J. Julius

I'm Home with my family now in Philippines, But here my Christmas gift for you from the Hawaiian Islands.

Do you know how to wish someone a merry Christmas in the Hawaii? You say, “Mele Kalikimaka.”

The Hawaiians had difficulty pronouncing Merry Christmas, and so came up with a phonetic translation that rolled more easily off their tongues: MEL-lay KAH-lee-KEY-mah-kah.

The easiest way to learn how to say Mele Kalikimaka is to listen to Bing Crosby sing this classic song from his White Christmas album. Click this link to see a video of Hawaii scenes set to the famous song, Mele Kalikimaka. Soon you’ll be singing right along and Mele Kalikimaka will roll right off your tong....

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ~ Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou




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I'm finally flying home to Philippines. Can't wait to see my asawa (wife), family and friends. After ten long months the time is finally here! Its now 9:30AM HST and I just now finished packing. Checking the weather for next week ect. I'll get home on Christmas eve so it's the holiday so need remember to take it slow and enjoy every moment with family for sharing, for giving, and a time for food, fun, and friendship.

Our Christmas eve in the Philippines is one of the traditions most families celebrate. It is a night without sleep and a continuous celebration moving right into Christmas Day. As December 24th dawns, preparation begins for Noche Buena, which is a family feast that takes place after midnight.

Now! We no winter or snow in the Philippines at Christmas time. There are very few pine trees. We no traditional Yule log or fetching of the pine sprigs from the woods. But yes Santa Claus, though visible in displays and believed by most Filipino children to exist, seldom comes bearing gifts.


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Well it's was about time for a blog post and I've toyed with the idea of writing this for weeks now.... I took some time off from Blogging, and things have been semi-crazy with my work also getting ready for my holiday flight home to the Philippines to be with my family.

I’ve flown dozens and dozens of long haul flights for work or to visit family overseas. (Oh Philippines! Why are you so far away? Not exactly in my own backyard. Even if I live in the Hawaiian islands.)

The Philippines is known as the "Land of Fiestas," and at Christmas time, this is especially true. To most Filipinos, Christmas is the most anticipated fiesta of the year and is celebrated accordingly. The splendid climate of this tropical island nation, the abundance and beauty of its flowers, and lovely landscape, its multitude of culinary delights, and above all its warm-hearted people with their true devotion to family and faith all contribute to a holiday celebrated in the true Philippines fiesta tradition.

I can't wait to fly home. It's always good to go back home and be with my family.

Here is a great link for making your a long journey easier!

How to Be Comfortable on a Long Airplane Trip




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