The year 2009 was marred with quite a few happenings that caused a lot of heartaches, to say the least — natural and man-made disasters, unconscionable acts by governments, clashes between rival parties, economic downturns… And yet, we have survived and we have forged on.

The reason for our endurance may be attributed to the successes that we have witnessed as well in 2009. We Filipinos have found heroes among our ranks, in spite of a government that has left more to be desired… if indeed this present regime intends to leave.

So now we’re on the threshold of a new year, and at the tail-end of a waning decade. I pray we will have much opportunities to conclude the first ten years of the new millennium on a positive note!

And on a lighter note, here are photos of the Christmas lights display that has become a tradition in the city, courtesy of Mana-Davao. Last Christmas was when I started documenting this spectacle, although I’d been making a point of enjoying Mana’s Christmas lights for some years already. This year, most probably due to a growing audience each year, they’ve put on a more spectacular exhibit.

Here’s a short video I took of Mana yesterday. It’s amazing how many people now visit the place, just to take in the sights.

Happy New Year, everyone!