Can you believe that it has been a year since typhoon Odette? The year went by so incredibly fast. It just seemed like yesterday that everyone was in a mad rush to secure generator sets for their households or source out drinking water from nearby regions.

Noche Buena 2021 was definitely something else. We could choose to celebrate resilience but we could also be humble enough to admit that Mother Nature and her wrath wreaked widespread devastation impacting our once lavish Christmas Eve spreads of ham, cheese, lechon, wine, pasta etc.

That silent night, most of us without power or electricity, had a generous serving of fast food in a candle-lit, al fresco setting. That’s making light of the unusually dim situation.

And all this, amid a raging pandemic. It’s ironic how, when the basic instincts of survival take over, killer viruses are nothing more than securing food on the table. It was a humbling reminder for everyone to share, be generous and look after each other.

Alas, it’s 2022. Most Christmas parties have probably been hosted. Maybe friends are dining out last-minute. It’s Christmas Eve, and it’s probably safe to say that most of us Cebuanos have a lot to be grateful for this year.

“Count our blessings, instead of sheep” as the song goes. I’m thankful for the gift of family, friends, food and festivities. What are you thankful for?

As I’m writing this column, I am discussing, rather, debating with my brothers on where we should eat dinner on Christmas Day. Best believe that when discussing dinner plans with other respected foodies, it is not as easy as it seems.

We probably would have decided by the time this column comes out. I’m just glad we’re still here celebrating Christmas with loved ones, aren’t we?

Merry Christmas, everyone. Enjoy it. Eat well. Live well. Be well.