SANGAL DI KULTURA

2020 the participation was to give the opening prayer by the Baguio Benguet Ecumenical Group (BBEG) which turned out to be a unified prayer.

But with Covid19 or not, the lighting of the Baguio Christmas Tree symbolizes renewed excitement for the season and festivities seem to be on the air. Though subdued the gathering of families, friends and co-workers has started. The danger and fear of ill effects of the virus have seemed to take a second stage and the eagerness to congregate takes center stage. This is despite the national and local pronouncements of avoiding gatherings including parties and clan reunions this Christmas season. While Manila has already made announcements of “no caroling, no Christmas parties” Baguio has still to make a formal announcement on this issue. At least two opinions on the issue, for some, will go ahead and celebrate despite any announcements or executive order. The other opinion is to postpone any parties or caroling until a future time. It is indeed a time of rest for some, while to others it is business as usual, Covid-19 or not.

Opinions are changing as more people are imbibing the idea that the “virus will not touch them, that it is only a media blown out of proportion phenomena (blaming media?) saying “nobody trusts WHO anymore” stand but will still use a mask as a directive of WHO. That is how things are turning out. Mixed emotions, mixed emotions, mixed opinions and it will remain while the Covid-19 pandemic is still here.

But the Christmas Season is still here and the season exists, so gift-giving and sharing joy come in many different ways. May your celebrations continue focused on the real reason for the season. So the tree is lighted, not with fire but with a spirit of hope and blessings!