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/