Let's talk about alternatives

Okay…we are starting to feel the pinch of the current economic meltdown growing more uncomfortable by the week. The world’s stock markets are showing the grim reality of what we are all facing. Jobs have been trimmed down, even as I write this. Companies are forced to downsize for survival. Everyone is looking at alternatives, in order to be able to stay afloat in the maelstrom we are in.

December is around the corner. And we will soon be having the longest holiday in decades, because of the dates that the holidays fall on. In a way, this is a blessing, as it will enable families to plan a trip or a reunion with time to spare. 

Alternative #1: We can stay home for the holidays. Reunions that entail traveling to other islands may be postponed until better times. Or, the family/clan can come up with a consensus as to the place of the reunion – one that will cost least among family members.   The budget that could have gone to transportation expenses, could be used for a grander Christmas party and better gifts.

Alternative #2 : Look for good holiday packages that abound at this time. Make it to nearby destinations, like Hong Kong or Singapore. These places are selling their version of a Christmas holiday. Better make your bookings now. Those good packages really sell like the proverbial hotcakes. 4-night stays are the best options – the usual offerings. If you go beyond, hotel rates can become expensive.

Alternative #3 : There are places in metro Cebu that are worth the visit. If you want a day-long picnic, Crocolandia in Talisay is a great place to be. The children will be able to appreciate nature and come to know endemic flora and fauna up close. Another place -- to stay overnight -- will be the Riverstone Castle in the hills of Argao. Then, one can go around Argao town to savor its 400-year history. All the extant structures and quaint antiquaries are still there for visitors to view.

Alternative #4 : Make a pilgrimage to the church in Simala, down south, where the icon of the crying Mama Mary is enthroned. Faith nurture at this time is a great way to instill among the children, with the spirit of Christmas in the air. There are a lot of interesting places to see along the way; lots of delicacies and other things one can buy much cheaper than in the city proper. Maybe, the family can ask each member to set aside an amount that they can put into the alms box of the church.

Alternative #5 :   Divide the family members into groups, according to common interests. Then organize a workshop that would produce simple inexpensive items that will be given to orphanages or old people’s homes by Christmas time. It could be darned old clothing, freshly baked cookies, repaired home items like cabinets or chairs, freshly painted old furniture, crocheted items, etc. Who knows what a family can come up with? Then make a whole day visit or visits to Mother Teresa’s Gasa sa Gugma Home for the Dying Destitutes, Asilo de la Medalla Milagrosa Orphanage, Fr. Non’s Sapak farm of boys from marginalized homes, or any charity that you may know of.

Alternative #6 : For the singles out there, take a bus to any place in the province. Stay there for the holidays. Immerse yourself in rural simplicity. Help in the daily chores. Touch base with what is essential. The costs are minimal but the investment in goodwill will be enormous. It is out of the box and therefore may cause you to hesitate. But, try it nonetheless.

In these times of dire consequences, thinking about alternatives can be the survival tactic of the hour. Meanwhile, never let go of the survival tool of positive thinking. That makes the difference between a winner and a loser.

Travel wisely and safely!