Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Maligayang Pasko!*

So Christmas has come in my part of the world. It's a big thing here in the Philippines; the season starts in September and ends in January. It's always been this way as far as I can remember, and I don't see how it will ever change. Because despite crazy ass and depressing problems like floods, explosions and insane attempts at a coup d'etat, our people's resilience remains intact. Christmas is Christmas and will be celebrated as such, no matter what. Children will still be ecstatic with glee at the presents they receive, laughter and engaging conversation will still go back and forth amongst family members over the Christmas table; Christmas carols will still be playing in the background.

Also, an unconventional looking Santa Claus will always be directing traffic in Manila during the Christmas season. Photo lifted from Sidney Snoeck's site, My Sarisari Store.

Those are constants in a number of people's Christmas experiences, here in the Philippines and elsewhere perhaps. But another constant that is overlooked most of the time is this: change. Is Christmas this year the same or even greatly similar to last year's celebrations or the years before that? Are we exactly the same individuals who celebrated Christmas last year? If you can honestly answer "yes" to that question, then I will be honest with you in return. And all I can say is, I don't know whether to envy you or to feel sorry for you.

This is a Christmas of "firsts" of a sort for me. There are quite a few things I'm experiencing for the first time here, much of which I'm still confused about. In a strange way, though, I'm sure about them too. And much of this I came to realize only within the past 24 hours, after some soul searching. (Yes, I did get a migraine after that, thank you very much for asking. But it wasn't anything a few beers couldn't take care of, haha.) I'm not claiming to know the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but what I perceive it to be sucks big time. My karma maybe for my penchant for that particular activity?

Anywayyyy...

I'm sending all of you, newcomers and old-timers alike, my very best wishes. Whether your lives are taking twists and turns in new directions - welcome changes or otherwise - or whether they're still the same old boring shit, all the sincerest best to you. Merry, merry Christmas everyone! And a prosperous, exciting New Year too.

*That's "Merry Christmas" to you non-Tagalog speakers.

35 comments:

Photo Cache said...

Meri Krismas.

Mimi Lenox said...

Merry Christmas to you and may the New Year be filled with all you wish for.

Anonymous said...

Iba ang Christmas dito sa 'tate. At least for me: I am all by myself, staring at my computer screen, drinking a triple shot of whiskey...and thinking everybody is merry but me. Hikbi!

Thanks for the upbeat greeting, maski nasabit lang ako. If I ever run into you, the drinks are on me.
"Merry Christmas"

Anonymous said...

yeah it's a tough old world alright

wishing you a wonderful year lizza

with love and kisses from the nurse

Daddy Papersurfer said...

From one 'old-timer' to a 'young purdy thang' Happy Christmas and may the new year bring less wind [I, for one, would be grateful as would the TG]

Bud Weiser, WTIT said...

Lizza-

All the best. Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours from me and mine!

Lots of love and beer,
San

Gumby said...

Merry Christmas Dear Lizza!

H said...

Oh My! Lizza darling, yer christmas revelation is rather ensconsed in riddles.

would love to hear about it. Soon.

Well I'm sending you much love and good wishes.

love, H

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Merry Christmas my friend...Happy New Year too...

Miss seeing you around the campus....

SMOOCh

Glamourpuss said...

Happy Christmas, petal.

Puss

Travis Cody said...

Happy Christmas and best wishes for a prosperous new year!

RED MOJO said...

Happy New Year to you. I am peddling optimism for the new year. Would you like some? I think it's gonna be better, hopefully for lots 'o people.

Schmoop said...

Have a great 2008 Lizza. Cheers!!

Kiyotoe said...

Hope your holiday is/was as wonderful as you are Lovely!

;-)

p.s. - I got that playstation 3! The Counselor must really love me :-)

Foofa said...

If only people directing traffic were that festive in Chicago.

Anonymous said...

Happy Christmas!

I hope you had had a wonderful celebration!

(:

CS said...

Twwists and turns - I can certainly relate to that. I've been twisting and turning with changes all year! A merry, merry Christmas and lovely New Year toy you, too!

Daddy Papersurfer said...

Happy New Year young Lizza ..... xxx

Unknown said...

Happy New Year to you and yours, Lizza!

big (((HUGS))) and little kisses ***

Tammie Jean said...

Hi Lizza! I hope your Christmas had some silver lining in addition to the confusion you cryptically spoke of. And best wishes for 2008! I hope it will be a wonderful year for you :)

Michael C said...

I wanted to wish you a very happy New Year, Lizza!!!!!

Daddy Papersurfer said...

Just saying hello .... hello!

Terra Shield said...

Hi...

Mimi Lenox said...

Earth to Lizza.
This is Mimi Pencil Skirt checking on dear Lizza.....Happy New Year!

Natalia said...

Hope you are back to the site soon :)

Mimi Lenox said...

You've been royally tagged by the Queen of Memes.
Long live the dungeon.
No Autographs, Please - The Band Meme

We're worried about you......

Liz Hill said...

I thought I'd left a note before. Chubby Checker is playing my theme song this year sugar. I'll do the twist with ya. Smooch

Hope you are well

Migs Bassig said...

Hello. Knock knock....

Manila to Lizza...

Tammie Jean said...

Just checking in on you... I hope all is well...

Anonymous said...

I really late but still a merry christmas and a happy new year
I still remember the christmas I had there
:)

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

yoooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooo

where are youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu?

Anonymous said...

Hey, Lizza, hope things are going well for you in the new year.

Just to let you know in case you viist the blogworld now and again, I've moved to a new site.

Eastcoastdweller said...

Christmas is beautiful wherever it is celebrated.

Lizza said...

Thanks, everyone. So good of y'all to keep stopping by. I'll ketchup.