BY GLENDA TAYONA, IME SORNITO AND RHENJIE MAE CALANTAS
Santa Claus is a legend associated with Christmas. For the young, he is said to give children presents made with the help of his elves. While some believe he is an icon born out of St. Nicholas’ piety and kindness. Either way, when Christmas comes, many of us have wishes in mind and in heart to tell Santa.
Jelyn and Lea Mae of Mulle Loney, City Proper, want to meet Santa Claus and play in the snow.
“Damo nga hampanganan kag bago nga obra para kay Papa para madamo iya kwarta kag mabakal nakon amon gusto,” sweet Jelyn said.
“Gusto ko ya damo amon pagkaon sa Christmas kag bago tani nga balay para sa amon,” thoughtful Lea Mae added.
They are longtime friends and are the youngest among their siblings.
Meanwhile, 9-year-old Romeo Ren Amedeo Manikan of Iloilo City believes in Santa Claus too. And his wish for him to meet YouTuber ‘Unspeakable’ because he wants to be a content creator like him.
A selfless mother, Nanay Maricel, 41, of Brgy. Cabugao Norte, Pavia, wishes for her children’s desires to come true, especially for her 4-year-old daughter.
“Biskan wala ka lang ti kwarta kon wala lang man sang naga-masakit sa imo pamilya kag naga-palanggaanay kamo atleast mabatyagan mo man ang pag-guide ni Santa Claus,” she said.
While Maricel’s little girl saidshe wants “Toys, teddy bear para may hampangan ako kay barbie lang akon toys. Gusto ko gid may teddy bear,”.
Lola Sharon, at 68 years old, still believes in Santa Claus too.
“Ang akon lang ya nga gusto matabo wala lang sang kalamidad nga maabot, kag good health lang gid sa akon kag sa akon pamilya kag ululupod lang gid kami sa Paskwa,” Nanay Sharon wishes.
Nanay Sharon is a widow with two children and six grandchildren living with her. She has been a street sweeper in Plaza Libertad since 1993.
Nanay Fanny, meanwhile, thinks that Santa Claus is only a mascot but still wishes for good health and blessings.
“Ang gusto ko lang ya maayo pa nga lawas kag blessings man eh kay ako lang nga daan isa wala na ko bana patay na dugay na kag wala man kami bata nga duha,” Nanay Fanny said.
Nanay Fanny is also a widow but without children. Selling banana chips is her source of living for a long time.
Despite never seeing Santa in real life, 72-year-old Lola Rosario of Brgy. Pagsanga-an, Pavia, is a believer. Her only wish is for her children to have good health and to be reunited.
“Magtipon lang kami sa Christmas, kay walo ka bilog ang akon kabataan,” said Lola Rosario.
She believes Santa exists through God. And as long as a person does what is right and works hard, coupled with faith in God, their wish will be granted by “Santa Claus.”
This year, Panay News wishes for everyone to celebrate Christmas with love and happiness./PN
