Wow, almost one+ week without posting made me miss my blog. I guess being away from the modern world simply sets up the pace to start a whole new beginning. Anyway, here it goes.

New Year’s Eve is a celebration everyone can appreciate all around the world. In the states, you have the big event in NY Times Square with the dropping of the big apple. But here in Cebu, you have a celebration like no other. It’s both exciting, but can also be dangerously scary. But hey, didn’t they say danger is the most exciting thing to experience?

In the streets and nearby convenient stores and most especially malls, fireworks and firecracker vendors will lure passers-by with their various products in colorful wrappers. Adults and kids alike are able to purchase these products for as low as 5 pesos per piece. But for the big, bright fireworks, the price can range up to 3 or 4 thousand pesos.

On New Year’s Eve, eager celebrants light up these ‘noise makers’ right away. I remember walking by an enclosed compound where little kids would throw the firecrackers at the feet of those who would walk by starting at 5PM. But you can hear a lot of noise already around 10-11PM just before the New Year comes in. Then at midnight…BANG! The dark sky is lit up with different colors and styles of fireworks. The streets (even as cars are passing by) are filled with fountain fireworks or the very loud Judas’ belts. I have even witnessed a family in a squatter area throw the dangerous “kwitis” from inside their home out from their window. This display of light goes non stop for about 15 minutes in common areas. If you stand on a tall building, you are guaranteed to see the sky light up from all different directions. Although it is a dangerous site to see (kids lighting up fireworks or firecrackers…in the middle of the streets for that matter) you also will not see bigger smiles on the faces of the people.

New Year’s Resolutions

So, what’s your New Year’s resolution? For me? I try to not promise on this one and simply concentrate on taking the light ones that are achievable. As for others, I simply asked Cebuanos on the streets what aims they have in mind for a change this year.

“Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.” Shaun Anthony Portillo, call center agent

“Concentrate more on my business and think about getting married. Hmmn…” Jhuniel Inocando, entrepreneur

“Stay positive not just this year but through the years.” Russell Aplicador, graphic artist

“Spend more time with my family.” Charles Monuz, general manager

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