Rincon de Santa Ana: Is it Summer or Christmas?

Rincon de Santa Ana, Barrio Tanagan, Calatagan, Batangas. A cloud of dust swirls around as we drive through dust covered trees, its leaves struggling to get a breath of fresh air, its roots running like veins on parched land – is it trying to find its way to quench its thirst? The scorching sun drives our car air conditioners up to full blast as it penetrates even the darkest car window tint. Another short stretch more of dirt road and finally we reach the black iron gates draped with bougainvillas, bursting with fiery colors. Past through the gates we finally see the sand, sea and shore gleaming in the bright sunlight. And in the evening stars shine bright in the clear dark nights. These are the summers we look forward to each year in Calatagan, pretty much the same as summers others are familiar with.

But wait a minute! Together with the tons of food and summer gear being unloaded from the cars are bags of used clothing including much sought after underwear, old toys and reading books ready to be stored at the attic of one of the houses in our little private enclave. Already it is the start of our Christmas season. Did I hear that right? Yes, summer signals the onset of our annual outreach project, as we start soliciting anything and everything no longer used by one but most likely to be appreciated by others. Much like the spring cleaning done in other parts of the world where there are four seasons, a whole lot of us do our own version of summer cleaning right after school’s over. And while other items are sold at garage sales, family and friends donate to us those that can be used by our barrio people.

What started out as a small gathering of around ten to twenty children has now ballooned to a family affair with around three hundred fifty in attendance. While our barrio brothers and sisters look forward to this event, we, the homeowners and our families look forward too to welcoming them in our village to spread Christmas cheer.

It is a sight to see. Many of them line up outside the gate in the morning eagerly awaiting an afternoon of games, food and prizes. Our children give much thought to the planning – choosing games that people of all ages will enjoy, even selecting music and dances that the barrio folks are familiar with. As far back as I can remember, it started out with the Macarena, then on to Aserehe, Ocho-ocho, Spaghetti Pababa and the now very popular Boom Tarat Tarat being played even in this year’s election fever. I can’t describe their joy, mother’s included, as they perform the latest dance craze and as one receives an incomplete set of plates for a prize. So just think, anything old and seemingly useless to you is very much appreciated and priceless to them.

While summer is for soliciting used items, the –ber months lead up to the culmination of this much awaited event. September is for soliciting gift packs from commercial sponsors; October, soliciting cash from donors; November, trips to Divisoria to stretch our donations as much as we can, scouring the market for bargain finds before the Christmas rush. And finally December, collecting the pledged gift packs for its final delivery to the barrio.

But the best part of it all is having our children come together one or two days before the big day, sorting and packing gift bags for the three hundred fifty or more expected guests. Believe me, it’s not an easy task, one sometimes gives up just before the job is done. But it’s okay, any amount of help goes a long, long way. And then the big day comes, our children, families and barrio folk all together with no barriers whatsoever. With a trace of tired look on our children’s faces, they still manage to smile knowing that they have made other people smile too.

Rincon de Santa Ana, Barrio Tanagan, Calatagan, Batangas. We drive through greenery, lush trees covered with dew. The dust has settled and at times there comes a slight drizzle. A cold breeze greets us as we approach the sand, sea and shore. The stars may not shine as bright in the dark, cloudy skies but the people’s smiles shine brighter on us after sharing with them a fun filled Christmas.


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If you wish to donate any used items for our annual Christmas outreach project, you may call 807-6431.