WE TAKE part in celebrating the essence and light of Christmas just like the stars aligned, man-made or from the skies, which should guide us to meaningful joy and salvation. Just like its neighbouring towns La Trinidad, as the Benguet capital, should have its own Yuletide Calendar.
Thankfully, a recent town ordinance mandated us to do so (although regrettably, without much funding for this year). But hey, it’s Christmas! And just like how we give what we have for the night carollers - whether fifty or five hundred - what is important is that we give from the bottom of our hearts. Besides, we have the community as our greatest asset!
The members of the La Trinidad community are the prime movers and partners in the activities and events of the La Trinidad Yuletide Calendar 2018; the La Trinidad council of churches and the town’s Evangelical organizations led the religious affair yesterday (Ecumenical Service and Lights Parade) which were participated in by people from the evangelical groups, barangays, business sector, and the academe – the Cordillera Career Development College even organized a lantern parade for the community and joined the solemn parade of lights.
At the Municipal Park, the King’s College of the Philippines (KCP), Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) and Concordia College also contributed in making the area a wonderland for the Trinidad children by building Christmas-themed booths. A five-day free Christmas concert/ carolling shall be shared to the public by the evangelical groups, bars & restaurants, schools, and the different barangays/offices of the town on December 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 2018, at the Municipal Park.
On December 13, a dance and lights competition was organized by the Participation committee of the Local Council for the Protection of Children entitled: “Talaw-Rejoicing in God’s Light.” A food, music, and arts festival entitled “Kekkan,” in partnership with Gawis events, shall see its debut on December 12 to 16, 2018.
Although Christmas is really for the Children, a Senior Citizen Yuletide Assembly with gift giving on December 19, 2018 shall inspire further a culture of sharing. The calendar will end with a “Community Fireworks display on December 22, meaning, the fireworks will be sponsored by the community members themselves (since, as mentioned, the LGU does not have a funding for the same).
I do not harbour any illusion that the said activities will be as grand as my other town – Baguio. But, the essence of a community-driven celebration should be ideally, as fiery. After all, all of these are for the community and its children.
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After the Strawberry Festival Executive Committee met last month, I have to remind myself that the La Trinidad Coffee Festival committee should also meet to plan for the series of events under its guiding policy. For the 2019 Calendar, La Trinidad is blessed to be able to celebrate at least one special event a month. Although these are challenging perhaps for the implementer devoid of personnel, I am still grateful that I have supportive colleagues and friends that always help us get through! Iyaman kakadwa!