After a brief break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the long-held tradition and probably one of the most awaited spectacles in Palo, Leyte returns. Since the devastation of super typhoon Haiyan, the annual Christmas village was one of the things that brought the smile back in every Leyteño.
On December 14, the municipality of Palo formally reopens the tradition by leading the ceremonial lighting of the said village. Illuminated with colorful lights and decorated with holiday symbols, the Christmas village was described by Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla as a communal place for locals and visitors.
“Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable together,” Petilla said during the event.
“The Christmas in Palo is rooted in a vision of community unity and festive joy. This cherished celebration has become a symbol of Palo’s dynamic character,” the local government said in a statement.
For some, the village had become the embodiment of Christmas spirit itself and became something to look forward to. With high electricity cost and unstable power supply, many would notice that the once vibrant, colorful streets and houses are gradually growing dim.
'"Bangin la magkaruruba kay sige man it brownout tas mahal na man gud ma'am it kuryente. Bisan ngani waray pa pasko na araba na kami. Madayo nala kami didi ha Palo pag kita. Pareho man la gihap, mas abat pa ngan nam it pasko," said Michael, a resident of Tolosa.
Unfortunately, for communities under Don Orestes Romualdez Electric Cooperative Inc. (Dorelco), Christmas won’t be so merry as the company will implement an increase from P14.2521/kWh to P15.99/kWh.
Meanwhile, Samar Electric Cooperative Inc. and Biliran Electric Cooperative Inc. had issued a rollback in their electricity rates. For Samelco, from P13.9003 during the month of December, charges will now be lowered at P12.3904. On the other hand, Bileco is now at P14.8541 from P16.2881 the previous month.
A family tradition
Going back, aside from municipality's Christmas village, a family in Barangay Luntad from the same municipality shares their family's blessings throughout the year by turning their home into an attraction.
The collection of memorabilla, toys and lights of the Saboren family is now open for public viewing. Mostly collections from family members from the United States, the family home is now dubbed as Saboren Christmas Fantasy House.
In a post, Hanzel Saboren posted an official invite on her social media. “Consider adding a visit to our Christmas house to your holiday traditions,” she wrote.
With this, crowds of people are patiently waiting for their turn to witness and experience the once-a-year spectacle.
The essence of Christmas
On the other hand, it is not whether one's home is brightly lit or not, or if there is an abundance of food on the table during "Noche Buena.” The essence of the Christmas holiday is the coming together of families and friends, forgiveness and love as people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
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