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by Philipina A. Marcelo
Aaah... and the long wait for "the day", the most joyful of all days of the year, is finally over! It's Christmas - all over the world!!
And the kids pranced about cheerfully - waiting for him, good old jolly St. Nick,
and his kind elves to give away Christmas cheers. The young at heart wore broad smiles on their faces - all traces of troubles gone - for Christmas day is the day when the Conqueror of all troubles was born! He who vanished the darkness of sins - in the illuminating light of His Love. And all that there is, is joy, joy... and more joy! The Christ Jesus is born! And so, the Christian world pause from the daily grind to celebrate the birth of its King!
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Joy to the Family
While Christians celebrate Christmas in various fashions, depending on the culture in that corner of the world where they live, my family always celebrate Christmas
as a most special Family Day! After all, it was the day when the Holy Family was finally complete. And so, my family and I commemorated the special occasion with a solemn prayer through the Holy Mass, gathering around the dining table at our home to partake of a simple meal we all prepared, and exchanging gifts to celebrate God's most precious gift to save humanity from the death of sinfulness: His Only Son. And we prayed for His blessing... to let us remain in His most precious heart, in the company of His obedient servant, St. Joseph, and the Blessed Virgin who carried the Messiah in her womb... and brought Him into our midst, in that one silent night... the holiest of nights! And there was nothing else but joy, joy... and more joy!
And so, from my family: Happy Christmas!
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Thomasian Paskuhan 2010
Being the seat of Catholic education in the Philippines, once again, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) celebrated Christmas with its yearly tradition: "Paskuhan". The event was defined by that
distinctive grandeur that befits the coming of The King! The one-week feast started with a Holy Mass and then followed by a slew of truly unforgettable events: "Christmas Concert" - a serenade to the Baby in the Manger by the world-renowned UST Singers, the UST Symphony Orchestra and a host of Thomasian talents. The event was attended by members of the 'high society' of Culture and Arts enthusiasts in Manila, as well as international dignitaries. The joyful "Gift Giving" to the adopted indigent communities of the University followed. On the last day of the Celebration, more activities were enjoyed by the Thomasians: the colorful "Christmas Parade", the annual "Rock Concert and Party" at the UST Grandstand, and the much-awaited magnificent 5-minute fireworks. The Blue Cross atop the UST Main Building then saw everyone home for the
holidays. While most were exhilarated by the fabulous Paskuhan, more than the lights, the colors, happy cheers and awesome fireworks, the University celebrated Christmas with the renewal of bond among members of the Thomasian family. Every Office and College held its own Christmas gathering, which are all highlighted by fun bonding moments. Many alumni took time to join the annual Thomasian Christmas traditions.
And there was nothing else but joy, joy... and more joy!
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Photo labels: #1. "The kind elf and his favorite star", ornaments from our Christmas tree; #2. "Christmas Day with the Family", images from our Christmas celebration at home; #3. "Paskuhan 2010", images from the UST Christmas celebration with my colleagues at the Chemical Engineering Department; #4. "Paskuhan scene at the Plaza Mayor", in front of the UST Main Building.
Photo Credits: I own all photos, except the last (Photo #4), which belongs to Norberto Villanueva.
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