Festive Files: Bibingka, Baubles, and Big Hats with Mich Dulce

From childhood Christmases in Baguio to decorating a real tree in London, Mich Dulce keeps the season joyfully Filipino.

This holiday season, Vogue Philippines talks to Mich Dulce for Festive Files, a series on how Filipino creatives celebrate Christmas. Known for her Anglomania millinery and work in fashion and music, she discusses the traditions and memories that continue to shape her holidays.

Do you have any holiday traditions that are unique to your family?

My mom and I have been completing Simbang Gabi since I was 5 years old, getting up early for midnight mass. It’s also my fave thing about Filipino Christmas; it’s so festive to go every morning and have freshly made puto bumbong and bibingka. [Other than that], my boyfriend Luke and I get a real Christmas tree every year as our tradition and decorate it together.

What’s the one Filipino Christmas food you can’t live without?

Oh, I love bibingka, puto bumbong, tablea chocolate, and ensaymada!

How do you usually spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

[In the Philippines], we used to do all our celebrations on Christmas Eve, at midnight, starting with midnight mass then Noche Buena. Now that I live in London, we celebrate on Christmas Day, opening presents with my partner on Christmas morning, and then going to join his family for Christmas lunch. This year is a special one because my mom is joining my partner’s family for the first time.

Are there any childhood holiday memories that still make you smile?

I have a memory of being in my grandma’s house in Baguio, and as kids we would stay in the attic and watch the carolers from the window. I had such great Christmases in Baguio with my family and cousins when I was young, all super festive. My grandma made such amazing food.

What’s your go-to Christmas or New Year outfit?

Always red, always festive and kitsch. I always make a hat or I do my hair as a Christmas tree. I don’t really do the ugly sweater tradition in London, so I make up for it with a Christmas dress or a hat.

Do you have any favorite holiday songs or movies that you watch every year?

I love Home Alone—and not just because I’m friends with Macaulay!—so we watch that every year. And obviously, Mariah Carey always.

Are there any New Year’s Eve rituals or superstitions you follow?

Money in my pockets and eating grapes at midnight for wealth and prosperity. And, always, wearing diamonds on New Year’s Day.