TACLOBAN City - Now in his second year, a 64-year-old former overseas Filipino worker continues to give joy to people through his miniature Christmas village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
Nilo Bertos, who is known for his miniature Christmas village inspired by the famous 'Sawang' or city proper makes houses, offices, waterfalls, and buildings using recycled cardboard and plastic bottles.
He started creating the village in September where he added a resort, subdivision, police, and fire station, and made their cathedral as its highlight complete with an altar inside.
Bertos is an architecture graduate from the National University, a retired chief draftsman and interior designer who now accepts commissioned artwork and project plans.
"I started making my Christmas village after our annual fiesta in Borongan. I wanted to continue giving joy to the people. The expenses and effort pay off when people appreciate my work," he shared.
He also teaches his neighbors and his grandchildren to make portraits and other crafts.
"Some children enjoy coming here because they see the village as a playhouse with lights. Sometimes they like playing with the cars and taking some of them," he said.
His experience from being under quarantine after one of his children became a close contact of a COVID-19 positive last year also encouraged him to share his work with the public for inspiration because according to him, being under quarantine for 14 days could be depressing.
"My children were very happy when they saw this project. I am a widower and only two of my five children are with me. I want to make people happy this Christmas even in my little way, and inspire them to explore their talents to ease the boredom while staying at home," he added.