With the holidays right around the corner, the parties, events, and gatherings that most people look forward to take center stage. Whether it’s shopping for presents, putting up decorations, buying puto bumbong, or attending parties and simbang gabi, the holidays certainly draw out excitement.

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Holiday preparations are, indeed, a major part of Filipino culture. The delicious ham, fruit salad, bread and queso de bola, are only some of the staples of a typical Filipino noche buena. On top of everything else are the mandatory family gatherings -- that big day reuniting us with the rest of our clan, usually filled with food, drinks, and merry beer-tinted conversations.

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During these times, however, gifts are not the only things we tend to receive.  While some look forward to giving out presents and receiving gifts, there are those who gain pleasure from teasing.