Negros Season of Culture celebrates the Yuletide season with stories that champion Filipino traditions
Christmas is a holiday bug Filipinos will never find a way to shake off. It is part of our lives, our culture, and, whether here in the country or miles away overseas, Paskong Pinoy remains alive as long as there are individuals spreading its spirit and love, together or apart. That is what Negros Season of Culture (NSC) aims to highlight this season as it wraps up 2021. The local cultural community is presenting three inspiring stories that represent Integrity, Industry, and Innovation, core values that have carried Negrenses through adventures high and low, near or far.
Holiday stars
One of the many beautiful things to see during Christmastime is Filipinos’ creativity in sprucing up their abode, especially when the ornaments they adorn their house merge the spectacle of the season and the handicrafts of local artisans. Bringing just that is home furnishing designer Christina Borromeo-Gaston of Hacienda Crafts in Manapla, Negros Occidental, as she collaborates with the Carmelite nuns of CM Bamboo Craft Centre based in Iloilo. Both habitues of Manila FAME shows, the two design houses crafted a collection of Christmas tree ornaments using bamboo as prime material. Through artistic manipulation of bamboo veneers into Filipino-motif vignettes, 18 hand-crafted ornaments are created attesting to the integrity of the bamboo and the desire to tell the story of Philippine rural life. Lean into nostalgia in “Bamboo Trimmings.”
Season’s taste
What are the holidays without good food? For sweet-toothed people of Negros, the place to find truly delectable confectionery creations is at Kaye Bello’s Kalamay. Born in Kabankalan City and raised in the UK, Chef Kaye has apprenticed with culinary giants such as Gordon Ramsay and William Curley. When the lure of staying in Negros finally got into her, she has decide to build roots in her hometown through her brand. Today, the patisserie serves cakes and pastries, and winsome bonbons. Enjoy a hearty serving of Negros pride in “Home Sweet Home.”
Jingle all the way
Complete this phrase: “Christmas without music is like...”. Every city in the country has its company of homegrown music talents. Bacolod is no different. Mojo Nova is a band based there, with Tim de la Rama on drums, Joanne Bernal on vocals and percussions, Hans Samson on guitar, and Van Luceñara on keys. This month, NSC collaborates with Mojo Nova. As survivors of a challenging time, the creative team of NSC wishes to herald the coming year on a note of hope. The classic Negrense caroling song, “O Senyor Tagbalay,” which portrays Joseph in search of a place for Mary to give birth, is reissued by the band with a modern arrangement.
Discover more local holiday stories at www.negrosseasonofculture.com.