Volcano no match for Christmas spirit

Volcano no match for Christmas spirit

It's a scene quite unlike any other this Christmas, and yet, on the surface, not too different really from any other joyous celebration this holiday season across the predominantly Catholic Philippines. 

It's the most important time of year here – and the snapshots are familiar: big smiles, lots of food, twinkling lights, and a soundtrack of pumping music and loud raucous laughter.

Even here, in an evacuation centre filled with hundreds who have had to vacate their homes around the country's most active volcano that's been threatening to explode for days now.

Yes, even these Mayon evacuees - who face losing everything they have - know how to have a good time. 

Better Christmas

It's a better Christmas than many of them say they can remember.

Really, that's what they told us. 

"Happy!" Ruth Espinas said, flashing a wide grin. 

"We're happy, we're safe," she laughs. And the crowd that had gathered around her laughed too. 

"We've had more food tonight than we could've hoped for had we stayed home, and we didn't have to spend a cent."

They've got their families around them – and an entire centre full of neighbours and friends to celebrate with. 

There was a film showing for the children, and dancing with throbbing lights, a full sound system, and a DJ provided by the authorities. 

"They sure know how to throw a party!" whispered another uncomplaining resident. 

Tomorrow, the harsh light of day and the nearby, visible volcano will unmask the ugly reality that they might have to face the new year with less than the little they have now.

But Filipinos are famous for living in the present, and the present, for these celebrating evacuees, isn't too bad. 

Their local government's preventive measures are working – they've been forewarned and removed from potential danger zones. 

The authorities are prepared to "host" them in temporary shelters for at least another two weeks, and life is kind, they say. 

They can celebrate because there have been no casualties. And they don't expect there to be any - imminent volcanic explosion or not.

Celebration of faith

This is the story of Mayon's Christmas this year. 

Unfettered joy, interminable hope. A continuous celebration of the faith they have in God, and in each other. 

That they will survive anything fate throws at them – even a looming natural disaster. 

It is the spirit of Christmas, and the expectation that a better year lies ahead. 

Even nature – they say here – has provided them with a "natural" fireworks show as Mayon's lava continues to spill down its near perfect slopes. 

"Have you ever seen anything like that?" they ask each other. 
"What a beautiful sight!" 

What a beautiful sight indeed – when even impending disaster is not enough to dampen a deep-seated trust in the majesty that is life.