Well, if ever there’s a thing, the traditional media noche this 1st of January 08 (and that’s tomorrow) will surely be one! My mother said that we should prepare sweets, other than the round fruits to usher in the new year to bring the sweet life all year round. God, I’m already thinking of the rainbow cake, cupcakes, leche flan, ice cream, pasta and etc. that will definitely be on the table tomorrow.
Policarpio St. in Mandaluyong City located near the intersection of Boni Avenue and the street going to Acacia Lane is definitely a must go to place for the holidays. The Christmas displays and spectacular lights that deck the houses are just awesome. Not only were the people and other visitors merry with such grand spectacles, Meralco, the electric company was happier.
The night tiangge (market/bazaar) is now a fixture of the street’s holiday attractions. This is an opportunity for the subdivision and maybe the home owners considering the very high electric bills.
Another vendor at the street bazaar briskly selling Christmas holiday trinkets.
The House of Santa Claus is another attraction. A houseful of lights and holiday decors with a multitude displays of Santas of different sizes. Here, visitors pose on a life size version.
A rich nativity scene with moving figures in one house, while another, the main attraction, is a house that’s blanketed with thousands of christmas lights from the roof down to the trees and grasses in the garden! A very opulent display that dazzle the eyes but hard on the owner’s pocket. In an interview in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the owner spent around P75,000 (around $1,700) in electric bills alone. This time, they made it a point to cut costs and target around P35,000.
Christmas Monday, together with Ryan, we went to Hidalgo in Quiapo to get that flash and stuff. Some stores were not open but it seems people were savoring the holiday after Christmas. Not only that, when we arrived in Divisoria, we were shocked at the multitude of people thronging Divisoria Mall as well as 168 Shopping Mall! People seems to be awash with disposable money. Not that they’re only buying stuff for gifts but maybe to buy themselves cheap goods that these malls are known for.
In the evening, we went to the Esplanade to witness the opening of the Pyro Olympics. It was just so stunning and awesome to watch those marvelous fireworks display!
168 Shopping Mall in Divisoria is known for CHEAP goods. Just imagine: a christmas light set that can be bought at SM or National Bookstore at P129 a piece is worth P100 for 4 sets here! That’s way too low! That’s why people flock here to buy. Its really like a tiangge only that its airconditioned. People from all walks of life and from different strata converge in this mall. But mind you, most of the items are made in China, usually smuggled stuff that’s really giving a clear competition to other goods.
Outside, near the Tutuban Center, this small alley was just filled with people.
At the Esplanade, at the back of the still constructed SM Mall of Asia of Henry Sy, the Pyro Olympics unfolded. Of course, I was in full photographic gear (except for the Speedlite Transmitter). There were already people at the breakwater and I didn’t have another option but to go down at the huge rocks and setup my tripod.
The event have two countries presenting per day until Friday and that night, China and Australia were competing. Unluckily for me, when I switched lenses, something just didn’t work that I missed China’s finale that I was only able to get more shots of Australia’s displays. Tomorrow, I’ll be going back there for the finale and where the host country will be showing her stuff.
Last Wednesday, we had our company Christmas party at the World Trade Center. Well, compared with last year, the previous was much better, livelier and funnier with the cast of Bubble Gang dishing out their spiels and segments as seen on TV. Of course, funny man Joey de Leon and the Mixed Nut gang came but it still did not make the night that fun. Rufa Mae, Teri Aunor, Maureen Larazzabal, Jomari Yllana, Ogie were some of the artists that graced the occasion. However, Regine and Bamboo definitely were good especially the latter with his electrifying stage presence and performance. But the highlight was the bonus announcement of xx months. 
The gang of Mixed Nuts on stage.
Silhouette of Regine Velaszuez while doing a number. A great bamboo performance.
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