Christmas is always a special time for families in the Philippines, and for Kapuso stars Carla Abellana and Alden Richards, the holiday season is no exception.
During an exclusive chat with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at the Noel Bazaar held at the World Trade Center on November 26, 2025, the two celebrities shared what makes their Christmas celebrations meaningful, including their favorite holiday dishes, family traditions, and upcoming projects.
HAM, QUESO DE BOLA, AND SPAGHETTI: THE UNBEATABLE TRIO
When it comes to Noche Buena, certain dishes are non-negotiable.
For Carla, it’s all about the mix of family tradition and personal favorites.
"Tuwing Pasko, siguro yung queso de bola at saka pandesal. Isa na iyan. Ham na hinahanda ng aking mommy, pero ako na ngayon ang naghahanda. At siguro, spaghetti o yung pasta ng aking Auntie. So iyon ang mga hindi nawawala kapag Noche Buena na namin."
Interestingly, these same staples have been part of Alden’s family feast for years.
"Hamon, queso de bola, at saka, actually, spaghetti. Actually, yun kasi yung nakalakihan namin.
"And I think a lot of Filipinos also celebrate Christmas the way it is, and yung mga sine-serve na pagkain is yun din yung talagang consistent.
"Kasi parang, technically the reason why hindi siya nawawala because that's what Christmas is to us in terms of food.
"So, hindi siya nawawala sa roster ng mga pagpipilian every holidays."
For both stars, these dishes are more than just food—they are a symbol of tradition, family, and togetherness, bringing loved ones together year after year.
FAMILY FIRST: THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS
Beyond the festive meals, Carla and Alden emphasized that the essence of Christmas is spending time with family.
Carla described her excitement for the season in the familiar comfort of home: "Same naman ang aming Christmas tradition. We celebrate Noche Buena sa aming bahay kasama ko yung aking family and relatives na rin na closest.
"So hindi naman kami umaalis or anything. We don't have any special celebration. We celebrate it traditionally, the same way pa rin every year."
For Alden, it’s about reconnecting since his year-round schedule is usually packed.
"Actually, being with family lang talaga. I mean, lahat naman technically, yun din yung nagiging sagot because right now, siyempre marami talaga, especially those who are very busy with work, na nawawalan ng chance to be with their family.
"Pero ako, actually regardless nga of the handa, regardless of the regalo, basta kasama ko lang yung mga taong importante sa akin on that very special day, it's more than enough for me.
"And para lang at least nababalik ka, kumbaga naru-root ka lang ulit sa pinanggalingan mo. So, that's very important, family bonding this holidays."
LOOKING FORWARD: HOLIDAY PROJECTS AND PERSONAL WISHES
Carla is set to star in Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Evil Origins, which will hit theaters on December 25.
She said: "And tignan natin kung ang pasok ng 2026 ay maganda. Sana new project, something to look forward to para sa ating mga Kapuso. So, abangan na lang nila iyan."
Alden, on the other hand, is currently working on a film and may star in two TV series next year.
He revealed: "So far, I'm gonna be doing a film. Actually, I'm doing a film right now, pero hindi ko pa puwedeng sabihin. Siyempre confidential pa, wala pa tayong go signal, e.
"And then next year, I'll be doing two TV series and malalaman nila yun this coming December kung anu-ano siya.
"Yun, so more on production pa rin tayo at the same time para at least we get to maximize both worlds."
When asked about their Christmas wishes, both stars gave heartfelt answers.
Carla’s answer was: "All I want for Christmas is good health."
Alden’s wish, meanwhile, was for his fan meet, held last December 13, to be successful.