How Dabawenyos celebrate the Christmas season

CHRISTMAS is celebrated in almost all parts of the world. Contrary to popular belief, it is the season not only for children to enjoy but for adults as well especially here in the City of Davao.

It is the time of the year when people become extra-nice, extra-generous and extra-busy in preparation for the coming of Christmas. While people in other countries feast over stuffed turkeys and roasted lamb chops and witness fantastic fireworks, Dabawenyos are different. What makes our Christmas distinct is the absence of loud noises and bright pyrotechnic displays.

This does not make Christmas less meaningful.

Christmas at the Park

When the sun sets, Dabawenyos spend their leisure time at Rizal Park especially during Christmas season. Many stroll around or sit on the benches and gaze at the colorful lanterns and bright Christmas lights. Young group of friends and families gather and eat different sorts of street food like banana cues, corn on cobs, peanuts and fish balls.

Being at the park, according to the people who we interviewed is like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets and malls. It is because in the park, they feel the December breeze, and not the airconned interiors of a mall.

Inter-Barangay Competitions

Thanks to the City Tourism Office, Dabawenyos are having a lot of activities that they participate in. Some join caroling and singing contests while others choose to decorate their own barangays. Dabawenyos eagerly bond with neighbors and share their talents, all in the spirit of fun. It is during this time that they take extra time just to be able to participate and be part of the whole celebration.

Fruits Galore

Unlike in Metro Manila, the city is blessed with abundant fruits sold at affordable prices. Dabawenyos are then able to choose and buy their favorite fruits without having to dig deep into their pockets. There are apples, ponkans, mangos, pomelos and oranges. So it is a sure thing that when you drop by a friend or a relative who lives in Davao during this time of the year, you will definitely see a basket of fruits on the table that is, of course, free for the taking.

China Town and Bazaars

Manila has Divisoria, Davao has China Town, specifically along R. Magsaysay Avenue, where bazaars filled with Made in China goods abound. Some call the area by its old name Uyanguren. Others call one specific area China Mall where you can buy a dozen pair of socks for only P75.

When we are tight on our budget, it is there that we look for gifts. That’s also where we splurge when we want something for ourselves.

Name it, China Town has it. Bags, footwear, accessories, home items, even hardware.

Night Life

Dabawenyos are definitely not party-poopers. They party the night away in different bars where we often meet up with classmates or friends who we have not seen for a long time. We also hang out in places like the Venue Compound, Rizal Promenade, Damosa Gateway or Matina Town Square. We watch musicians play or listen to different choirs who sing Christmas carols to unwind and enjoy our company of friends.

When the clock strikes 12.

“Aw, kanang pagka alas dose mangaon kung unsa lang ang handa. Kung unsa lamg mapalit sa among kitaon. Unya pagka ugma magsimba, unya trabaho na pud (at the strike of 12, we eat whatever we were able to prepare, whatever we can afford to buy, we attend midnight mass and then go back to work),” said Arlene, a 29-year old vendor in Toril.

“I’ll be spending Christmas in our home in Toril. On the 24th, it would be a dinner and Noche Buena with my family. On the 25th, it would be a Christmas party together with our relatives, a reunion should I say,” shared Jacque, a student.

Above are two different Dabawenyos who also differ in social status. However, both still celebrate Christmas.

When the clock strikes twelve, we turn on our radios and play this at full volume to create as much ruckus as we can and compensate for the absence of the exploding firecrackers. We eat the food prepared the whole day even if we have already eaten much during dinner. We still end up eating chicken, spaghetti, ham, beef and all sorts of salads. And when a neighbor whether someone whom we are close to or just an acquaintance passes by our house, we never fail to invite him and share whatever it is that we have on our table.

Amidst all these different ways of celebrating the Christmas Season, the best part of being a Dabawenyo is that we keep the spirit of Christmas alive whether or not we have lots of money to spend. Although gone are the days when we would get excited by the loud cracks and bangs of firecrackers, what matters is that we spend Christmas with our loved ones. Because by having them with us, we enjoy even the simplest gifts and uncomplicated gastronomic delights. With our families around, everything just becomes perfect.

SunStar Davao