written by: Chelsea Jewel Malonzo | @Jewel_TRL
For Bulakeños, Christmas is more than just a celebration. It is a season of meaningful wishes, a desire to be together with their complete families, love for others, and service to God.
"I actually did not come home for almost four years. Maybe this Christmas, I hope that I can have a little bit more time with them."
One of TalariaLink's Korean exchange student respondents said during an interview.
For people like them, family was probably the greatest gift to have this Christmas. And it was also indeed the case for an indigent who came all the way from Samar province in search of work opportunities here in Bulacan.
"Namimiss ko na ang mga kapatid ko sa Samar," he said. He left them to work here to hopefully support their education but instead, he found himself selling kakanin and turon together with his niece and nephew and somehow found it comforting here in Bulacan.
Meanwhile, a mom from Valenzuela City misses her own mother and longs to celebrate Christmas with her after being unable to see her due to the pandemic.
On the other hand, Christmas is not about just the people but about our loving God. This month is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
"We're aware na Christmas is pagdating ni Jesus Christ." Said ate Charmie, a student from Bulacan State University.
"Dito sa Pasko nabubuhay 'yung paniniwala ng mga tao na buhay ang Diyos, lalo na sa mga bata na hangga't maaga nakikilala nila na may Diyos."
Said an elderly resident of Guiginto, Bulacan, whom we spotted eating peanuts with his son.
Aside from that, this season reminds us to be kind and to look for one another, just like ate Charmie who told TalariaLink that this is the season of love and to make other people aware of the grace of God.
"Gusto ko na maging masaya ulit ang ibang tao dahil ang tagal nilang nawalan ng pag-asa dahil sa nangyaring pandemic."
The Guiginto elderly resident said.
These people give face and personality to the wishes they had. They embody the full spirit of Christmas that we all thought was lost due to years of hardships we all have gone through and the challenges we faced especially during the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But alas, Christmas is alive and well. Just like Jose Mari Chan's "Christmas in our hearts," it truly remained in our hearts just waiting to be expressed and shared once again.
These wishes, big and small, were all shining as a glimmer of hope amidst the dark times we face. They say that through our desires, we can judge a person, and truly, what could be said about these people was nothing short of heartwarming.
No hike in the prices of Noche Buena goods nor hardships will stop a man from wishing.
Like these people, just keep wishing and through it, spread the love that we were always longing to receive. Our wishes are the reason that makes us keep giving.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
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