Photographed by Phillip Enriquez, courtesy of STUDIO SÜG. Artwork by Bea Lu
Stylist and storyteller Bea Constantino celebrates the simple joy of a quiet Christmas Day with The Holiday and Frank Sinatra.
This holiday season, Vogue Philippines speaks with polymath Bea Constantino for Festive Files, a series on how Filipino creatives celebrate Christmas. She tells us the family practices and moments that continue to shape her Christmas each year.
What’s your favorite thing about Christmas in the Philippines?
That it’s so extra and it starts so early.
Do you have any holiday traditions that are unique to your family?
When we were much younger, my mom would coerce us to do all the things: advent wreath, simbang gabi, Christmas caroling, everything! My dad also had this contest of doubling however much was in our piggy banks by first week of December, and that’s where we would get our budget to buy gifts for everyone. Now as an adult, I wish I had cherished those years more.
What’s the one Filipino Christmas food you can’t live without?
Generally, puto bumbong and queso de bola. Personally, my Ate Annie’s roast chicken. There’s nothing like it!
How do you usually spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Our celebration usually starts with Noche Buena and then opening of presents. Christmas Day is pretty uneventful and quiet, which now as an adult I really look forward to. I just love how quiet the city is.
Are there any childhood holiday memories that still make you smile?
After my Dad doubled our piggy bank savings, we’d go shopping in Star City and get food from almost every stall. Simple but memorable.
What’s your go-to Christmas or New Year outfit?
I like dressing in seasonally rich colors and textures like velvet or sequins. Just gives me that extra festive mood boost.
Do you have any favorite holiday songs or movies that you watch every year?
I love watching The Holiday while eating leftover Noche Buena food. As for songs, I have a shuffled Frank Sinatra playlist that just brings all the nostalgia and warmth into my home.
Are there any New Year’s Eve rituals or superstitions you follow?
I used to celebrate the countdown on some building’s rooftop before, but now I like to look at the sky while thinking about my dreams and manifestations for the coming year.
