"Setyembre na, nararamdaman ko na ang kakaibang simoy ng hangin."
It’s September 1st, and the morning air feels different. It's not yet cool, but the heavy, humid heat of the summer has softened. This ‘ber month’ doesn't arrive with the crunch of snow or the blare of trumpets—it begins with a whisper, a subtle shift in the air that people's hearts can truly feel.
That gentle breeze begins to stir in the mornings. We can really feel it's almost Christmas.
Children are the first to notice; they may not read calendars, but they know. The games in the streets become merrier, and their songs change. We can hear the familiar voice of Jose Mari Chan on social media or the radio. The excitement that runs in the blood makes them excited to sing the carols. Their voices, though not perfect, are filled with pure joy and love.
The first string of lights is untangled, the first small plastic tree is set up, and a single parol is hung in a window, its light similar to a twinkle of a star. It triggers a collective memory, a feeling of comfort and joy that stretches across generations.
This is the start of the longest Christmas celebration in the world. It’s not just a season; it's a feeling of slow, beautiful anticipation. This is a reminder that even as the world rushes forward, there is always time to cherish the traditions that ground us. The lanterns will multiply, and the songs will grow louder, but it all begins with this quiet whisper on a September morning. | via Drew Chiara Segundo, Pressroom Philippines
