The year 2024 springs off an eternal hope for everyone in Baguio.
Spending the eve at our little nook at Camp 7, we excitedly anticipate the moment between the first and the last tick of midnight, when the old year is over and a new year begins.
After midnight at Scout Barrio and a quick visit to Brower Road, we go back to Camp 7 to watch the fireworks lit the sky as our neighbors try to outdo each other in the field of pyrotechnics and while the “guns are silent in Navarone” brought about by the nationwide firecracker ban, the gleeful shouting and screaming trumpets of Ysa, Tatan, Enzo, and now Betchay amid the usual screams of Menggay, is in the air. Then the clock strikes 12 and 2023 ends sweeping away memories of good and bad, of people, places, events, sorrows and joys for the year that was and hoping that 2024 would be much better.
The landmark Silent Night Ordinance which I principally authored does not apply during holidays so the neighbor’s karaoke is played full blast as Christmas carols fill the airwaves. In an hour or two Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” will signal the end of the festivities. Lilipas din and as Barry Manilow says in the song “It’s just another New Year’s eve, another night like all the rest. Just another Auld Lang Syne but when we’re through this New Year, you’ll see, will be just fine.”
From our hearts, a great New Year to all with the expectation of hope and a better life ahead.
The challenges remain but I guess prayer and more of it and belief in God would make us lead a life of peace and reconciliation from within.
It’s a New Year and with it comes a fresh start, walk into the dark without fear, and step into the unknown with smiles and winks on our faces. A blessed, happy and fruitful 2024!
Sigh.
May 6, 2024
