Christmas in my Heart

There comes the time of the year when Pinoys get gaga over the perfect party outfit, moms panic in preparation  for the infamous 'Noche Buena,' streets get filled with beautiful ornaments, celebrations are everywhere and  that breezy, familiar spirit fills the air.  Christmas has finally arrived.  Need I say more?

Unlike the other ones I've had so far, I had to spend Christmas Eve away from my family this year.  Imagine, I was busy dealing with sickest patients at the hospital when my cousins were at our grandparents' house celebrating.  It was really not the usual celebration I came to know but I'm glad that I was able to use my knowledge and skills to take care of other people on that magical night.  It was amazing!

How was my Christmas this year?  Oh well, I've had a memorable one so far.  I attended tons of parties, ate a lot and took a bunch of pictures.  Plus, I was able to complete the nine Simbang Gabi masses and prepare gifts for my loved ones.  It was just surreal!

Simbang Gabi, Simbang Gabi, Magsisimbang Gabi kami...

taken at the Divine Mercy Chapel, Calapan on one of the Simbang Gabi masses

The first party I attended was the one prepared by the Nursing Service Department of our hospital. It was held on December 17, 2011, on a cold, rainy Monday afternoon when Typhoon Sendong hit the shores of Mindanao.

The girls of Surgery Ward and their winning pose

The (RN Heals) Registered Nurses for Heath Enhancement and  Local Service and their Christmas presentation

The ER (Emergency Room) nurses on a dance number

As always, the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital held its annual decorative competition.  With its theme 'Winter Wonderland,' such competition has kept the spirit of Christmas alive all throughout the month of December.  I feel lucky though that I was able to keep the memory of such competition with me by posing for some pictures during the party.

at the Emergency Room Fireplace

Winter Wonderland at Surgery Ward

at the Christmas village of the Operating Room

Say Cheese :)

with my dear Caselle

By December 19, 2011,  the Overall Christmas party of our hospital pushed through.   I wasn't able to have my pictures taken because my photographer had to take some rest but I had fun.  I watched OMPH Got Talent  by the evening and toured the hospital on its Winter hibernation.  

 
Let's party! 

By the way, I was at the hospital on Christmas Eve but it wasn't that bad because my dear Caselle was also on duty by then.  We exchanged gifts and spent our first Noche Buena together.  I also gave presents to my co-workers and dealt with a number of people who drank a lot of liquor causing them vehicular accidents.  What a bloody Noche Buena it was!  Anyway, I went to San Teodoro on the following day to spend Christmas with my family.

Feraren family portrait

with my cousins

The Feraren clan with our beloved Mamu

twins on Christmas day

my twin sis and her Forever 21 outfit

my cousin Mervyn

me as America's Next Top Model

Mara- Clara?

by the stars

Henceforth, after all the merry-making, nonstop parties, endless pictorial sessions, delicious feasts and memorable 'Simbang Gabi' masses, my holiday ended.  What a colorful Christmas of  2011 it was!  I can only wish that the next ones will be fun-filled as well.  I am really grateful for all the blessings coming my way. It may not be a lot but at least I have with me some special people who will support me all the way.

Lovelots, 

Maica Angelle