It Takes A Christmas Village

We regret to say that the author's article was not published as normally planned. We had hoped to feature a wonderful collection of Christmas trinkets and, unfortunately, the public was not able to read about it during this holiday season. We would like, however, to publish it in the author's blog with accompanying pictures to apologize for the missing feature.

We apologize to Mrs Cindy and her family for this incident. And we thank her for her time and patience once again.

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Submitted for Dec 18 (but unfortunately unpublished)

A one of a kind real estate development is taking shape in Xavierville 3, Quezon City.  It is not meant to be a premiere residential subdivision, business hub, or commercial center. It has a more noble and timely purpose: to bring a smile to anyone who visits; to transport him to a different and enchanting world; to remind him that Christmas is just around the corner.

Mrs. Cindy Villaroya, an artist and dedicated collector, initiated the “development” of her Christmas village around 2003, the day she fell in love with a ceramic figurine of a gingerbread windmill. Since then, she has been collecting miniature model houses and ornaments for her little town. She now has more than a hundred ceramic figurines, acquired from both local and US suppliers. She then painstakingly put them together to form her very own snowy village nestled along the slopes of a mountain. It boasts of a ski slope as backdrop and has a moving train that goes through a tunnel. Among the charming buildings are a fire station, old-fashioned shops, intricate candy houses, country chapels, and even a Starbucks outlet. One of the owner’s favourite buildings is a pretty chocolate factory. The little town is peopled with a happy community of little figurines in period clothes, including skiers, snowmen, and Santa Claus.

Inspired by a spirit of sharing joy for the season and motivated by a passion for detail, Cindy pursues her commitment, despite the expense and the challenges. Her first visitor while she was working on this project was one of her neighbors, my father. He visited Cindy often to see and encourage the progress of her work.  I am glad that when it was completed by early November, my Dad and I were able to view it, in all its lighted glory, just a few weeks before he passed away. His was just one of the hearts Cindy’s project has touched and for this I will always be grateful.

Who says we cannot have a white Christmas in a tropical setting? There is a beautiful one right in this neighbourhood.  And like every real estate development they do hold an open house! For this snow village, viewing officially starts on December 21, 2010, from 6pm to 8pm at Xavierville 3, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.  You may text Cindy at 0921 976 7373 to ask for details and to let her know you are coming.

No reservation fee, down payment, or deposits are needed. The only payment required is a heart ready to smile and accept the spirit of Christmas. Upon leaving, make sure to bring the joy of the season with you and pass it on to everyone you meet. It only takes a village to spread the joy of Christmas! 




*photos by Glee de Guzman