⌛ Christmas in a small city like Dumaguete..

As you might have noticed the commotion downtown has tripled, department stores are overcrowded with shoppers buying gifts for the "manito" or "manita", an exchanging of gifts which happens everywhere---schools, offices, homes. It will really drive you crazy esp. if you decide to do your shopping around this period. You see, the bonuses and 13th month pay which are given once a year are empowering people to buy, at least for this season. Christmas anywhere in the Philippines is one crazy season for the rich and poor alike.

 

The hustle and bustle is everywhere, but let's not forget the reason for the season!

 

Oh, there will lots of Misa de Gallo and Simbang Gabi (masses at dawn and in the evening) held to storm the heavens with prayers too. Incidentally, the house that's been dubbed as the "Christmas House" in the country is right here in Dumaguete. It's the house of Dr. Rico Absin located in Piapi. It is one great place to visit during the season.

 

We are loving our first Christmas in Dumaguete -- we have had people, from very old to very young, coming by the house to sing Christmas carols in exchange for a few pesos; Christmas lights up and down the street, all highlighting the original, "true" meaning of what the holiday is all about. We have witnessed people just being happy that it's Christmas. It's been absolutely delightful and very refreshing after 40+ years in a country that is all about the commercial "bottom line" focused on how much revenue was generated from holiday gift-giving. We are in the Philippines now, and do not expect (nor do we WANT) things to be the same as they were in the U.S. We are more than happy to offer pesos to those that go door to door spreading their holiday cheer...

I fully anticipate hearing the "other side" from some of you (you know who you are, lol) telling me how they are "scamming" us out of money, etc.... Guess what? You don't have to give them money unless you WANT to do so and you appreciate their gesture. I, for one, DO appreciate it, and a few pesos out of my pocket for some "live" holiday cheer is more than worth it...

This is a season to be thankful and appreciative for what we have, and also a time to share some of that with those perhaps less fortunate.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

 

Yes, Merry Christmas everyone!

And that is the "bottom line" so forget the Scrooge's out there and enjoy your Pasko sa Dumaguete.