Lights, lechon, and Midnight Mass - Drone captures Christmas spirit filling streets in Cebu City

"Christmas celebrations are in full swing across the Philippine city of Cebu, as public spaces and local communities come alive with festive lights, traditional food and religious observances. The city's Fuente Osmena Circle has become the focal point of Christmas activities. The beautifully illuminated Christmas tree stands proudly in the centre of the roundabout, attracting crowds of locals and tourists alike. Nearby stalls offer a variety of seasonal delicacies and festive treats, adding to the festive atmosphere. Among the most popular are puto bumbong and bibingka - traditional Filipino rice-based desserts closely associated with the Christmas season and commonly sold outside churches and at markets throughout December. Princess Jamaica Jusay, a resident, said their presence is a clear sign that the holiday period has begun. "You can already tell that it’s Christmas because there are so many people selling puto bumbong and bibingka," she said. "For us, Christmas is about coming together as a family - celebrating with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and showing kindness and love to neighbours and friends," Jusay added. Other respondents emphasised the religious meaning of the holiday. Stephanie Toong said Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection: "It's about celebrating the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ and about giving, forgiving, and sharing with children." The Philippines has the largest Christian population in Asia, with around 80 per cent of its more than 110 million people identifying as Catholic. "