There
is nothing like how the Filipinos celebrate Christmas. From the first day of
September you can already feel the essence of Christmas. Christmas songs
blasting out from radios, colorful Christmas lights blinking from house to
house, and children singing joyful carols. Every town also has its own unique
way to celebrate the Christmas season.
In the Heritage City of Vigan, in the Province
of Ilocos Sur, back then Biugeños annually gather to witness the unveiling of the city town
Christmas tree and to watch the beautiful dancing fountain performance. The
city government also host different activities which every people in town can
participate.
Unfortunately, for the past few years, we were
not able to celebrate Christmas just like the old way because we’ve been facing
the consequences that covid-19 had brought us. The traditions that we are
accustomed to have been prohibited by the government. We need to follow the
health protocols implemented by the health officials and ensure everyone’s
safety.
Nevertheless
of the challenges posed by the pandemic, the city's Christmas vibes continue
with the new normal set-up, with most events taking place online and others
with limited number of attendees to adhere to the health officials' Minimum
Health Standards.
The
city administration of Vigan City conducted barangay and home-based tournaments
to prevent huge gatherings while still enjoying the season. First is the “Inter-barangay
Christmas Tree Installation” event, in which all of the town's barangays
competed to create bright and soulful Christmas trees for their barangay halls.
Next activity is “Christmas Card Making”, in which Biugeño youngsters
demonstrate their abilities and ingenuity in penning Christmas messages in the
Ilocano language. One of the activities is the “Essay Competition” that
addresses an adult Biugeño's goals or dreams in a way that brings hope and enjoyment to
its readers. This activity is available to all Biugeños aged 25 and
above. And the most awaited part is the “Street Painting Contest” wherein
artists all around the city enthusiastically participated the event to showcase
their creativity and passion for arts. There is also a “Sa May Bahay- Christmas
Carol Competition” which was open for bigueno families with five members. A “Santa Baby: Photography Contest” for the Biugeño toddlers, “Christmas
Dokyufilm”, “Inter Office Christmas Tree Competition” and “Christmas Lantern
Making Competition”.
We may
not be able to do the things that we used to do but the most important thing
for now is that we were able to spread the essence of Christmas and celebrate
the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. I hope that next year would be the year
of hope and healing.
References:
Edmar Guquib. "No giant Christmas tree this 2016, City Hall Goes Visual, Interactive by Night".Accessed February 07,2022. https://i.pinimg.com/736x/0f/02/ce/0f02ce9573b2c1fc4572bee2b8c97261--christmas-displays-christmas-trees.jpg
"Artes Ita Paskua CARRIES ON AMID Pandemic" . Accessed February 06, 2022. http://vigancity.gov.ph/artes-ita-paskua-carries-on-amid-pandemic/
Heritage City of Vigan, Philippines."13 days before Christmas Happy Holidays Vigan!" Accessed February 07, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/ViganCityOfficial/photos/13-days-before-christmashappy-holidays-from-vigan/1503535339732195/