[Teacher's Blog] HOW TO SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS ON HOLIDAYS

NOVA Online Thailand
Aug 16
3 min read

If you’re a student at NOVA online, you probably already know that all of our English teachers are from the Philippines. 🇵🇭

Aside from improving your English skills, learning about the culture of English speakers from different parts of the world can give you fresh insights and make your communication even more natural.

So today, we’re taking you on a little trip to the Philippines through “Holiday Stories”, written by none other than our very own Teacher Jelle! Get ready for a mix of local traditions, festive vibes, and maybe even a few surprises along the way.

Holiday Stories from the Philippines by Teacher Jelle

Holidays in the Philippines are treasured moments filled with laughter, food, and heartfelt connection - seasons where friendships are celebrated like family and traditions shine with joy and unity.

New Year’s Day

One of the most anticipated holidays is New Year's Day, bursting into life with fireworks, festive meals, and hopeful cheers. After midnight, friends often exchange warm wishes, eat leftovers from Media Noche (a grand midnight feast), and visit one another's homes for a salubong — a joyful welcome to the year ahead.

Sinulog Festival

In January, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu comes alive not just as a religious event, but as a colorful celebration of friendship and heritage. Friends join parades, dance to the rhythm of drums, wear vibrant costumes, and paint each other's faces for fun. At the heart of the festival is Santo Niño

- The Child Jesus — a symbol of faith, innocence, and divine protection.

Holy Week

Holy Week, observed in March or April, brings a time of quiet reflection. Friends often join spiritual retreats, outreach missions, or traditional practices like Visita Iglesia and the Way of the Cross - walking together in silence and prayer. On Easter Sunday, they attend Mass and enjoy simple joys like shared meals or beach outings, celebrating renewed life with deepened bonds.

Christmas Day

And finally, Christmas Day - the heart of Filipino holidays. Friends attend Simbang Gabi, a nine-day pre-dawn Mass leading to Christmas, and afterward share hot bibingka and puto bumbong.

Joyful gatherings follow with food, Monito Monita (our version of Secret Santa), potlucks, games, and karaoke. On Christmas Eve, we come together for Noche Buena, a midnight feast rich with laughter and love. Every small gesture - a shared song, a thoughtful gift, a warm hug — whispers the message:

You are family to me

Group of five people celebrating with gold balloons spelling "2023" against a grid-patterned background. They're smiling and joyful.

Each celebration is more than a date — it's a living memory shared. As Filipinos, we carry pakikisama - a deep sense of harmony and connection. And during the holidays, that spirit glows brightest. Because in our culture, presence is the most precious present.

Teacher Jelle from Philippines

Meet Teacher Jelle through her warm greeting to you!

Hello! My name is Teacher Jelle.

I truly love teaching and sharing knowledge. Seeing my students improve and use English in real life is my greatest joy!

I teach both NOVA Speed English, our online speaking course for adults and older kids, and NOVA Kids English, designed for young learners aged 3 and up.

I work well with children and know how to make lessons fun and engaging for both kids and adults. In my class, we’ll learn in a relaxed and easy-to-understand way, while practicing real English you can use every day.

So… are you ready to grow your English skills with me?

I’m looking forward to seeing you in our online English class! 🌟

Learn English One-on-One with Teacher Jelle

NOVA Speed English

NOVA Kids English

ทำไมต้อง NOVA online ?