I can't get over this "Pinoyness" in me that as soon as the month of September sets in, I inevitably associate this with Christmas just being around the corner. I am sure that in a few weeks time, shopping malls in the Philippines will start playing Jingle Bells. Silly me, I even find myself singing some Christmas tunes in my head and even foolishly asked my husband what he would like for Christmas and Sinterklaas. He simply answered: I actually haven't thought about it. Of course!
For me the arrival of September signifies a lot of things that ALWAYS trigger some sort of excitement, anticipation and admittedly at times melancholy.
- Excitement because I know that in a couple of months I will be home again. I definitely can't wait to see my family and friends! Hubby and I look forward to hit the beach and explore the underwater. Unfortunately, we won't be home the usual month, but a few weeks later (sigh) to be able to attend my youngest sister's graduation. Once the "ber" month sets in, I start counting the days until the time we board the airplane bound for Manila.
- Anticipation because autumn has a lot to offer--it is beautiful during fall. I like the falling of leaves and its dramatic fiery colours. This is also the time when I engage in several activities to beat the cold dark days. Between job hunting and interviews, I look forward to having a routine of going to school, attend weekly salsa lessons with my husband, to go for an autumn short break (tempting airfare deals), and to work on my driver's license. Yes, I will start taking refresher courses to prepare for my practical exams and hopefully try to get rid of my devious Manila driving habits.
- Melancholy because summer has ended. The days of cold, rainy and long nights are here again. I hate to see bare trees as well. This is also the period when I have my bouts of homesickness.
Strangely, the weather has been improving, even better than what we had for summer. Hopefully, this will signify that we will enjoy several Indian summers, simply because I am not prepared to put on my woolies, well not just yet.
3 comments:
Salsa is fun. I took several lessons as well. Great way to be in shape. When will you travel to Manila?
Oh, you remind me of Baguio. Once September sets in, we all know that the weather is going to go brrrrrr!
'looking forward to our Philippine trip this Christmas as well. We'll stay for about a month there. I'm excited..the carollings, the christmas songs, the food. It just seems that nothing compares with what we have there, what do you think?
IG: I discovered the world of salsa during my stay in Boston--what better way to learn from my South American friends. I'll be in Manila in February, wish it could be the usual time but SIS is graduating.
TING: You must be excited to go home this Christmas. It is always one of the best times to be home. We Filipinos just celebrate it differently. I miss the Noche Buena, i like the surge of lights, the endless christmas parties, and the gift givings even if it were only small tokens for your neighbours, colleagues, etc. Christmas in Pinas is the time to remember people and the time to wind down and get together (endless reunions) after a busy year. Dito sa Netherlands Ting, you don't have to give gifts to people who are not present at your Christmas gathering. So if my brother-in-law's family for example can't attend the family's gathering we don't have to buy gifts for them (but I still do!). Sa Pinas, there are still gifts given and received even after Christmas. The downside: magastos!
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