Rolren's Lanterns and General Merchandise shop of lantern maker Rolando Quiambao in Del Pilar, San Fernando City, Pampanga, is extra busy this season, meeting large orders for Christmas lanterns and decors. Pampanga is considered a pioneer in making Filipino parol and known for Christmas traditions.

Another development in my journey on tamales, the Filipino version of the Mexican tamale. First time tasting tamales from Balayan, Batangas, from Ate Lidia's Special Tamales, which has a booth at the 2025 NACF. Lidia Balbino Javier started selling her tamales in 1960