Philippine Culture: September in the Philippines

September marks the start of the "ber" months and the mornings get older at around this time too. People will usually begin their countdowns to Christmas this month.

Christmas carols will start playing more frequently on the radio stations and people will start going into their Christmas shopping frenzy. Of course, majority of Pinoys will probably wait for the last minute Christmas shopping rush in November to December, waiting for their 13th month pay and bonuses to be released.

September 21 marks the declaration of Martial Law by then President Marcos. Even if that was 33 years ago, count on the day to bring the usual rallies and protests. Choose your cause -- from year to year.

As for the festivals, the 3rd Saturday of September marks the Feast of Nuestra Seņora de Peņafrancia in Naga City, Camarines Sur, in Bicol. A fluvial procession is done down the Bicol River in honor of the Lady of Peņafrancia.