Naawan, Misamis Oriental

“The Arch of Friendship, Building Future with People”

Deviating from the usual Christmas landmarks of giant trees, belens and parols, Naawan's entry to Christmasterpiece is an arch called the “Arc of Friendship.” Made of bamboos and coconut lumber, the arch symbolizes “connectivity” -- the local government's desire to bridge relationships among the town's 10 barangays.

At a glance, the structure looks expensive because of its majestic design and craftsmanship. An unprecedented project of the local government led by Mayor Dennis Roa, it is a result of sheer hardwork and bayanihan spirit of townsfolk who voluntarily donated cash or materials and spent sleepless nights laboring on their entry. Admittedly, it was quite difficult for Naawenos to gather materials that would satisfy the requirements. In addition, the design required highly-skilled craftsmen to execute it.

But in the end, unity among the townsfolk and the servant leadership shown by Mayor Roa prevailed, enabling Naawenos to finish a wonderfully crafted masterpiece.

The structure has five main features, namely: the Belfry, the Bridge, the Lamps, Kabisig (Human Replica) and the Balcony. The Belfry or the bell tower is a Hispanic structural influence that symbolizes Christianity brought by the Spaniards. It is an apt reminder of the Creator's presence as The Way, The Truth and the Life. And to follow Him, we must climb the ladder and path of a Christian life of love and service to humanity, offering nother but our very life.

The Bridge represents every person's desire to relate with each other, as well as the municipality's conscious effort to bridge relationships among its barangays to move forward to a brighter future. The steel finish depicts strength and unity. It is a reminder that only a united people living in peace and harmony can move forward with the guidance of His wisdom and teachings.

The Lamps, on the other hand, symbolize the guiding lights for the municiality to be more vigilant in safeguarding and working for a better future. It also symbolizes the spirit of Christmas and the hope of the Filipino people that our future is much brighter if we will only work together.

Luna, Apayao

Home of the once war-ravaged Marag Valley, Luna, Apayao's entry to Christmasterpiece: Bayanihang Pasko 2005 is one heartwarming story. The town's entry showcased how good leadership and unity among townsfolk can beat all odds. A third class municipality located at the hinterlands of Luzon, Luna was once inhabited by head-hunting lumads. Over the years, the lumads were replaced with insurgents who managed to make a stronghold at the vast Marag Valley. For years, internal conflict in the area had been fierce, making development in Luna a distant dream to be reached. But with the resolve and cooperation of national and local officials, peace had been slowly attained.

Thus, Luna's entry to Christmasterpiece have become symbolic of sorts. And this once rebel-infested municipality had all the reason to celebrate. With the armed conflict still fresh in the minds of people, coming together as one community in bayanihan spirit was truly one affirmation of the town's newfound peace. What more, the first three barangays which brought in their share of the Christmasterpiece entry were those from the Marag Valley.

Luna's Chrismasterpiece, a three-deck Christmas Tree, was a fruit of love of all sectors in the town. Standing in the middle of the town plaza, the giant Christmas tree is made of anahaw leaves (which grow abundantly in all the town's 22 barangays), bamboo, rattan, twigs and wild vines all contributed by the barangays. Giant lanterns made of indigenous and recycled materials hang all over the town plaza.

A belen is housed in the lower level of the tree while the next level serves as the viewing deck. In front of the giant Christmas Tree is a big sledge with a carabao at the helm carrying local products as symbolic gifts to the people.

At least 1,000 Lady's Choice egg-shaped jars were used in Luna's Christmasterpiece – recreated into chandeliers, candle holders, lamps, oil lamps, food storage jars, etc. A star with 22 bottles stands on top of the giant Christmas tree, with each bottle representing the town's 22 barangays.

Inter-barangay cooking contests and skills training were conducted to produce empty bottles. Earlier on, Mayor Verzola had to order the products from Tuguegarao because there were no more stocks in Luna.

Over-all, Luna's landmark depicts the bayanihan spirit as well as perseverance of Lunanians. The first-ever landmark of its kind in the whole of Apayao, Luna's Christmasterpiece according to the Mayor, is a reminder of God's unending love for His people. Likewise, it is a reminder to people that despite the challenges and political crisis of our country, Chirstmas is a time for reconciliation, peace and love.

Lagonoy, Camarines Sur

You probably have not heard of Lagonoy, until now. It's a fourth class municipality in the inner part of Camarines Sur. It is actually one of the oldest settlement areas in Luzon, founded as early as the turn of the 17th century. A beautiful rustic town with a panoramic view of the mountain ranges of Camarines, the town is home to one of the oldest cathedrals in the country.

Despite it's being a small town, Lagonoy has shown how coming together as a community in the spirit of bayanihan, can actually turn the tide for the better. This photo shows the result of the bayanihan of Lagonoy people -- a giant parol with a larger than life Christmas tree made of indigenous materials.

Bangued's Lady's Choice Wagon of Goodies

The first official entry to light up, Bangued's Christmasterpiece is truly what it is – a masterpiece. Practically covering the whole town plaza, Bangued's entry is a spectacle of lights and symbols. Always a go-getter, Mayor Zita Valera never settles for good enough. She wants the best in everything and never hesistates to go many more extra miles to make things happen. This, Mayor Valera proved once again when she rallied her town to join Lady's Choice Christmasterpiece: Bayanihang Pasko 2005. The fruit of all her labor? A whole town plaza covered with fabulous lights and Christmas decors like no other.

Above, Abra's capitol located in the Bangued is shown all lighted up with a bigger-than-life cowboy towing a giant Lady's Choice egg-shaped jar. The mayonnaise jar symbolizes prosperity for the whole province.

Higantes of Angono

The Higantes take the centerstage in Angono's entry to Lady's Choice Christmasterpiece: Bayanihang Pasko 2005.