A gift for everyone
Polaroid cameras are back in the game even with smartphones capable of taking DSLR-quality shots. “Life is going too fast these days. We’d want to capture every single moment,” says Gustilo.
ANYTHING TO “You can never have
PICK THE BRAIN enough books,” says Nicole Perez, a self-confessed bibliophile.
Every Christmas, her friends expect a book from her as a gift. “They think I am lazy to think of other ideas when, the truth is, I always believe in the power of books to change your life,” she says.
While she has become a familiar figure in bookstores, Perez likes to order online the books she would give as presents, and have them shipped from other countries.
“That’s how dedicated I am,” she says. “And nowadays, people read less and less.”
Right now you’re probably confused by what would be the best present to give your loved ones and friends. But here’s the thing: No matter what you give this Christmas, it is important to give from the heart./
PN fire and all the atrocious things it represents.
After the fire, the victims were housed in their villages’ covered gyms for over a month. There, they received aid from the local government and private organizations. They were grateful of the help that poured in but they also admitted these were not enough. They said this more as a fact than a complaint.
As we write this, they were still asking for help.
When we asked Emelita what she and her husband Melchor plan for Christmas, she was quick – and proud – to say that they will share with their children and grandchildren whatever food they can provide in the same house that burned more than a month ago. “
e. Matililipon kami di dyapon Kon ano lang da
tanan,” Emelita said, a. Ang importante, ulolupod laughing as tears welled in kami her eyes.
She considers the fire a “challenge from God.” Emelita believes there is a silver lining in their situation and it will take a Christmas Day to unravel it.
Emelita’s neighbor Marites Ausa, 46, somehow saw a glimpse of this silver lining way earlier, though. She told that if there was
Panay News something good that came out of the tragedy, it was their community coming together.
“Nag- unite e.
kami diri Kay kami ang mga
ara,” nasunugan, kami man Marites said. mabuliganay kon may
The odds and ends of the tragedies are still evident, the residents still working their way out of the nightmare that changed their lives forever.
They thought they lost everything to the blazes. But as Emelita and the other residents were able to rescue their loved ones, we know none of their treasures were lost. Maybe,
real for now, that’s enough./
PN