It's Christmas Time...in the Islands

Even though the weather here only brings to mind summer vacation, the lights, trees, and merry spirit is comforting to be around. There is tons of Christmas bling in the Philippines. I’ve seen carols, lights, decorated (fake) trees, nutcrackers, and even a fireplace-turned-gingerbread house that Kelly and I had to pose in front of. It reminds me of the “Christmas Land” in The Nightmare before Christmas.

I was even told that there is a mandatory Christmas bonus here of one month salary. All the signs here advertise a “Christmas sale” or wish us a “Merry Christmas!” It is nice to be in a country that celebrates Christmas during the holiday. Not that I don’t promote the “Holiday Season” division in America to represent our diverse culture, but it’s nice to be in a place where Christmas is the same for everyone. I wonder if this is what my Jewish friends would feel if they went to Israel during Hanukkah, you know, with less religion and more commercialism?
This is a Catholic country, but it’s not too religious-y. It’s nice to see relig
ion as it’s meant to be, un-judgemental and friendly, with people living harmoniously and welcoming others. The family knows that Kelly and I are a couple, and they had no qualms of putting us in the same room, or worries we might influence their children. (I did, however, notice public busses with the tag, “God Bless This Ride” and I spotted a little sign off to the side that said, “Fear God. Repent and Be Saved.” I also love the billboard that is all black with just the white writing, “Talk to Me. – God” Just a gentle reminder!)
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We spent 3 days at Amarele, a really nice resort on Panglao Island. All of the reviews we’d read held true. We had a private balcony overlooking the pool and down to the beach. We did all sorts of resort-y things like get fruity drinks brought to us on the beach, and eating dinner in the quasi-outdoor restaurant overlooking the water. Our resort had free DVD rentals and board games, and I thoroughly enjoyed sinking into modern-classics like “She’s All That” and “Casper”, while we played scrabble with what’s left of our English literacy.

The resort staff was beyond friendly and accommodating. The resort even had performances like choirs and bands play Christmas songs every night, and gave us a little present of Filipino cookies on Christmas Eve!