“Is it 12 or 13? ” lifestyle editor Dinah Ventura, texted me asking.
“I have no idea,” I replied.
So, I did some sleuthing (asking around the newsroom, that is.) I googled, too. And here is what I came up with.
Google says: For New Year’s, round fruits symbolize prosperity, with the Filipino tradition calling for 12 (or 13) different circular fruits like apples, oranges, grapes, pomelos, melons, and pineapples, each representing a month for good luck, wealth, and abundance in the coming year. Other popular choices include pears, kiwis, chico, longans, and persimmons, creating a colorful, coin-shaped spread for the Media Noche feast.
And, as luck would have it most folks I asked knew about the 12 fruits and believed it, too.
So, where did the 13 fruits come from?
Although 13 is considered by some to be an unlucky number, some Filipinos still prepare 13 fruits during the New Year. As it makes sense that 12 fruits represent 12 months of the year, making it 13 is like adding an extra streak of luck. Maybe like a 13th month pay?
As we prepare to welcome 2026, another year, preparing round fruits has become a part of our New Year’s Eve preparations for the Media Noche. And while traditions may vary from one household to another, for many, the belief that preparing 12 (sometimes 13) round fruits brings luck and fortune to the family.
While believing that these fruits bring good fortune to our families, it is also worth noting that some of us do not solely rely on the idea of good luck. Instead, we combine faith and hard work as we navigate through the next 365 days.
Don’t forget to jump. If you are not too tall like me… jumping at the stroke of 12 midnight might make me reach a few inches higher — better leverage for reaching our dreams.