Paskong Pinoy: Filipino-inspired Christmas decors at Tagbilaran City GSO

By Leo Udtohan

Of all the places in the world, our holidays are the most anticipated celebration.  And what better way to soak in the holiday vibe than some fun at Tagbilaran City General Services Office (GSO). 

The annual  "Christmas Decoration Contest" at Tagbilaran GSO is the most anticipated event in the city, earning its title as the "Most Christmassy Office" in Bohol. 

The decor contest is participated in by the four divisions with the theme: "Paskong Pinoy" which must depict Filipino culture and traditions in celebrating the Yuletide Season. 

Chris John Torralba, Ph.D., head of GSO, said the contest intends to encourage the employees in showcasing their creativity and further boost the Christmas spirit in the office.

Each division is filled with all the beauty of being a Filipino. Their interpretation is perfect:

A long time ago in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ was born in a modest manger. The Motorpool Division belen display is as unique as it is meaningful. It has live animals like bantam chickens, a goat and a rabbit. The Motorpool has the replica of St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine with a ringing bell. Imagining the faith in a homegrown setting is comforting. And that’s exactly what the creative Motorpool did!

It's barrio fiesta as banderitas greet employees and clients at the Asset Management Office Division. Cubicles are transformed into native huts with paddy field made from drinking straws. 

The office displays the face of the Father of Filipino Christmas Songs, Jose Mari Chan.  

Cubicles at Supplies and Procurement Division are decorated with banig, a traditional handwoven mat. The personnel show that banig is more than just a sleeping mat; it's a reflection of the Filipino people's resourcefulness and resilience. A giant nativity scene made from recycled materials is an added attraction. And they also have a mini stage for those who want to sing Pinoy Christmas songs. 

Christmas in Vigan City can now be felt   in the Administrative Office and General Services. The Calle Crisologo with bright lights captured attention becoming a centerpiece in the office. It is magical, as the street lights illuminate the historic buildings, creating a romantic ambiance.

Calle Crisologo is lined with shops full of native handicrafts such as abanikos, our beloved pampaypays, kalesa and empanadas and bagnet and you don't want to miss out.

"The Christmas decors make us happy, it make us feel loved," said Donna Bandija, an employee at Admin office. 

Rosalinda Paredes, one of the judges, said the annual tradition shows the dedication and creativity of the personnel. 

"The most important thing is the teamwork of the personnel of the General Services Office. They worked together and they also thought about recycling, not necessarily spending money but looking at how to recycle things and show that we can still have a festive Christmas, less money but more creativity when you recycle, " said Ma'am Linda. 

The GSO personnel have a knack for making an opportunity out of everything and taking it to a new level. See how they repurposed an everyday item into something so memorable? That’s the magic touch of GSO.

Christmas, the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith

Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year. Personally, Christmas season is always my favorite time because of the festive Christmas decorations and songs, the nippy weather and the happy smiles of the people.

I asked some personalities to share their most memorable Christmas and how they intend to celebrate the holidays this year. Some of our Boholano friends asked simply ignored the questions. Here are those who shared their seasonal thoughts:

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

The Christmassy house of the Paredes

 family in Dauis town in memory 

of Roochie.  Contributed Photo/Rosalinda Paredes

Rosalinda Paredes— Christmas of 1981 was most memorable to me though a bit sad. It was the last Christmas of my three-year old daughter, Roochie, who was then fighting for her life due to cancer of the brain. For the first time, Rene and I pooled meager resources and invested in Christmas lights so we can give Roochie a colorful and starry Christmas every kid desires. Roochie died June the following year. But, we still keep her memory by making sure we enliven our house during Christmas time with multi-colored lights and glittering lanterns so every child and those adults who remain kids-at-heart will enjoy the happy spirit of season. Merry Christmas!

Queenie Melody Fullante— For me, every year is memorable because though our family celebrate it in the same ways every year, the joy that I feel always increases knowing that we get another year to celebrate it together.

