Christmas officially starts today, Dec. 16, with the first of the Misa de Gallo that runs through Dec. 24. As always, the masses here begin very early at 4 o’clock in the morning. I would like to think many Lapoguenios still look forward to this novena, a preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas day, with the attendance on the first day as proof. This morning, the church was filled to the brim, SRO. Though attendance dips a little after the first two days, all church seats are taken throughout the 9-day period. Having grown up with this tradition, Christmas is just not the same without the Misa de Gallo so most people try their best to hear mass every morning. Completing it without absence is a feat, what with the need to wake up at such a very early time in the morning. I bet those from the barrios wake up around 3 AM just so they get to the church early and not end up standing throughout the service.

For the local Lapoguenio community, this year’s Christmas season is going to be merrier than the past 3 or 4 ho-hum ones, with several activities lined up to occupy people’s, especially vacationers’, time during the holidays. The big event is the first buri festival but there will also be a agri-trade fair (barangay/village councils are busy constructing their respective booths right now), and the inauguration of the new public market. If you’re coming home for the holidays, expect that the new public market compound will be the center of activities. Already, the annual basketball tournament is being held there. The peryahan has been there for several weeks now. And the trade fair coincides with the opening of the public market. I heard there is also a grand homecoming of balikbayan. Indeed, this will be a busy holiday season for Lapoguenios. This early, I say, welcome home, kailian. ‘Merry Christmas!

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