PasKoronadal continues traditions amid pandemic
While adapting to the new normal, the city government through the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office has planned exciting and unique activities for the month-long celebration of Paskoronadal from December 16-31, celebrating the traditional Christmas in the Koronadaleño way.
The activities are defined by the concept of “Tradisyong Koronadaleños Tuwing Pasko”, an exploration of traditions in the City of Koronadal during Christmas celebrations that have always been an integral part of the communities, passed down from generation to generation.
The celebration will start with a “Simbang Gabi”, a night mass which is a long-standing tradition during Christmas including the Misa de Gallo or Christmas Eve. To document the occasion, Koronadaleños are encouraged to join the “Snap Shop: Traditional Joys of the Holiday Season”, by taking photos of themselves with the facade of the church as a backdrop. Meanwhile, it is forbidden to take pictures inside the church.
This holiday season, everyone must indulge themselves and savor the most popular Christmas delicacies such as bibingka and puto bumbong usually eaten after the simbang gabi. In “Tikman Natin, Paskong Kakanin”, kakanin makers will showcase the best Christmas delicacies in town with a cooking demonstration.
To join the “Kakaibang Regalo, Sa Pasko Panalo”, participants must take a photo of their parol at home or office and has to upload it to a given flatform to be included in the list of finalists for the actual judging which comprises 60% of the criteria and online judging which is 40% of the criteria.
To spread the joy of Christmas this season, they have added the Christmas carol dubbed as “Pasko Harana” to the list of activities. It is a showcase of Christmas melodies in the form of a serenade at the main thoroughfares with the participation of FM radio stations as music providers. Further, the “All Out Karoling!” which is an online caroling competition in acapella is this year alternative to the traditional house-to-house caroling to keep carolers safe from COVID-19 transmission.
On the other hand, there will also be a setting up of the Belen, which is a common nativity scene everywhere and in most households that represents the meaning of the celebration through the activity dubbed as “Tayo na sa mga Kakaibang Belen!”.
To wrap up generosity this Christmas, the organizers included the “Paskong Handog!” in the line-up. Participating agencies will present their gifts to a certain beneficiary.
Every good Christmas party has a recipe for success, which is why the organizers will be launching the “Paskong Noche Buena! Search for the Best Xmas Food Presentation”, a showcase of the best Christmas dishes and presentations from the city’s hotels and restaurants.
Games and fun activities with Christmas surprises are also on the menu for the public, which can be enjoyed via the online platform and radio participation in the “Mayor’s Xmas Treat!”.
During the Paskong Bayan: Inter-Governmental Agencies & Offices Xmas Competitions, there will be a “Pamaskong Inspirasyon” short infomercial film challenge, lights inspired by the best light decorations and sayaw tropa – a Christmas dance contest to add more color and enthusiasm to the celebration.
Meanwhile as part of the pre-production, representatives of various regional offices took part in the general orientation on December 2, 2021 at the City Hall lobby.
The said orientation was convened to fully discuss all the details and other instructions related to the proposed activities, as well as to gather comments, reactions and suggestions on the written guidelines and criteria.
This pandemic, people are finding all the ways to connect, celebrate and reflect. Meanwhile, despite the limitations, the government is making better use of its maximum capacity and that is really the current goal of keeping the Christmas spirit alive.