Festive Files: A Very Laurel Christmas with Rajo Laurel

For Rajo Laurel, Christmas is a season of cocido simmering on the stove, riotous family traditions, and music drifting through a house full of memories.

Vogue Philippines talks to Rajo Laurel, one of the most influential designers in the country, about his family traditions and the comforts that define the season for Festive Files. 

What’s your favorite thing about Christmas in the Philippines?

We in the Philippines celebrate Christmas like no one else in the world. We begin in September and end in February. We love Christmas and this shows in how “extra” we all are, from our decorations to how we hold our parties to the way we spread Christmas cheer. We really enjoy the seasons. However, my favorite is the quiet celebrations that we hold with our families. Christmas for me is all about family and all the personal traditions that we all hold close to our hearts.

I particularly love how my family brings out my family recipes and we try to recreate my Lola’s recipes. I love my Lola’s Filipino-style cocido which is more commonly called pesang manok. It actually a very simple boiled chicken meal but somehow when shared with family becomes so special & meaningful. One sip of the broth immediately brings back so much wonderful feelings and emotions, and makes me feel the spirit of Christmas in my soul.

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

We do this things called “Sabog” where the my aunts and uncles go up a ladder and throw coins and cash at everyone. I love the panic and excitement of everyone and the rapturous laughter that ensues when this happens. Old or young, everyone is included, and we all have a blast scrambling for that one peso that we will keep the [next] year, as this will be bearing luck in the entire coming year.

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

I think it is hot chocolate! I love the rich and deep flavor of a thick, hot cup of hot chocolate. And especially if it is done the old fashion way, laboring on hours on the batirol making certain that it is rich, deep and comforting.

How do you usually spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

We usually divide our time between my mother’s family on Christmas day and enjoy the spread of my Aunt Francy. She make the best dinuguan; I wait for this the whole year as it is my favorite. Then, the next day, we head on to my father’s side of the family to celebrate my Lola Betty’s birthday, as her birthday falls on December 26. There, my Aunt Ditas recreates my Lola Betty’s famous dishes, such as her Palestine soup and beef kalitiran.

Christmas for me is always about food, and, because it is Christmas, we throw caution to the wind and no one talks about being on a diet! [Laughs]

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

There are too many to mention. I come from a very large family and most of our gatherings are grounded in music and singing. I close my eyes and I recall with relish all the music that we create together. People often jest that we are actually the Von Trapp family of the Philippines as we are truly blessed with the singing gene. In fact, even though I can carry a tune, I find myself in the audience as there are far more better singers in the family. Our gatherings are like the best concerts ever.

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

I don’t have any! As a designer, I am the least and last priority in the studio. I usually just wear my daily uniform of an old black shirt and navy trousers. I don’t even own anything red or with polka dots, so when pressed I have to borrow something from my partner Nix, who has a larger wardrobe selection. But I actually like wearing white on New Year’s Eve. I would like to think I am beginning the year with a clean slate.

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

I am a huge fan of our Philippine National artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. We have the good fortune of him being a dear family friend, and his Christmas album is really my go-to. From this album, I have two songs that I love: “Kumukutikutitap” and “Heto Na Naman” have to be my favorites. These are in my Christmas playlist on loop.

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

I always have our table laden with 13 fruits and round objects. I go to the market very early on January 30 and see what I can gather, and create a “tablescape” that will manifest a coming year filled with abundance and blessings.