There’s a certain sense of nostalgia finding a carnival behind our hotel in Quirino province. It’s like a throwback to my early years at home. When I was a kid, I revel at the sight of a small carnival being set up just in front of our building on a vacant lot. Oh we look forward to those tsubibo (small ferris wheel) rides, horror train and table games where we doesn’t seem to win. That vacant lot in the neighborhood is long gone and has been overtaken by buildings. A walk through the Paskohan sa Quirino in Cabarroguis town awakened that good old-feeling of Christmas. Simple pleasures of being with friends and family enjoying the bazaar, the rides and the company during the holiday season.
Paskohan sa Quirino
Aside from the attractive Christmas lights and decors, the Paskohan sa Quirino, found at the track oval grounds of Cabarroguis, the Quirino Capital, brings together the different municipalities and showcases their delicacies and products. Of course there were rides and games at the carnival where people can enjoy but I was also amused with the different parols (Christmas lanterns) on display made with recycled materials. I was just impressed how they creatively thought and materialized these works using old plastic bottles and even used hospital materials.
I was just amused observing people in this part of the world. It doesn’t take a grand escape or monumental playground to put smile on their faces. I think Christmas should be simple. As cliche as it sounds, people this days get enwrapped with petty problems on which new gadget to spend their 13th months on, what presents to buy, or what grand feast to prepare. I don’t know but I’d rather spend a simple Christmas stripped off consumerist pleasures. Okay I would be a hypocrite not to say I enjoy gifts as well but I do enjoy company and laughter more. So to you my dear readers! Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!!!
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
