What's a handog, you ask? Hint: It doesn’t have anything to do with a wiener and a bun. Handog Ng FASO Sa Pasko is Filipino for “FASO’s Gift for Christmas,” FASO being the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra, which, under the baton of maestro Robert Shroder, rings in the season with a holiday concert just like they have back home. “In the Philippines, Christmas is the most anticipated season of the year,” explains Shroder, “and singing carols is a tradition in Filipino culture.” So have yourself a merry little Ang Paskong Pilipino, complete with the Simbang Gabi, puto bumbong, biblingka, parols and other enchanting, exotic traditions, courtesy of FASO and a Filipino chorale, children's choir and soloists. “It's the first time this will happen in L.A.,” notes Shroder. “A full symphony orchestra, a chorus and children's choir all coming together to present the real spirit of a Filipino Christmas.” Thanks, FASO — or should we say “ang babait ninyo?” P

Sun., Dec. 6, 5 p.m., 2009

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