Festive Files: Puto Bumbong at Midnight with Adam Pereyra
Courtesy of Adam Pereyra. Artwork by Bea Lu
Bordeaux red, old Filipino carols, and thoughtful reflection define Adam Pereyra’s approach to the holidays.
Vogue Philippines talks to Adam Pereyra for Festive Files, a series on how creatives observe the Christmas season. He speaks about the familiar food, music, and gatherings that form the heart of his celebrations.
What’s your favorite thing about Christmas in the Philippines?
The sense of togetherness. Christmas here feels lived in, not scheduled.
Do you have any holiday traditions that are unique to your family?
Being present was always enough, though no one could ever say no to coin games.
What’s the one Filipino Christmas food you can’t live without?
Puto bumbong, especially late at night. Warm and simple. It reminds me of my lola, since it’s her favorite kakanin.
How do you usually spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
At home with family.
Are there any childhood holiday memories that still make you smile?
Long evenings with my grandmother and aunts, and receiving toys I had always hoped for.
What’s your go-to Christmas or New Year’s outfit?
Bordeaux red is slowly becoming a uniform.
Do you have any favorite holiday songs or movies that you watch every year?
Old Filipino Christmas songs are always playing quietly in the background during the holidays.
Are there any New Year’s Eve rituals or superstitions you follow?
Jumping ten times, plus reflection and setting intentions for the year ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adam Pereyra says puto bumbong, especially eaten late at night, is his essential Filipino Christmas food, describing it as warm and simple, and one that reminds him of his lola, whose favorite kakanin it was.
Adam Pereyra spends both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home with family, prioritizing togetherness and presence over scheduled activities during the holiday season.
Bordeaux red has become something of a uniform for Adam Pereyra during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, a color he says he’s increasingly drawn to for the season.
Adam Pereyra jumps ten times at midnight on New Year’s Eve, paired with a period of reflection and setting intentions for the year ahead.
Adam Pereyra fondly recalls long evenings spent with his grandmother and aunts during the holidays, along with the joy of receiving toys he had hoped for as a child.