'The ber months': Christmas arrives early in the Philippines
Supermarkets say September-to-November sales remain weak as households cut spending, even as more than 100,000 overseas workers head home for Christmas.
- The Philippines entered its famous 'Ber' months on September 1, marking the unofficial start of a months-long Christmas countdown as giant shopping malls across the country unleashed impressive holiday displays.
- Sociologist Mark Godwin Villareal of the University of Santo Tomas said the countdown provides 'continuity and stability' against economic challenges; tradition dictates September for decorating and October for saving money for reunions.
- While Christian Mathay, senior assistant vice president for SM Supermalls, emphasized 'belonging, faith, hope and joy,' Steven Cua, executive director of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, noted grocery demand remains sluggish as households tighten budgets.
- In Pampanga, weeks of flooding stranded commuters but failed to dampen enthusiasm for 'parol' star-shaped lanterns; fifth-generation maker Angelica David said, 'We all need to recover from the floods.'
- Philippine Statistics Authority data show household consumption grew just 2.8% in the second quarter, while consumers like Manila real estate agent Kathlene Santidad prioritize value over volume due to persistent economic pressures.
12 Articles
12 Articles
‘Ber months’ ring in early Christmas preparations
AT a city block-sized market in Manila, a platoon of plastic Santa Claus figures parachute from the ceiling of a shop already stacked high with Christmas decor despite the holiday being fully four months away.The site is a familiar one in the Philippines, where Sept. 1 means radio stations playing Christmas carols, homeowners putting up lights, and the country’s giant shopping malls unleashing their most impressive displays.Welcome to the “ber m…
The arrival of the ‘ber months’ signals start of Christmas in the Philippines
At a city block-sized market in the Philippine capital, a platoon of plastic Santa Claus figures parachute from the ceiling of a shop already stacked high with Christmas decor, despite the holiday being fully four months away.The site is a familiar one in the Philippines, where Sept. 1 means radio s
'The ber months': Christmas arrives early in the Philippines
The site is a familiar one in the Philippines, where September 1 means radio stations playing Christmas carols, homeowners putting up lights, and the country's giant shopping malls unleashing their most impressive displays. Welcome to the "ber months" -- September, October, November, December -- a months-long countdown to the most anticipated holiday on the calendar in the deeply Catholic country. "We can smell it coming," sales clerk Cora Lansa…
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