This quiet coastal town of Palo, Leyte celebrates every year a one of a kind Christmas Festival. I was able to attend its opening night last year which was full of spectacle with dance and song numbers to the tune of Christmas Carols by the kids of Palo. It was then followed by the ceremonial switching of the Christmas lights and fireworks display. It's definitely a night full of joy as Palo Leyte and its people officially welcome the Yuletide season.
The streets of Palo were full of Christmas decorations and colorful lights. The town is in festive mood; there were a lot of people roaming around checking on the well-decorated streets. There were also food bazaar where one can have a taste of Leyte's delicacies.
They also have Christmas Fantasy House where I was mesmerized to see its elaborate decorations. It is full of Christmas lanterns, snowman, Santa Claus and a lot of Christmas lights! Kids and adults are patiently waiting outside the house while enjoying the dazzling lights and decors as it is set to be opened to the public that night.
But this year is totally a different story. I can't help myself but feel sad every time I remember welcoming Christmas season in Palo. It is painful to see that a lovely town like Palo is now turned into mere rubbles as it was badly hit by typhoon Yolanda. As Christmas is fast approaching, we grieve on the loss of lives and shattered dreams brought about by the typhoon. I know Christmas for them will never be same this year.
Typhoon Yolanda may have completely changed their lives. But I know someday, Palo and the rest of Leyte province and the whole Eastern Visayas will get back on its feet and rise again. My Christmas wish is to see those smiles again on the faces of the Warays. I know, someday it will happen.
This is my contribution to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival for November 2013 with the theme "Memories of the Visayas" hosted by Grasya Bangoy of This Grasya on the Road.
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