This is the time of the year when we usually say that the spirit of Christmas is just around the corner. We all know it would come along, but all too sudden it's here and everywhere, the unmistakable signs of the Yuletide season: the cool breeze of gentle winds, Christmas carols in the air, and the pervading colors of red and green decors all around. It is said that the Filipinos have the longest Yuletide season in the world and we are proud of it. Starting as early as the arrival of the "Ber" months, we hear radio stations start playing the ever nostalgic"Ang Pasko ay Sumapit", and some homes begin putting displays of the Infant Jesus in the belen, a Christmas tree, the traditional parol, and the all too familiar glittery letterings we all use to hang on our walls: "Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon".
Yesterday, I made a round of downtown Manila's Avenida-Carriedo-Quiapo area and took some photos of the happenings around. Despite the harrowing setbacks that the Philippines has experienced this year, the general mood in Manila is one of excitement and optimism, and the familiar sights are all here: a vendor who offers his wares to the coming pedestrians, a shopper who haggles for a discount, people wanting to be photographed, street boys playing mechanical toys, pedestrians scouting for a gift to purchase, and the usual rowdy crowd of Manila downtown. Everyone seemed happy and relaxed, and no one seemed in too much of a hurry, despite the so-called Christmas rush.
With what I have observed, I guess Manilans are hardly the people who can face natural and man-made disasters with long gloomy faces, and we can choose to smile despite everything that had happened. But as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating so here's some happy pictures for you who may not believe it. And while we're on it let me have the honor to greet you a first Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!
(This is the first of my series on the Christmas Season in Manila Downtown 2009)
Yesterday, I made a round of downtown Manila's Avenida-Carriedo-Quiapo area and took some photos of the happenings around. Despite the harrowing setbacks that the Philippines has experienced this year, the general mood in Manila is one of excitement and optimism, and the familiar sights are all here: a vendor who offers his wares to the coming pedestrians, a shopper who haggles for a discount, people wanting to be photographed, street boys playing mechanical toys, pedestrians scouting for a gift to purchase, and the usual rowdy crowd of Manila downtown. Everyone seemed happy and relaxed, and no one seemed in too much of a hurry, despite the so-called Christmas rush.
With what I have observed, I guess Manilans are hardly the people who can face natural and man-made disasters with long gloomy faces, and we can choose to smile despite everything that had happened. But as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating so here's some happy pictures for you who may not believe it. And while we're on it let me have the honor to greet you a first Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!
(This is the first of my series on the Christmas Season in Manila Downtown 2009)
Meri Krismas, hihihihih
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