There’s something truly magical about Christmas – a feeling that can’t be replicated no matter where you are or how busy life gets. It’s the warmth of coming home to family and friends, to familiar faces and cherished traditions that make the season truly special. For Filipinos, Christmas is more than just a holiday—it’s a heartwarming celebration of being together. It’s a time for “salo-salo,” where families and friends gather to share meals and stories. It’s about exchanging gifts, smiles, and talents, but above all, it’s the joy of being surrounded by loved ones and the warmth of being home.
On December 13, 2024, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) hosted the second Pasko sa E.Aboitiz, bringing together six neighboring barangays for a day filled with joy, celebration, and meaningful activities. With the theme Pagpauli – RAFI aimed to remind everyone of the importance of home, the place where we are rooted and where goodness begins. The barangays of Tinago, Pari-an, Tejero, T.Padilla, Sto. Niño, and San Roque came together for this community-wide event, embracing the spirit of Christmas.
The celebration kicked off with a heartwarming Ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting, where the tree was adorned with crates symbolizing various aspects of a Filipino Christmas. The tree revealed a Filipino living room scene at its base, symbolizing the essence of coming home to family. As the lights ascended, they unveiled festive foods, decorations, and, finally, the image of Baby Jesus and the symbolic star, representing the heart of Christmas. It was a moment that captured the collective essence of family, tradition, and faith.
In keeping with the spirit of giving and community, special activities were organized throughout the day. The Belen Making Contest brought out the creativity of the six barangays, showcasing beautiful nativity scenes that honored the sacredness of Christmas. The winners of the contest were:
- 1st: Brgy. Tinago
- 2nd: Brgy. San Roque
- 3rd: Brgy. Pari-an
The morning festivities were dedicated to the children, who enjoyed gifts, a free CGM and TKC tour, games, and a special bubble show. Meanwhile, a medical mission was underway, offering vital services such as medical consultations, dental care, veterinary services for pets, and wellness screenings for over 1,000 beneficiaries. The health and well-being of the community were at the forefront, ensuring that everyone could feel cared for during the holiday season.
As dusk fell, the community gathered for a grand salo-salo – a traditional Filipino feast where food, laughter, and stories flowed. The highlight of the evening was the much-awaited Daygon Contest, where each barangay showcased their singing talents through the beautiful tradition of caroling. The winners were:
- 1st: Brgy. Sto. Niño
- 2nd: Brgy. Tejero
- 3rd: Brgy. Pari-an
RAFI also celebrated local photographers through the Shots of Hope competition, which recognized powerful images reflecting the foundation’s thrust. The winners were:
- Mr. Reymund Mejica Requina (Culture & Heritage Category)
- Mr. Mark Linel Padecio (Environment, Nutrition, and Disaster Resilience Categories)
- Mr. Josh Almonte (Education, Culture & Heritage Categories)
- Mr. Aldo Nelbert Banaynal (Youth Category)
- Cebu Pink Paddlers (Health Category)
As part of the day’s festivities, Ballet Philippines shared the gift of the arts by conducting a three-day ballet workshop for the children of the nearby barangays. The children then showcased their newly acquired skills in a breathtaking recital, wowing the audience with their grace and passion for dance.
In the spirit of Christmas, Pasko sa E.Aboitiz was a celebration of homecoming – a reminder that no matter how far we travel, the true essence of Christmas lies in the warmth of family, the joy of giving, and the spirit of togetherness that binds us all. It was a beautiful day that brought the community closer, reaffirming the importance of home, love, and shared traditions.
