- NIDA A. BUENAFE
For 25 years, the home at the corner of San Juan–Sebastian Streets in Bacolod City, gives people a glimpse of that wonderful season, of snowcapped mountains, lighted trees, busy streets, and smoke belching chimneys.
Bamboo Tonogbanua, and his Christmas Village, never fail to awe.
From his collection of miniatures, such as cathedrals, castles, restaurants, trains, and figurines, Bamboo has creatively captured Christmas scenes all over the world.
“I love collecting miniatures. I am always on the lookout for pieces to add to my collection and eventually decided to set up a Christmas Village,” Bamboo said.
From a lone miniature village in 1996, more communities, townships, and parishes of different cultures and races were added to the display. Evolving with the trend, Harry Potter’s Hogwarts found a spot in the village, while Elsa and Anna’s Frozen world is a perfect blend for the season.
While adults can easily name the landmarks in the cities of Paris and London that are on display, it is the children who are completely enthralled with the set up.
“The little children have the eye-level view of the village. It is most probably more fun for them,” Bamboo said.
Setting up the village begins in October every year. Fixing the lightings, dusting up corners, dressing up other displays in the house, Bamboo has his hands full weeks leading to the opening of the village.
Observing traditions, he always invites a priest to bless the display and have some friends over for a simple dinner before opening the village. And while most of them are now familiar with the display, there is always a distinct character and a scene that capture the eye.
From an Egyptian village to Mexican, Chinese, European, American, and Latin, Bamboo’s Christmas Village manages to present Christmas in all its glory and cheer. With the jingling of bells from a speaker strategically placed inside the “Village”, one gets the feel of the season.
For 25 years, the room upstairs at the corner of San Juan-Sebastian Streets in Bacolod City gives people a glimpse of Christmas around the world. It never fails to awe, just like the collector, who sets it up.
Bamboo Tonogbanua may never wear the costume but he will not leave the “Village” on Christmas season. He might as well be Santa Claus for the cheers and joys he delivers. And while he, too, loves to travel, this 75-year-old Santa Claus of the City of Smiles is happy to be at home on Christmas. – NAB
