Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Christmas at Policarpio Street

Ever since I spent Christmas here in the Philippines in 2004 I've heard stories about how wonderfully the house owners at Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong decorate their homes. My friend, who grew up Iglesia Ni Cristo, meaning they don't celebrate Christmas and who rarely appreciates stuff like these was actually the one who couldn't stop talking about them and asking me to go with him. This year, because Dana is so excited about Christmas lights, I decided to go. I also wanted Taco Bell and Starbucks so...yeah! Anyway, it was such a disappointment. First of all, so many vendors sprouted at the closest streets and people stood by the sidewalk and asked to be paid for parking there eventhough the houses aren't theirs to begin with.

So we entered Policarpio Street and it was another big disappointment because it wasn't I expected it to be (based on the stories) but still for Dana's sake, we walked through the entire street where one house was actually asking 10 pesos for admission. The only house I found decorated with effort is the one in the picture. See the Santa up there? That is no robot, that is an actual person dressed as Santa waving at everybody. Poor guy. I was sweating in my jeans and top I wonder how uncomfortable he is?

Dana wasn't so impressed either but still she smiled and said Mommy thank you for taking me to see Christmas lights. Ahhhh! All the trouble of driving an hour to go there and 2 hours going back home well spent because of those ten little words.