We have not had a decent parol since I can't remember when. When Tiong Maning was still living with us (several years before he passed away), he'd always create these lovely parols all made from scratch. There was one he made which was all covered in paper flowers, and then there were those made with thinly cut frills bordering the parol's five points. It seems these were always made of red cellophane with white papel the japon trim.
Christmas dinner menu would be done by Neng, by default. The spaghetti would be included, and that would be my job. Maybe a tropical fruit salad, or some easy-to-make crumble with graham crackers by Irene. I'm not sure about the chicken or barbecue, I'm letting Neng worry about that. The jamon, of course, and the quezo de bola (edam cheese).
Years before, we'd always have ambrosia. Easy enough to do, with sliced bananas, suha and papaya, covered in cream and condensed milk. We haven't had ambrosia since Lola Ibang passed away.
These Christmas past, we've even had some liquor or wine. We don't usually drink alcohol.
What I'd be looking forward to is after-Christmas breakfast: grilled ham and cheese (quezo de bola) sandwich, and (brewed) coffee with liquor.
I'm looking forward to Christmas, and I'm not blinking. You blink and you suddenly notice you're in the middle of January 2005.
--andoy
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