BOGO CITY SHINES AGAIN : CHRISTMAS LIGHTNING OPENING SALVO

Bogo City has gone through unforgettable challenges this year strong earthquakes, the fear of aftershocks, Typhoon Tino and Ulan and also the trauma that still stays in our hearts. Last September 30, 2025 at around 9:59 PM, we were struck by a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake that changed our daily lives. Buildings were damaged, businesses struggled and many families were afraid to sleep at night. Even until now, there have still small tremors. During the Opening Salvo Christmas Lighting yesterday December 7, 2025, we experienced aftershocks again magnitude 2.8, 2.0, and 1.5. They were weak and barely noticeable because the area was crowded, but it reminded us that fear is still there because what if there's have stamped happened. But despite everything, we continue to move forward. Bogo City remains strong.

The Opening Salvo was more than an event it was a message of courage and hope from our community. The moment I entered the Bogo Plaza, I immediately felt excitement in the air. Families, couples and groups of friends gathered with big smiles, waiting for the Christmas lights to shine.

The lively night market brought delicious scents and happy conversations everywhere. Many vendors lost their physical stores because of the earthquake, but they did not give up. They continued their businesses with temporary stalls, showing the unbreakable determination of Bogohanons.

This year’s Candy Land Theme brought a magical fantasy to life. There were giant candy decorations that made everyone feel like they stepped into a sweet wonderland. A towering Santa Claus, a vibrant water fountain with shifting lights and a grand Christmas tree proudly standing tall at the center all of them looked like symbols of strength. They reminded us that Christmas is not canceled by disasters. Instead, it becomes brighter when a community chooses to celebrate together.

But the most unforgettable moment of the night was the firework display that lit up the sky. When the first spark burst into radiant colors, I felt my inner child jumping with joy. For a few perfect minutes, there were no worries, no fear only awe and happiness. The fireworks danced above us like a reminder that light always returns after darkness. It was the kind of magic that makes you forget the pain and remember how good it feels to be alive.

What made everything extra special was having someone important beside me. Experiencing such a beautiful event with someone who makes me smile made my heart feel warm despite the cool December air. Sometimes the best gift is not something wrapped in a box but a person who stays with you through the ups and downs. In that moment, I felt thankful, Love, comfort and safety exist even in the middle of challenges. We are not alone in the fight.

As we walked around the plaza, I realized that this celebration truly represented bayanihan. The decorations, the stalls and the crowd all showed unity. We have been shaken, but not destroyed. We choose to rebuild together and support each other. Every laugh, every light, every cheer felt like a declaration: Life must go on. We will not be defeated. This is the spirit of Bogo strong, hopeful and full of courage.

This Christmas Lighting Opening Salvo is not just a festive celebration. It is a celebration of survival, of unity, and of love. We continue to celebrate because joy is our way of fighting against fear. We choose hope because hope is what keeps us going. And most importantly, we choose to live fully, even when life challenges us. May the lights of Christmas continue to shine in our hearts reminding us that no matter how many earthquakes shake us, we will always rise again.

Thank you for reading my blog! May this season bring peace to your heart and strength to your spirit. Merry Christmas, Bogo City, Padayon sa Paglambo!