Christmas 2100

IT'S a dark Christmas day. The air is filled with the usual smog. Solar and wind powered decorative lights are hardly unrecognizable amidst the thick smoke. With near zero visibility, Santa Claus will almost surely get lost without his radar-equipped sleigh. said wait. I waited and waited. Later on after a run for coffee, I was asked to enter. I waited still.

Upon handing all my documents, I wait even more. After some time I am told I have to return as I was lacking some minor documents, like authorization as to why it is me. Well as I mentioned it is the wifey that is expert on this, never me. I explain and she lets me off. I'm off to Baguio immediately.

Upon arrival from Iloilo and Cebu and straight from the airport I was again asked to go to MoA. I get there at 2 in the afternoon, I knew what to do. I asked for my number, it was given. I get 40, it was still at 30. I went out for a late lunch came back and it was already at 33.

We run for coffee as we will head back to Baguio after. When I return the person must recognize me well by now from my incessant asking, "what number?". He asks and says 35 but I can enter. I take my seat and wait, I keep counting the days as I think this will be another photo finish like my last trip to Italy and the Embassy. Not again I say. I pray.

Reindeers are now extinct but he named his jet-powered sleigh Rudolph, in memory of the ancient animal.

Billions of Filipinos had their Misa de Gallo via the internet.

It is dangerous to go out in the open and

I explain. They understand. As soon as my turn comes it is 5 o clock already. It was faster as I was ready. My concern was just the release or approval or denial if ever. I leave straight for Baguio at 6. I learned that Gilas Pilipinas beat Japan in their place.

I soon get a text message that our passports are ready for pick up. I am advised again that if I do the pick up I must have authorization from all. Oh my. Anyway I will comply. Just happy that before our flight, we can have our passports.

We have been planning for this trip for almost a year now. A failed trip to the States and this as substitute. A treat as you may say for all the blessings and achievements fulfilled by me, my wife with her school, my kids, good grades and many more achievements. I am happy, we all deserved a break.

I will do anything this far for all of them. Lines will not matter. Traffic too. I will endure for them this time, just me. I pray all get approved.

Last I have been there was during my stint as the Mayor for the 65th anniversary of our sister city of Hanyu. Joy and I enjoyed immensely the onsen. Hot Springs within the hotel where we stay. I can't wait to do it again, especially during winter. It won't matter.

home for good and other Balikbayan visitors who are in the city for the holidays that the Baguio Balikbayans and International Sports Luminaries Day is on December 30. This special event is held to honor our Balikbayan friends and sports achievers. The gathering will be held at Sunshine Park, and will start by 9:30 in the morning.Our CSDWO staff from the program division has prepared a cultural show as a part of the day's entertainment lineup. Special tokens for attendance and appreciation

breathe the dirty air. Besides, the huge population can no longer be accommodated in Church buildings.

And another thing, it’s an awful sight to see people in gas masks hearing mass.

How can they join in the singing? For this reason too, Caroling is only via the internet. SSPampanga

Recently with Jay, we went to witness at 4 o clock in the wee hours of the morning the busyness of the Tsukiji Market. In fact I really wanted to go there to take pictures. Only to find out it wasn't allowed. We hoped to see the bidding process for the purchase of tuna. As I said we were not allowed.

In one occasion, both Rotary Club and Lion's Club sent a joint delegation to Japan. I took part as I am a member of both. In another trip I was tasked to visit my students in HRM and find out how they were.

For my son it would have been his second if it were not from the tsunami. He was scheduled to go there. It will be better this time around as he will be joined by his sisters. All first timers.

They have been so excited for this trip. A trip every once in awhile in the Ukay Ukay for either boots or jackets. They have given their end of the bargain and even more.

We will spend it all together this Christmas in Japan. Definitely a white Christmas. This will also be the second time we will be spending it away from here. It is Japan's turn this Christmas. We are turning Japanese. MERRY CHRISTMAS every Juan.

will be presentedto all the honorees, the balikbayans, and the sportsmen. Special awards will be presented to the lucky Baguio Balikbayan individual, couple, and family. Similar tokens of recognition will also be presented to our international sports luminaries sepcially the athletes and sports leaders. Sportsman Mark Sangiao and Eduard Folayang are expected to lead the sports superstars to the welcoming rites together with veteran senior athlete Erlinda Lavandia.