No firecrackers, just prayers and meals to greet New Year

While millions of Filipinos were busy with firecrackers, believing it would ward away evil spirits, jumping up and down, hoping they would grow taller, or preparing round-shaped fruits, believing it would bring them money, a small family in Quezon City quietly prayed and then shared a meal to welcome the new year.

In fact, the Cayuca family’s house looked normal, as if it was not New Year’s Eve.

The food they ate for the traditional “media noche” feast were not the usual kinds of food associated with the season such as ham, fruit salad, and round-shaped fruits.

Chikky Cayuca, wife and mother of three Cayuca siblings, said that they do not put limitations on the kinds of food that they eat. “I serve different varieties of food depending on what my children request,” she said.

This year they wanted American food. She served roast rosemary chicken, mushroom mozzarella melt burgers, bacon-wrapped Hungarian sausages, mojo potatoes, green salad, garlic bread, and white choco chip macadamia cookies with mint chip ice cream for dessert.

Last year they wanted Korean food and the year before last, it was Japanese food.

The Cayuca family also did not buy firecrackers or fireworks because she believes that it is a waste of money and they cause pollution.

“We believe in blessings and curses, instead of luck and misfortune,” Cayuca said.

“Instead of putting their faith in God, they put their faith in traditions and customs,” she said.

Arlita Zamora, wife and a mother of two from Quezon City, also welcomed the new year quietly without using firecrackers. However, they did serve a number of round-shaped fruits, saying that it wouldn’t hurt to hope that it would bring in money.

They served mostly seafood, such as fish and shrimp.

“We also banged on clay pots and jingled coins in jars so we could also make noises,” she said. There’s no harm in following customs and traditions of making noises, she said.