By Leo Udtohan
Houses and businesses are adorned with Christmas lights and decors. The streets are filled with music and people are in a jolly and celebratory mood.
There is something extra special about Guindulman town during Christmas time. It is home of the province's tallest Christmas tree.
The 65-foot Christmas tree which stands on the corner of the town hall becomes an instant attraction.
There’s more: The Christmas tree with multi-colored bulbs is adorned with 1,650 toys donated by Libres Clan and members of the Guindulman Association of California Southern Area (Gacsa).
The tree has a design that advocates for joy, simplicity, durability, and resiliency.
Guindulman Mayor Ben Balo said the importance of the Christmas tree would bring joy to the children and residents.
He emphasized the importance of every resident’s hope in the recovery of the town from the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years and typhoon Odette (Rai) which devastated the province last year.
"The celebration this year is very special because it is a symbol that we have overcome the different challenges," said Balo.
The 19 villages also decorated the roads with parols (stars) and candy canes.
After the Christmas season, the toys from the tree will be given to children on Jan. 6 on the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings' Day.
Cultural worker Julan Cordova was also suprised to see the giant Christmas tree.
"This is the nicest and the tallest Christmas tree I've ever seen in the province of Bohol this year," he said.
Promenaders can take pictures of the holiday tree and other decorations from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Guindulman, at least 85 km from Tagbilaran City, is an old town situated in the eastern part of Bohol. It is said that if twilight falls, the area became dark or “dulum” in the local dialect.
Balo said because of the Christmas lights, the lights overcome darkness.
"The town is no longer overtaken by darkness as we are moving forward for progress," said Balo.
He plans to develop unexplored tourist sites where there is a huge potential to promote tourism as part of the town's tourism planning and at the same time provide a sustainable livelihood to the people.
Next year, Guindulman will join the 1st Bohol Loop Dive Expo 2023 where it will showcase its stunning and healthy colorful coral garden and many hidden dive sites for local and international divers.
