all the seats are filled

Christmas in the Philippines is a vibrant moment of love and tradition, where every family comes together to celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus. As the holiday approaches, the air fills with excitement and the aroma of delicious food wafting from every kitchen. The Noche Buena feast is a grand affair featuring beloved dishes like Lumpiang Shanghai, Spaghetti, Pancit and a colorful array of salads and sweet treats like Grahams. The laughter of children echoes through the streets as they joyfully carol adding to the festive spirit that envelops the neighborhood. 

Uncles gather for lively drinking sessions their voices rising in song as karaoke fills the air creating a symphony of joy and camaraderie. Aunts share stories and laughter their chatter weaving a warm blanket of connection that wraps around everyone present in the conversation. Meanwhile, mothers bustle around the kitchen their hearts full of love as they prepare each dish, ensuring that the noche buena table is abundant and inviting. Children play around their eyes sparkling with anticipation as they await the moment to unwrap their gifts. In this magical night, all worries fade away replaced by the warmth of family and the joy of togetherness. It’s a beautiful reminder that in the embrace of loved ones, we find solace and happiness making Christmas a cherished celebration of love and unity.

Christmas in my family is kinda different, With both of my parents immersed in the bustling food industry, the holiday season transforms into their golden days filled with the hustle and bustle of preparing for the festivities of other families, they are the one's who sell the goods. My sister and I take on the cherished responsibility of ensuring our noche buena table is brimming with delicious food. Together, we create our own little tradition, cooking and preparing dishes that will bring joy to our family. The kitchen becomes our playground, filled with laughter and the delightful aroma of our culinary creations. As the evening approaches, the sounds of our younger siblings was heard their voices rising in joyful song as they take turns at the karaoke. The neighborhood buzzes with excitement each home alive with the spirit of celebration. After a long day of work, my parents return bringing with them the fruits of their labor and the love that binds us all together. We gather around our humble dinner table, a beautiful sight of togetherness as we share the fruits of our efforts. Each bite is a reminder of the love and dedication that went into our meal and the laughter that dances around us is a melody of happiness. These moments are deeply sentimental to me. I feel incredibly privileged to have my family gathered together during the holiday season celebrating life’s milestones and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Watching the joyful faces of my loved ones as they savor the food and share in the laughter is a treasure I hold close to my heart. It’s a beautiful reminder that in the warmth of family, we find the true essence of Christmas.

Just like any other years, I celebrated in a way that felt both nostalgic and refreshing surrounded by my dear friends. We made a collective promise to embark on a journey together at the end of the year, a time to cherish our bond and create new memories. Our destination was Antipolo where we visited the enchanting Caza Perigrine, a place that beautifully showcases the wonders of nature. As I stood there, gazing at the majestic Sierra Madre mountains a wave of emotion washed over me. In that moment, I was reminded of the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation. The scenery was a feast for the senses, the gentle movement of clouds, the vibrant hues of green leaves and trees, fresh air that felt like a refreshing embrace so different from the hustle and bustle of city life. We wandered through the area, capturing the magic of the moment in countless photos each snapshot a testament of how beautiful nature is. The highlight of the day was our much anticipated exchange of gifts, a tradition we had embraced as we stepped into our early twenties. Each gift was a reflection of our personalities, beautifully wrapped and filled with meaning. As we opened them laughter and joy echoed transporting us back to our childhood days when receiving gifts felt like pure magic. In those moments, surrounded by the people who cherish us the most, we rediscovered the simple happiness of being together celebrating not just the holiday but the love and friendship that binds us. It was a day to remember, a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from shared experiences and the warmth of connection.

Our adventure continued as we journeyed to the enchanting Pinto Art Museum, For us, no trip feels complete without immersing ourselves in the world of art and this museum did not disappoint. Sprawling across a vast landscape, it was a treasure trove of contemporary art that filled our hearts with joy and wonder. As we wandered through the stunning exhibits our feet began to ache from the exploration but every step was a privilege. Each corner we turned revealed a new masterpiece and with every canvas, we felt the thrill of discovery in this unfamiliar place. The beauty surrounding us made the fatigue worthwhile reminding us of the joy that comes from experiencing something new together.

To commemorate our decade-long friendship, we treated ourselves to a delightful mini cake. This small celebration was a sweet reminder of the incredible journey we’ve shared over the last ten years. It’s a remarkable bond knowing that while we could easily drift apart we’ve chosen to stay connected, nurturing a friendship that is truly special. As we indulged in our cake, It reflected on the privilege of having each other in our lives, A bond that is irreplaceable and cherished. We may have spent our day emptying our wallets but our hearts and tummies were overflowing with happiness and delicious food. It was a day filled with laughter, art and the warmth of friendship a beautiful testament to the love and memories we continue to create together.

What a profound privilege it is to have my family gathered together, not just during the holidays but in the everyday moments of life. Each shared meal, each laughter filled conversation is a reminder of the love that binds us. What a privilege it is to have friends who stand by me, celebrating both the mundane and the chaotic times that shape our lives. What a privilege it is that every seats around the table are filled. To have all these people sitting in the spaces of my life. It fills my heart with gratitude to know that I am surrounded by people who value me as much as I value them. I can confidently say that I have grown and continue to grow as someone rich in love. I know that love was true because I was surounded by it. I know love exist because my parents, my siblings and my friends are so full of it. To recognize that this love is genuine because it envelops me through my parents’ unwavering support, my siblings laughter and my friends companionship. In these moments, I feel the essence of love vibrant and alive reminding me that it truly exists. These are the moments worth celebrating the times that deserve to be cherished. In a world where the future is uncertain, it becomes increasingly important to express our gratitude for every beautiful moment we share. Let us celebrate the love that surrounds us, the joy that fills our hearts and the connections that make life truly meaningful.