Yoyo Land Christmas Village: Homage to our roots and frontliners

CHRISTMAS is more joyful to be celebrated now, especially since numerous people have endured the hurdles of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, both from health to its economic aspect.

The government has a few loosened health restrictions where children and senior citizens can now go out and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Yoyo land's Christmas village in Bacolod City is among the Christmas attractions that residents and fellows from neighboring cities and towns in Negros Occidental can enjoy.

Bacolodnons and Negrenses typically come to the Yoyo Land Christmas village every December to enjoy picturesque Christmas moments with family and friends.

The Christmas Village put up by philanthropist Jerry Sy in front of his house in Barangay 7, Bacolod City, is considered a pioneer in the city.

Barangay 7 has a combined community of privileged and underprivileged sectors.

Usually, children from the neighborhoods come to the Christmas village and enjoy the Christmas scenery such as the nativity scene of the Holy Family -- Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus lying on a manger, the Angels, the Magi, ox, donkey, and an assortment of shepherds, villagers, servants, and others.

Likewise, the Santa Claus brings Christmas gifts, joyfully dragged by reindeers, a Ferris wheel, and other Christmas figures that add to the existing Christmas attractions at the Yoyo Land.

The Yoyo Land was established to share the blessings of joy and happiness to others.

People from all walks of life regularly come to the Yoyo Land to take their photos with full smiles and grins.

Anybody is free to come to the Christmas village. Other guests at Stone Hill Suites also enjoy the Christmas scenery, especially at the Penthouse, where they can see the Christmas Village on a top view.

Margrey Sy, daughter of Jerry Sy, who manages Stonehill Suites, said this occasion's importance is to commemorate family and loved ones gathered around a well-lit tree as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and foster oneness and unity in faith. Being with us as we light up the night for our Christmas Village, your presence is essential to us. Together we remain hopeful for a new year, with much better days and memories to share in 2022."

She said that, "It's more than just our promise, but it's always to give honor to our roots.”

“A place we call home — a province where we persevere in faith, hope, and strength as a community. As we near the tail end of 2021 and welcome another Yuletide season, we look back at the year with grateful hearts. From the unsung heroes that persisted despite many challenges - the medical frontline and those who volunteered their services from various sectors to help fight the pandemic, your bravery through hurdles and adversity became the beacon of hope and strength for us,” she also said.

She added: “We are equally grateful to all who continue to make our existence worth it (and) as for our colleagues, your continued display of Bacolod's hospitality and diligence has made us share with you a worthwhile experience as you walk through our doors. Your hard work will never go unnoticed.”

This season should be spent well with family and friends to repay the lost time from lockdowns and quarantines.

But celebrate safely with loved ones.

"Our Christmas village is just around the corner to enable us to revitalize the spirit of Christmas with you, your family, and your circle of friends," she said.