Kissing Baby Jesus out in a humble farm
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 27 Dec 2017
IT can?t fit among the rich highlights of the holiday season. The simple annual gift-giving for farm families in Barangay Pangao, Lipa City today may not carry the glitter and glow of great Christmas feasts. There?ll be no banquet, no carols galore.
Last year, the Dec. 27 affair, initiated by civic leader Nandy Charvet of Mandaluyong City and the late Olympian Ciso Bernardo a decade and a half ago, had to be moved two days later after a storm bore down on the area at mid-day.
There was an emergency, a last-minute pull out. But, mind you, the annual affair, postponed for the first time, was delivered and completed gloriously.
**
Today, Dr. Bobby Magsino of the Mediatrix Medical Center, perennial Santa Claus, again plays power forward and captain ball for the selfless team that toils year-after year in bringing joy to simple farm folks, children mostly.
Zeny Luna of La Puente, California has sent a trunk-full of toys. Much ahead, my brother Jim from the Foothill Ranch in Orange County, cabled his cash donation. Trader Lucio ?Luchi? Yan has again chipped in grandly.
Nick Lantin, a favorite son of Lipa who lent a big hand in saving last year?s affair, will check in with multi-awarded lensman Floy Reyes before lunchtime with a usual hoard of assorted gifts, poultry products. Sportsman Bambi Rivilla and Lipa folk favorite Bart Mayo have brought in canned goods in boxes.
**
For this year, the gift-giving will be done earlier, at 10:30 am. Just like before, farm-family members will start descending on a simple tree-lined farmhouse with cogon grass for a roof in Purok 4. They gather under a macopa tree to pray before a glowing framed image of the Mother of Perpetual Help.
Rene and Tess del Monte will preside, together with church mainstays Mar Maralit and Gerry Mayor. Dr. Ruel Reyes of San Pablo, traditional mainstay, will try to squeeze out of a tight schedule to catch up, so will my dear friend Joebing Malabanan.
Quiet joy blooms as assorted goodies and cash in envelops are handed out. Christmas is love. This is an affair of the heart.
There will be gladness all over, but deeper and more precisely among those who never tire to care and share in completing this solemn gesture of kissing the Child Jesus in praise and thanksgiving.
Merry Christmas to all. Maraming Salamat po.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Suarez loss may be overturned
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 12 May 2025Adones Cabalquinto Confirmed to Fight Qamil Balla on Peter Maniatis Events card in Melbourne on June 13
Mon, 12 May 2025SOUTO AND YAPP SET FOR TITLE SHOWDOWN | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Mon, 12 May 2025Referee and Ringside Doctor Save Emanuel Navarrete
By Ed de la Vega, DDS, Sun, 11 May 2025Technically Speaking: Navarrete Edges Suarez to Retain Crown
Sun, 11 May 2025Navarrete Retains WBO Title via Controversial Technical Decision Over Suarez
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 11 May 2025PHOTOS: Charly Suarez Ready to Face Emanuel Navarrete; Fight Analysis
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 11 May 2025Sampson Boxing returns to Panama with a mega world boxing night
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 11 May 2025SarBay Fest 2025 kicks off May 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 11 May 2025Suarez vows all-out war
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 11 May 2025Suarez Looks to Exploit Navarrete's Weight Problem
By Ed de la Vega, DDS, Sat, 10 May 2025Weekend Preview & Picks for ESPN, DAZN, & ProBox Bouts
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 10 May 2025Weights from Fort Washington, MD
Sat, 10 May 2025Navarrete, Suarez Make Weight for WBO Title Clash; Muratalla and Abdullaev Ready for Interim IBF Battle
Sat, 10 May 2025HIGHLY-TOUTED BANTAMWEIGHT ADAM MACA SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
Sat, 10 May 2025