In a tiny town called Kapangan in Benguet, the infection is the same. For the gentle people here, the serene meaning of celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is not forgotten. Being a small farming town, Kapangan celebrates the season humbly yet the gaiety is nonetheless exuberant. Kapangan, I have to proudly attest, makes it difficult for everyone who have experienced the warmth, to forget the place, the food, the glee, and to top it all the people.

       Setting up the event “Christmas Ed Kapangan” started two years ago in 2008 when the very first event was launched. It was with the aim to promote the place to people outside its bounds, and also to lure back those who have gone from the hometown to revisit Kapangan. As it is, the area is mostly unexplored and still unknown to most. The launching was a breakthrough. It was one of the best organized trek package I have gone to. It was also then a test for the newly formed Kapangan Environmental Guides Association. And proved their capacity they did.

       In 2009, the supposedly 2^nd annual activity was scrapped with the devastation brought about by super typhoons, destroying access routes and the morale of the people. In that one year though til today, Kapangan has rebuilt what was lost and proved ready to regain the gaiety and the glory lost to disasters.

       Christmas Ed Kapangan 2010 was relaunched and the activity pushed through last December 10 – 11, 2010. The itinerary to the activity was dotted with places and events, everything that has become part of every participants memorable yet differently spent pre Christmas celebration. For the first time guests of Kapangan, the thought of camping in the woods in a strange place seem daunting, yet it was not. It was exhilarating. The thought of eating foods the indigenous way seem out of the way, yet it was not. It was delicious and gratifying. The thought of trekking the backroads and the caves seemed far out, yet it was not. The pain and fatigue was worth it all. The thought of experiencing farm life and work is icky, yet it was not. It was an eye opener. The thought of a humbly spent “party” was boring, yet it was not. It was actually the opposite and so much more.

       The humble town proved more than that during the activity. They were not simply an unknown place with rural and ethnic lifestyles. The humble always has ways of surprising everyone. Mayor Roberto K. Canuto in his short welcome and opening talks always infects everybody with that smile, and we did see what he meant when he invited everybody to “feel at home” in Kapangan. The lawyer-turned-politician in is no way above anyone, he blended and mingled with everyone like any other Kapangan resident.

       The organizers of the event, lead by Councilor Manny E. Fermin were another set of come-ons by themselves. They were one of the friendliest broods a municipality could ever have. I give them my high ratings for hospitality and gratitude. I know everybody else would do the same.

       Not to forget, Kapangan is also a municipality of talented people. For each barangay they have a set of musicians. These groups are usually called “string bands”, four or more people holding each a string instrument from guitars to improvised one-string bass, and alls singers at that too. This is one place where I could almost compare their musical preference to the Southerners of America, the “hillbilly” music I call it. They also dance the square dance (barn dance). Of course on top of that is the usual traditional Benguet dances. Most variations of it, some of which were unknown to most until they presented it to us.

       Emceeing the campfire party was the good Councilor Manny himself and Erik Salvador for most. Salvador in 2008 won the title Mr. Philippines-World, giving glory again to the hometown. He now once in awhile plays parts in the entertainment business as well as acts as ambassadors to other events and places. Guest posing during the night is another kapngan denizen, Cesar Lokines who recently garnered titles in bodybulding such as Mr. Philippines and Mr. Asia – Pacific. A long list follows their footsteps or has gone ahead into the area of specialization ahead of them.

       Surprises there are a lot, so goes also the unexplored wealth and beauty of Kapangan. This Christmas they shared it to us and one big portion of their heart went with it. Until next Christmas comes calling again. Merry Christmas one and all.