By Saul Pa-a/PNA
CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – A Christmas village with a towering 30-meter Christmas Tree topped by a guiding star on its peak have turned into a nightly Yuletide spectacle in this Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) forested camp in this upland town of Rizal province.
Maj. Gen. Rhoderick M. Parayno, 2ID Commander, accompanied by wife Lorelei Mae, led the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at the camp quadrangle on Sunday evening, with Col. Jose Augusto V. Villareal, 2ID Chief of Staff; Col. Rogelio P. Percol, 2ID Training School (2DTS) Commandant; officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees.
“The 2ID has decided to present something new and special which will really make us feel ecstatic, extremely happy and excited. So instead of having only the traditional giant Christmas tree, we created a simple Christmas village where we can roam around and have our merrymaking,” Parayno said.
The nightly thousand lights dazzle soldiers, their families and visitors as themed music reverberates throughout the camp quadrangle as Christmas revelers also savor the cold weather breezing through the Christmas village here.
The giant centerpiece Christmas tree is made out of fishnets bedecked with locally made decors and assorted trinkets, “parols” (Christmas lanterns) and other designs, soaring to a height of around 30 meters or 100 feet that illuminate through the vastness of the forested camp.
“Kaya aside sa pambungad na mga nakikita ninyo dito sa inyong harapan na giant Christmas tree, may Belen, Santa’s sleigh, and candy corners (Besides the entrance features at the foot of the Christmas tree, one could see the Nativity tableau, Santa’s sleigh and the candy corners),” Parayno said.
Parayno added that visitors can also pass through a light tunnel bedecked with lanterns made from recyclable materials.
“Meron din po tayong mga booths sa baba kung saan pwede tayo kumain, magkape, maglaro, kumanta or just listen to the music (We also have booths down below where we could dine, have coffee, play games, sing or just listen to the music),” he said.
Parayno said that “our main goal here is to relax, enjoy and really feel the spirit of Christmas.”
Parayno added that Christmas is such as very special occasion, since it brings families back together.
“ It also gives everyone a chance to reunite, renew relationships and even settle conflicts. Thus, we made this place a venue where we can bring our family, loved ones, and friends to spend and have a quality time with them during this Yuletide season,” he said.
“May this Christmas Village remind you the real essence of Christmas, to rekindle our faith and relationship with our Creator. Let us not also forget that this is a celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ which also signifies love, hope, and giving,” Parayno added.
