again. Singing is a tradition in my immediate family but sadly, I don’t have the voice yet I can tell if the singing is sharp.

Singing Christmas Carols has been a treasured family tradition. I remember the last Christmas I had with my mom. I was 18 years old then. All the 7 siblings gathered around the Yamaha organ as my late brother, Oscar played festive carols. Sometimes it was mom who accompanied the songs in the piano.

These days the two girls refuse to sing in front of me. Good thing Manila Children’s Choir recorded an album and with that I converted 3 Christmas Carols in mp3 format. Lauren was 12 while Marielle was 11 years old with another girl and 2 boys from the Manila Children Choir. The choir conductor chose only 5 children for this recording but with recent technology, it sounds like they are a big group of kids.

1. Hark The Herald Angel Sing (Click here to download- 2.9 MB) – Charles Wesley/Felix Mendelssohn , adapted by Jack North , Arranged by Jack North/John Wilson
2. Christmas in Our Hearts (Click here to download- 3.0 MB)- Jose Mari Chan , arranged by Carmina R. Cuya
3. Pasko Na Sinta Ko (Click here to download- 4.8 MB)- Aurelio Estanislao/Francis Dandan , Arranged by Bernadette de Leon

I created a video greeting for all of you to share our Christmas through the years in three different homes, starting in Pasig, then Makati then back to Pasig. I made a shorter one for facebook. The card template is a bit off-tangent with the music but it’s cute. Pasko na Sinta ko is actually a love song but the melody is very poignant . It reminds me that my love would not have been with me this Christmas due to marital conflict. Some of you may find that you can relate to the lyrics.

Pasko na sinta ko
Hanap-hanap kita
Bakit ka nagtampo
Iniwan ako

It’s Christmas, my love
I’m longing for you
What did I do

that made you leave me

Kung mawawala ka
Sa piling ko sinta
Paano ang Pasko
Inulila mo

If you’ll be gone
From my side, my love
What will happen to my Christmas
That you made so lonely

Refrain:
Sayang sinta ang sinumpaan
At pagtitinginang tunay
Nais mo bang kalimutang ganap
Ang ating suyuan at galak

Our promises have gone to waste, my love
And our love that was so true
Do you wish to forget everything
All our affection and joys

Kung mawawala ka
Sa piling ko sinta
Paano ang Paskong
Alay ko sa iyo.

If you’ll be gone
From my side, my love
What will happen to my Christmas
That I offer to you.

There is something about Christmas carols sang by children. Their innocence and eager spirit shows the true meaning of the Christmas season. It has been said that music can open a window to the soul. To anyone with a loss, music may either drive a knife into an already festering wound, or it my begin to soothe and bring comfort to a shattered and broken spirit.

Christmas Carols sang by my children keeps me happy even if my other child is no longer with us.

May you be blessed with peace and love during the holiday season.