Paskuhang Masa: A Juan Christmas Special

 By: Eleonor Reyes

Christmas is known as the jolly season of the year. This is the celebration that brings us closer, where we share our laughter with our relatives and loved ones, and of course, can we even forget about the exciting gifts? But even without that, the presence of our friends and family is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

While this is the most awaited time and probably the joyous one, it’ll be the opposite for some.

Lucia, a cigarette vendor in the vicinity of Malolos Cathedral, shared that she will be observing Christmas on her own this year. Having taken up the role of a cigarette vendor since 1983, she typically earns an average of 200-250 pesos, a modest sum compared to the purchases made by her customers. Lucia revealed that her husband passed away two years ago, marking the onset of solitary Christmas celebrations. In earlier times, she used to celebrate the Christmas season with her family.

Em, a seasoned tricycle driver with over 5 years of experience, primarily employed by a company, echoes Lucia's sentiments. Both share the sober acknowledgment that this Christmas won't be the same as in previous years, given the recent loss of a family member last month. Em emphasizes that while Christmas traditionally brings families together, the recent tragedy has cast a shadow over the holiday season. Contemplating the tragic reality, Em acknowledges the possibility of spending Christmas working, unusual from the joyous celebrations they used to do.

Michael Santos, parking assistant at the Malolos Cathedral has an average of 200 PHP a day while during the Christmas season, he is able to accumulate 5K PHP depending on the number of tips or gifts from the parking space of the Cathedral based from last experiences He's been working for almost 15 years at the Cathedral. When he was asked about his plan on Christmas he answers, “Baka hindi muna kami makapaghanda at kulang… sa liit ng sinasahod namin.”

He says that he will probably spend his Christmas at the church since they won’t have a holiday and due to the Simbang Gabi that may start either on the night of December 15 or the dawn of December 16. This is a 9 day series of mass waiting for the birth of Jesus Christ and they’re expecting a load of people to attend the night masses.

He stated that he only celebrates his new year with his family while his Christmas will be celebrated together with the church organization.

Meanwhile, Alvin Dionisio from Malolos Bulacan works as a Meat Vendor at the Wet Market of Malolos Bayan. He says that their meat poultry business is a family business and he started to grasp the idea of the work around 8 years old. He approximately earns an average of 10K PHP a day and 20-30K PHP during the Christmas season. With regards to his plan for the Christmas season, they will have a family reunion and hopefully, conduct their Christmas party.

Michelle Bautista, a Paombong resident, has been in the fruit vending business for over six years, pulling in a steady income of 15-30,000 PHP. However, on holiday seasons like Christmas or New Year’s Day, their earnings spike to a whopping 100K PHP. They shared extra effort into their work during special occasions, especially during the holiday season so they can better celebrate it. During Christmas, they have someone to alternately work for them at night.

Efforts might often be unseen, but it contributes to the warmth and joy that fill our communities during this time. For those who work tirelessly throughout the year, Christmas is not just a celebration but a reward for hard work. However, we should not forget the enjoyment that Christmas brings to us. No matter what is prepared on the table: be it spaghetti, a ham, or a loaf of bread — our presence is what makes it special and matters the most.