Christmas is around the corner. But, despite the economic slowdown, preparations in the Philippines for the holiday season have already begun.

The Philippine Christmas season is one of the longest in the world, and preparations started as early as mid-September.

During this Christmas period, star-shaped lanterns called "parol" are sold in decor shops and along the roadsides.

Flor Alfonso, parol buyer, said, "The feelings are different when you decorate with a parol. It's really nice to see a unique set of Christmas lights."