I know it’s a bit late to talk about Christmas because its weeks away from that day filled with Christmas carols, gift-giving, festive foods, non-stop reunion and partying, but still I have to, not because I’m pressured to write my second article which is supposed to be due 2007 but because I get to experience the fever itself and it’s but fair that I’ll tell you about it.

Mana, the name itself makes you visualize a place where you can find old treasures, and yes indeed it is. It’s located along J.P. Laurel Street; it’s a home for people who long to own antique items from Philippine oriental, European furniture, old wood products, antique beds, brass chairs to almost anything that is grand and beautiful, and those pieces of art you see only in the movies. And they give great discounts too. It’s worth every penny.

But what makes this store special is that it drove people in hordes especially last Christmas , the store owners made it special by putting so many flickering lights outside the store, and Christmas decorations that is totally outstanding, you feel awe at every sight. They say Mana traditionally does that every year but it’s only this Christmas I get to notice people bringing the entire family for endless video and picture taking, you thought for a second your at the park picnicking with the whole clan.

It’s amazing how Christmas and Mana can make something different in each person’s lives. For one, the remarkable lights and decorations gets you to gather each and everyone in your family and have that once in a lifetime group picture. Second, jeepney passengers and passersby can’t help but be intrigued by the place people frequent to every night. Third, it makes families drew closer together and it makes you feel your in a different zone, you just feel good seeing the lights and the decorations, for a minute you thought your someplace else, someplace out of the Philippines.

Of course, I didn’t exclude myself and my family from that experience, we too had fun. Looking at the picture now made me realize the beauty of my family bonded together just for the time being. The smiles of children, parents laughing and couples all in each other’s arms made me sigh. There was even a chance for me to bump with someone I knew from my teenage years and told me that he feel good just looking at the sight, he said for some unknown reasons the moment made him feel better, he was having emotional problems, but of course that’s another story that I’d rather keep for myself. After endless hellos and catching up on things he bid goodbye, thanking me and my family. He didn’t need advice, he just need someone to listen. My family and I gave him that, his thanks froze me, but when he told me he felt better unloading the baggage we just know this day at Mana is special I will never trade for anything else.

Giving in to that Mana experience is amazing, I’ve realized there’s more to this place that I ever thought, I’ve also come to realize that I too have baggage’s I need to unload and leave behind and yes I left it at Mana . I was having a great time that I said like that friend I’ll never let the past hold me from having a great time. I felt better after that, and had a good night sleep. Thank God!