It would be difficult to resist getting sucked into this frantic pace so 24/7 suggests some practical tips to take on an attitude of fun and giving.
Bring out the child in you and watch the sky light up every weekend with fireworks at the Ayala Center, in front of famed Oakwood Premiere in Glorietta 4 and at the Greenbelt 3 fountain area. Better yet, bring kids with you and share the experience of wonderment.
Instead of cursing the jeeps and buses while caught in Manila’s notorious snail-paced traffic, marvel at the artistry of the Christmas lanterns being sold in the streets.
Check out free Christmas concerts. Bailey’s Wednesdays at Greenbelt 2 which runs the whole month of December, the UP Jazz Ensemble concerts every Sunday at the Greenbelt 3 fountain area, the traditional Christmas Concerts at The Peninsula Manila lobby, and choir performances at Rockwell’s Power Plant Mall. Check out the nearest mall and find out their Christmas concert schedules.
Watch those animated Christmas displays at the Greenhills Shopping Center, a delight for all ages. When your parents were young, they used to watch the same moving display at the now defunct C.O.D. department store in Cubao.
Suspend the gym and our diet rituals. Satisfy your cravings with charcoal-baked bibingka (rice cake) smothered with Star margarine and piping hot puto bumbong with grated coconut, our own native delicacies. Choose to enjoy these in an outdoor setting to complete this multi-sensory experience with its earthy aroma.
Get involved and find time to donate to charity. This enriching activity defines the meaning of the Season's spirit.
Give up your daily baon to carol-singing street children instead of giving them money or turning your attention away from them. Better yet, prepare food for them before leaving your residence.
Drop a line to someone dear and far from us. Listening to the voice of a loved one definitely beats e-mail and text messaging.
Make an effort to express how much you appreciate your loved ones this season. This can be in spoken words, little cards, or even a good and tight hug which can even mean so much more.
And lastly, remember that there is no need to give expensive gifts this holiday. Give what you can afford and remember that it's the thought that counts. It may be a cliche, but it’s true. Why not give special deed certificates to a loved one: make breakfast in bed for a partner, bake favorite cookies for the kids, and promise a trip around Intramuros on a calesa with a friend.
• Butterflies Are Free at the Republic of Malate
• Urinetown The Musical at the RCBC Theater
• Singles Unite Naughty Christmas party at Absinth
• WOW! Himig Pilipino Choral Competition at the Gallery Steps of the Department of Tourism
• DecaDance with DJ Boyet Almazan at Dreambar@6750
• Vibe Fridays at Wasabi
• Jingle Balls! at Bed
20 December, SATURDAY
• Coro Animo Loboc’s Children’s Choir at The Lobby Peninsula Manila
• BBC presents Heavy Boogie at Prive Fraser Place
• Shirtless Boys Night at Bed
• Circo Loco with DJ Manolet Dario at Dreambar@6750
• Divine Club at Temple
• Hypnotiq at Teak
21 December, SUNDAY
• A Classical Christmas at the CCP
22 December, MONDAY
• Glow at the OnStage Greenbelt
24/7 PARTY PICK:
23 December, TUESDAY
• 24/7 Nocturnal Navigator and Dreambar@6750 invites you to GOLDEN DREAMS – A Heavily Metallic Christmas Party, featuring DJ Boyet Almazan and DJ Manolet Dario. Wear anything gold and 50 percent OFF on selected drinks! Mark it Gold on your Calendar!
24 December, WEDNESDAY
• Disney On Ice: Beauty and the Beast at the Araneta Coliseum
• Women’s Wicked Wednesday at Dreambar@6750
• Smooth Wednesday with DJ Steve Mills at Absinth
25 December, THURSDAY
Happy Christmas greetings from 24/7 your Nocturnal Navigator! Wishing love and peace to you!