It is in the month of December that this small city in Misamis Occidental lightens up the country as everyone celebrates the Holiday season. As the Christmas Symbols capital of the Philippines, Tangub is not known by this title for nothing.
stilt houses in Ozamiz City
Last December 2008, from Cagayan de Oro City, the trip took me about 4 hours to reach my destination: Cagayan de Oro-Iligan City (2hrs); Iligan-Kolambugan, Lanao Norte(1hr); Mukas sea port(via ferry)-Ozamiz City(20mins); Ozamiz City-Tangub City(30mins).
It was sunset when I arrived at the place. After settling my things at the hotel, I immediately walked my way to the Plaza to look for a place to dine. Borne with a laid back, simplistic aura, the city with a total land area of 16,572 ha., neither besieged itself with fancy restaurants nor any elaborate establishments. In fact, when it is not Christmas, the town in its normal self is just like other places in the countryside, serene and simple.
It was 6 o’clock in the evening. Not much tourists yet. And so I had the opportunity to eat in a quiet open place. With 3 pork barbeques I ordered from the stall, my stomach says I am good for 2 hours. Then started my tour of the plaza filled with colorful and bright Christmas decorations.
And as night time fell, the Plaza was packed with local and foreign tourists. It has been quite some time that the government initiated this Christmas décor competition which gives bustle to the community. The festivity usually culminates on Christmas Eve, where they judge and announce the winners. Added fun for the kids and even for adults is the mini train which they use to tour the passengers around the Plaza where the giant decors are set up.
Which one is the brightest? Which one is the most unique? Which one is the festive looking? These are few of the criteria that the judges pose when they individually inspect the Giant symbols made by the Tangub community.
It definitely is a tough job for the judges; even spectators find it difficult to choo
se the best among the 
best. But what I liked about it is the story behind the decorations; the effort made by the people, who didn’t mind about the prize…erm, too much. I see that the the drive to harmoniously build this beautification is not based on the prize of the competition, but on the sharing of ideas and skills, the camaraderie and the strong bond developed through this community-activity on a Yuletide season.
Indeed, the tour I did that night gave me a wonderful Christmas feeling. It also gave me the feel of eating another round after my 2-hour tour. This time, its chicken ala carte!
