New Year's Day in Philippines

A fixed date and regular holiday

The Philippines’ holiday law names New Year’s Day as a regular holiday on January 1. It also provides a general rule that a holiday falling on Sunday is observed on the following Monday. The annual national holiday proclamation lists New Year’s Day as a regular holiday.[1][2]

A regular holiday does not mean every employee or business follows the same schedule. Department of Labor and Employment guidance says employees who work on a regular holiday are entitled to 200 percent of their wage for the first eight hours. Employees who do not work may receive their regular wage for the day if they worked, or were on paid leave, on the preceding workday, subject to the guidance’s conditions.[3]

Welcoming the year together

One custom is placing round fruits on the table for the New Year. They are symbols of good fortune and prosperity, and many households display twelve kinds during Media Noche, the midnight meal. These are customs and beliefs, rather than requirements.[4]

Media Noche is a family gathering around midnight. In some families, halayang ube, a sweet purple-yam dessert, is prepared and served at holiday meals or shared at New Year reunions.[5]

Planning around the holiday

The regular-holiday designation affects wage rules, but it does not specify opening hours for individual shops, banks, or transport providers. Travelers and residents should check directly with the office, business, or carrier they plan to use.[2][3]