CEBU, Philippines - The Christmas season is an extensively prepared celebration that centers on the family and home.
As the biggest holiday in the archipelago, many Filipino customs and traditions are relived, making it an exciting and oftentimes a challenging affair.
Through the years, the holiday has been adapted to local customs and color, producing an amazing variety of practices around the world.
One of the most popular is decking the Christmas tree with colorful streamers and an array of dancing lights that make for some dazzling display. The most significant ornament is the star that is put on top which symbolizes the Pole star that led three wise men to Jesus' stable.
Another tradition is the Belen, a tableau representing the Nativity Scene. Derived from the Spanish name for the town of Bethlehem, it depicts the infant Jesus Christ in the manger, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock, the Magi and some stable animals and angels.
In the spirit of this magical period, homes and establishments offer a true and unique Christmas experience, complete with lights, decorations, goodies and music.
Several places have truly captivated the essence of Christmas. Among them is Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa which welcomed the season with the traditional tree lighting ceremony and the opening of the Christmas Shopping Village.
Special guests in attendance were requested to deck the trees with ornaments that symbolize different meanings.
Consul Wang Jinjan of the People's Republic of China represented Joy, a cheerful time when we are surrounded by the warmth of family and friends dear to us. Manabu Kobota, chairman of the Japanese Association of Travel Agents, symbolized peace – a time for quiet reflection, reconciliation and harmony. General Manager Joachim Schutte and his lovely wife Christina epitomized compassion and love.
Pure Filipino spirit lights up all three Bluewater Resorts for the season. Their Christmas trees are artistically made and decorated with indigenous materials. Twelve parols were lighted which represent the resorts' different beneficiaries.
Austrian Consul General Arcadio Alegrado led the moving ceremony. He was assisted by special guests Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2011 runner up, June Alegrado,and DOT Regional Director Rowena Montecillo.
The Parklane Hotel, fast becoming a favorite hangout because of their Cebuano buffet dinners, likewise opted to go Filipino. The life-sized, beautifully crafted belen is made of buri and rattan. Several Cebuano families such as Charito and Ana Climaco, Marissa Unchuan, Sony Velez, Miguel del Gallego and Imma King graciously opened their homes and proudly presented the Belen and Christmas Village that they have concientiously and meticulously put together for many years.
While Christmas has taken root in different cultures in different ways, let us not forget that it is about rebirth and Christ being born. Let us remind ourselves that the holiday season is a positive time to measure how we are doing with our own personal growth and acceptance of others. (FREEMAN)