Vera Villocido-Gesite— When my two children were in the elementary grades and I was a high school teacher, we had the same Christmas break. I loved that we were able to do things together and go to places together during the holidays. My favorite was taking long drives with them to Southern California and singing along the way or watch cartoons. And then go to the happiest place on earth - Disneyland. It simply was joy to enjoy the rides and see the sights in the eyes of my children. And, especially because at that time, they also enjoyed and loved my company.

ChitoVisarra— As you start to feel the aches of age, holidays are more of reminiscing and the joy of seeing the young ones revel in the things you enjoyed years back.

Idy Caseñas Cagas —Every Christmas spent at home is always memorable for me. This time of the year, I always look forward to being able to celebrate with them. After my first Christmas away from home few years ago, I had a whole new appreciation of being able to spend Christmas with them. It made me cherish every memory. Treasuring every moment with them and spending time with them are the most precious ones. This year, I will have to miss Christmas with my family because of work, but it will still be a memorable one, it will still be a merry Christmas as my partner and I will get to spend our first Christnas together.

For Vera Villocido-Gesite, her most 

memorable Christmas was bringing 

her children to Disneyland. 

Contributed Photo/Pinay Adiong

Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor—My most memorable Christmas would be 2013 after the earthquake and typhoon Yolanda that affected thousands of Filipinos. It was the most humbling event in my life and I saw right before my eyes the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about the presence of gifts and food but it's about being giving joy and love to other people in whatever forms. I believe it will always be my most memorable Christmas, an event I can't wait to share with my kids and grandchildren in the future.

CHRISTMAS 2016

Adelyn  Joy Esclamado—Christmas season is the season of giving, I intend to give  simple gifts to children at our place and spread love and happiness. I want to be an advocate of positivity for the year to come. Christmas will be merrier with the persons I love, and in connection to that, I will spend my Christmas day with my family who are always there with me through the years.  I want to give back to them the happiness they gave me.

Eden Descallar- Ceballos— Nothing beats the feeling of spending it with your loved ones, our family. And sharing our blessings to the people who are with us this year.

Mikey Gatal—Though many sad things happened in my life this year, I will still celebrate Christmas for it's the of the year to be forgiving, sharing, happy and thankful to God for all the blessings He has given me. Nothing special but all I can say is, love is still in the air.

Butch Bernas— I will clean my room; attend 9 novena and misa de gallo. Oops, I will attend parties, reunions with family.

Leah Tirol-Magno—Baking and decorating more cakes!

Benjie Oliva—We will celebrate the holidays this year with the family in prayer and thanksgiving to the Father Almighty for the bountiful blessings that He has given us for 2016. My family and in-laws are all in Bohol for the celebration. We will take this opportunity also to spend the holidays with relatives and friends in Catigbian, Tagbilaran City and Panglao.

Benjie Oliva and his family will spend Christmas in Bohol. 

Contributed Photo/Oliva Family

Fiel Angeli  Araoarao-Gabin—Christmas this year is simpler than the past years, but most  importantly, it will be spent with family, with prayers for thanksgiving.

Clement Ingking—Christmas season is always my favorite time. It’s the time of the year when every one seems to be more giving, happier and more forgiving in remembering and celebrating the birth of our dear saviour, Lord Jesus Christ. Personally, I believe the best Christmas for me is now because I know I am able to breeze through the stormy phase in my life and found the peace and true happiness that I have long been praying for.

Glorivic Yap-de la Serna—I will spend my Christmas with my family. I am thankful for all the blessings and the tests which strengthen our bonds.

Van Delima— I intend to celebrate Christmas with my family. I want to make most of the time as we gather entirely in this joyous occasion

Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas—Well this year, my holiday would be the start of something new, something I cannot live without. I would celebrate this year's holidays by spreading the seeds of love everyday. I'll surely have a time with my family and I'd connect with my loved ones and remind them about how thankful I am to have them in my life. I'll send personal messages to the people I'll treasure forever and I'll be a lot jollier this Christmas. I'd probably make my heart happy by doing good deeds and sharing my blessings to those who are in need. I'd continue to be true to myself and live the real spirit of Christmas.

AR de la Serna- I will spend Christmas with my family. This year, I have received a lot of blessings. Dreams do really come true.

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.