Pasko Na Ba? Is it Christmas already? – asks Rachel Ann Go in her bilingual children's book. Written in Tagalog and German, we experience Christmas through the eyes of siblings Paeng and Tala, who are part of a Filipino-Swiss family. While they celebrate holiday traditions from both countries, the season’s essence remains the same on both sides of the world: precious time with family.

As the holiday season approaches, what emotions or memories surface for you? Which holidays do you celebrate? What Swiss holiday traditions hold a special place in your heart? And are there any Asian traditions you find yourself missing?

Join us for a Members Get-Together to toast the festive spirit. Listen to Rachel discuss her own holiday experiences within a Filipino-European family and what inspired her to write this book. And share with us your own favorite holiday moments.

We look forward to celebrating diverse traditions with you!

Rachel Ann Go is a Gen A 2023 Fellow. She loves books; particularly children's books, which she often reads to her godchildren from Filipino-European families. So when she had the opportunity to do a project for Asia Society Switzerland, the first thing she thought of was a bilingual children's book that celebrates the richness of having different cultural backgrounds. Pasko Na Ba? Ist es schon Weihnachten? is her debut as an author.

Rachel is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development at the University of Basel, after working several years in a multinational company in the Philippines and in Switzerland. She also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration & Accountancy from the University of the Philippines. She spent time volunteering in an asylum center in Kanton Zug, an orphanage center in Malawi, and, most recently, in a political campaign for the 2022 elections in the Philippines. Rachel is excited to delve into the Sustainability field in Asia.

About Members Get-Together

In our Members Get-Together series, we give our community the chance to engage with each other and exchange views and ideas in an informal setting. Whether it's during a lunch with an expert, while visiting a gallery or just over drinks, the Members Get-Together gives you the opportunity to interact with other Asia Society Members and expand your network.