La Vie en Rose

Chapter 107

ALICIANNA'S POV

ang kampana'y tuluyang nang gigising.

upang tayong lahat ay manalangin

Iyon ang awitin nang pumasok kami sa simbahan. Naalala ko yung pinasayaw nila ako sa harap at hindi ko naman alam ang steps. Hindi kasi nila ako ininform art di ako tinuruan.

For several nights now, theresiannie and I, together with our little one, have been faithfully attending simbang gabi, the traditional pre-dawn christmas masses. Each moment feels so meaningful and special as we walk to church as a family, surrounded by the cool december air and the warm glow of holiday lights. This christmas feels like the most joyful one I've ever experienced because, for the first time, I get to celebrate it with my own family—a dream I've long held in my heart.

Tonight, I have the honor of being one of those offering gifts at our church. Plagi naman akong kasama sa pag hahandog, kahit noong hindi pa ako mayor. But this moment feels so special and humbling as I take part in this meaningful tradition.

Standing before the altar, surrounded by the warm glow of candles and the serene melodies of hymns, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and connection to my faith and community. It's a beautiful opportunity to give back and express my thanks for all the blessings I've received. Lalong-lalo na kung ang natanggap namin na blessing ay si baby ana. 

Buong misa, naka karga sa akin si ana habang ang isang kamay ni theresiannie ay nakahawak sa kamay ko o kaya ay hinahaplos niya ang kamay ng anak namin.

I thanked Him for these wonderful person I have right now. 

Nang tatanggap na ng communion ay doon lamang nagising si ana. Pilit niyang kinukuha kay father ang hostiya na aking tatanggapin. Kita ng mga tao yun at narinig nilang umiyak si ana. Ang iba ay bahagyang natawa dahil doon.

"Gusto mo ba 'nak bilhan kita ng isang box nyan?" theresiannie. Tinignan ko siya bago ko ituro ang altar.

"love, di ka pa nakakalabas ng simbahan yang kalokohan mo naman." Saad ko na nakapag patigil sa kaniya.

After mass, nag diretso kami sa munisipyo. Walang work ngayon si theresiannie dahil next year na nila ipagpapatuloy ang mga hearing sa senado. Akala ko talaga, iyon na ang bumubuhay sa kanilang magkakaibigan. Mabuti naman pala at hindi.

"Kain po, mayora and sen." Pag aalok sa amin ng kababayan namin habang naglalakad kami. Isang pamilya ang kumakain sa labas ng kanilang bahay, sa kanilang bakuran.

"Good morning po, thank you po! Mukhang masarap ulam nyo ha?" Nginitian ko sila matapos ko sabihin iyon. Pinakita nila sa akin ang ulam nilang nilagang talong, nilagay okra at sigarilyas. May ulam din silang inihaw na isda.

"Ang sarap naman po niyan. Mamaya makikikain kame!" Biro ko na ikinatawa naman nila.

When we arrived at the municipal hall, everyone was already busy preparing for our christmas party later tonight.

Seeing the hustle and excitement in the air made me feel truly grateful. I am especially thankful for the people I work with—my staff—who have become more than just colleagues to me; they've become like family. Their dedication, warmth, and camaraderie make moments like this even more meaningful, and I feel blessed to celebrate this season surrounded by such incredible individuals.

"Good morning, everyone." si theresiannie naman ang unang bumati sa kanila.

Sabay-sabay naman silang nag good morning sa amin at maging kay ana. I took ana out of the stroller, and she sat on the floor. Moments later, we saw her happily playing around with the decorations, her curiosity and excitement bringing smiles to everyone around.