Up North

 After 10 years in Mindanao, our family moved back to Luzon, but this time way up north. 

We get to enjoy nature from the sea... to the mountains. 

The skies are clear, beautiful living palettes. Ever changing, but inspiring. 

I love that they are all free. 

We chase sunrises, we chase sunsets, we chase the moon.

We left the life that we used to live, the animals that we used to feed (I miss you), and the home that we had built.

 

Surprise, surprise. 

But I'm glad my kids get to collect many childhood memories with nature despite our difficulty building our lives again.

Daygon/Christmas Carol

One of the things that I really longed for about my hometown is 'daygon' or Christmas carol. Some do it with their families, friends, and even solo. They sing songs or hymns about the birth of Christ which in a way helps people remember the reason for Christmas.

I now live in a small city and 'daygons' don't sound like reminiscing the Saviour's birth anymore. The words of the songs are mostly telling about gifts to receive and food to eat. Before leaving for Bukidnon, I heard some homes driving carolers away, most especially kids, telling them they don't want to hear some songs.

Well, I guess people in the province are really different.

I celebrated this year's Christmas in my hometown. And I hoped to hear one daygon. Years ago, we used to hear about 5 a night. But these days, we seldom do.

My sister told me they were our neighbours. As you can see the night is cold and one member had to wear a blanket.  This family made my night. They sang a song telling the birth of Jesus Christ.

In return, we would give something for their singing. It could be money, food, clothing, whatever we deem is rightful, or whatever we can.

Christmas truly is a time of giving, and showing you care. My experience with this family made me feel warm. They showed they cared about us even with their singing.