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.
In spite of the looming economic crisis, Filipinos still find it in their hearts and spirits to celebrate the holidays, especially the Yuletide season. This has nothing to do with religion — we just love to be festive, whether we’re Muslim or Christian or otherwise.
Each year, Mana-Davao delights Dabawenyos with their roadside Christmas lights display in front of their building in Bajada. Unlike some establishments that churn out the same set every Christmas, Mana makes it a point to put on a different show every time. And what a treat it is indeed! It’s actually become a local tourist attraction, and many flock to the spot to take pictures come December. Read the full story
Had a wonderful night-out with a close friend of mine last night. Pam’s been in Cagayan de Oro all these years, so we rarely see each other anymore. So we made sure to spend some quality time together yesterday.
We met up at my favorite coffee shop, Basti’s, then proceeded to Nezz74 Café for dinner. Someone had told me that the food there was good, so we checked it out. It’s a nice enough place… but the food’s nothing fantastic, sad to say. Pam had the lechon kawali, and it wasn’t really all that great. My sweet and sour fish fillet of malasugui was OK though. Their coffee? I’m sticking to Basti’s. Read the full story
A Japanese client invited me and a friend to a Christmas party last night, at Zakoya. I’ve never been to Japan, but I think I have enough Japanese friends to know that last night was a very Japanese get-together. My friend, Alex of Global Wings Travel, remarked that the party-goers didn’t behave in the ‘usual Japanese manner.’
The Japanese character is commonly known to be reserved and disciplined — some even term it Vulcan-like (from Star Trek). At work, yes, they’re pretty much like that. But when they’re relaxing and having a good time, they can be the total opposite. Read the full story
