Monday, January 08, 2007 Christmas masterpieces By Id Acaylar
CHRISTMAS was everywhere. It was celebrated in many different ways made more remarkable by the varied Christmas decorations and installations also found almost everywhere.
Such was my exposure when I traveled around Mindanao in the second week of December to evaluate Mindanao's entries to Lady's Choice Christmasterpiece '06 nationwide competition. And it was a personally wondrous, fulfilling experience.
Let me share with you the creative Christmas landmarks of three nearby cities: Tagum, Digos, and General Santos in their bid for the more than P1 million grand prize and the chance to be featured in a very picturesque 2007 Unilever calendar.
Tagum's entry occupied the entire Freedom Park behind the city hall. It featured iconic representation of its populace, giant replicas of Lady's Choice products and a durian. It boasted of the tallest Christmas tree, at 153 feet.
Mayor Rey Uy and his beauteous wife Alma were perturbed by Palawan's prior claim for its 100 feet or so Christmas tree. I hope ABS-CBN had straightened the record. Nevertheless, Tagum among other competitors in Mindanao was able to gather and use almost 8,000 bottles of Lady's Choice most of which were individually inset with colorful light bulbs.
At night, the entire area became a glistening wonderland to the delight of residents and visitors from nearby municipalities.
On the other hand, Digos City was confined to an island at an exit of the old bus terminal. It was a landmark that escaped no one's attention.
Its cohesive design took advantage of its three-sided location, proclaiming the city's strongly-held values and concerns: Bagobo ancestry as personified by indigenous icons in traditional costumes, terracotta industry as represented by the specially made giant jars, ecology as reflected by the Philippine eagle and continuously flowing water and Christian heritage as evoked by various Christmas symbols.
I personally admired its balanced composition, the imaginative use of bottles following indigenous patterns and the fanciful lighting arrangement that lent mystique and drama in the evening. During the day, sans lighting enhancement, the landmark, unlike other entries, remained a sight to behold and admire.
General Santos' entry was a boat. A very significant icon for a landmark. The founder of the City, General Paulino Santos as I observed in the Kalilangan and Tuna Festivals was always featured as a man on a boat.
As tuna capital of the Philippines, General Santos can also be aptly represented by a fishing boat.
Mayor Acharon added that the city and its people are in a progressive voyage on higher seas to more resplendent destinations.
General Santos' masterpiece sat on the city's plaza fronting its premier street, The Pioneer Avenue. Like a real boat, it emitted smoke and bellowed a foghorn. At night, whether viewed near of from afar, the boat appeared afloat and magical. It seemed I saw Captain Hook.
Last year, Tagum City was in the top twelve and thus featured in the 2006 calendar. This year with 129 entries all over the Philippines, I am crossing my fingers that all three will land in Unilever's 2007 Calendar.
But it would be more wonderful and truly inspiring if one becomes the grand winner.
