Inflation or not, Noche Buena feast a must

Christmas in the Philippines is incomplete without delectable dishes and drinks to be wolfed down and guzzled at midnight during the Noche Buena on the 24th of December.

Translated from Spanish literally as a "night of goodness," usual fares at the Noche Buena include lechon (roast pig), queso de bola, ham, spaghetti and fruit salad.

"Noche Buena is not Noche Buena without queso de bola, hamon, and Filipino-style spaghetti. And to satisfy our sweet tooth, fruit salad or buko pandan should not be missing," Susana Aguilar, a mom to four kids, said.

However, notwithstanding that inflation eased to 4.1 percent in November, is having mouthwatering foods on the table still feasible?

The Department of Trade and Industry reported that the cost of 195 brands of various Noche Buena items had shot up just weeks before Christmas day.

However, regardless of the spiking prices, for Aguilar, Noche Buena is just held once a year; thus, there's no forgoing it.

"Now that the essentials are expensive, let's just choose the cheapest brand to get less without reducing too much what food to prepare," she said.

"We, Filipinos, are generous by nature, especially during the Christmas season. Because that is the essence of Christmas — sharing one's blessings," she said.

"I have become used to sharing what I have cooked or ordered for Noche Buena with my neighbors, even if it's just a little. It's not always the money," Aguilar added.

The DTI said it will still monitor the prices of Noche Buena items even if they are not included in the so-called basic necessities and prime commodities or BNPC.

Suggested retail prices are set for BNPCs, the violation of which could result in sanctions from the DTI.