PAL RAINE

Growing up as an only child, I learned early on to find comfort and joy in my own company. For me, being alone wasn't something to avoid but something I cherished. It was a way to be fully myself—no interruptions, no adjustments, just a simple space where I could think, play, and dream.

As a kid, I was perfectly content to play by myself. I would create entire worlds out of my imagination, finding joy in the simplest things, from the texture of sand to the colors of a sunset. My cousin visits were a delightful exception. With them, the house buzzed with laughter and adventure, a welcome shift from my usual solitude. But after they left, I would return to that familiar space of quiet—happy in my little world, alone yet not feeling lonely.

Then, when I entered grade school, something shifted. I began to see people who didn’t seem entirely...normal. They appeared as casually as anyone else, yet something about them felt different. They seemed almost transparent, and sometimes they would vanish as quickly as they had appeared. As a child, I couldn’t fully grasp what I was seeing. Were these people real or something beyond human understanding?

I loved being around others, but as these “visits” continued, I found myself pulled back to solitude more often. In my own space, I didn’t have to question or wonder about who was “real.”

As I grew into adolescence, the reality of these experiences became clearer. I began to recognize that these figures were from another dimension, something outside the realm of the everyday. There were silhouettes of women, sometimes children, and with each passing year, I could see them with more detail. Some were beautiful, others frightening. Some were quiet, simply present, while others were aggressive, louder, and harder to ignore.

I kept it all to myself. I didn’t want to alarm anyone, didn’t want to disrupt the normal lives around me by revealing a world they couldn’t see. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, closing my eyes tightly, praying that the images would disappear, that the voices calling my name or the sounds breaking the silence would leave me in peace.

As I grew older, I hoped these sightings would fade, that whatever I was seeing would disappear with time. But that wasn’t the case. When I entered college, these experiences intensified, and what had once been a quiet presence became unsettlingly dominant. There were times when it felt as if they could control me, even enter my body, taking over who I was. In those moments, my voice would change, taking on tones I didn’t recognize, something I couldn’t control or explain, yet others could see it. The boundary between my reality and theirs grew thin, forcing me to confront a side of the world that few could understand.

When I got married and became a mother, those moments didn’t leave my life; they simply evolved. I discovered that my eldest daughter inherited the ability I once had—the capacity to see things beyond the tangible world. Sometimes she would excitedly tell me about things she saw, and while I reassured her it was just her imagination, a part of me wondered if she truly possessed the same gift. The thought lingered in the back of my mind that she, too, could see and hear things that transcended our reality.

Looking back, I often ponder those moments when I felt as if I were never truly alone. I would sometimes catch glimpses of myself playing with invisible friends, companions with whom I could share my innermost thoughts. Were they real, or merely figments of my imagination? To this day, I’m uncertain. Yet, perhaps they represented my yearning for connection, a means of companionship while preserving the sanctuary of my solitude.

As I matured, my appreciation for quiet moments remained. Many might equate solitude with loneliness, but for me, it embodies a unique happiness that is otherwise elusive. Embracing these moments allows me to navigate the space between worlds—the seen and the unseen, the ordinary and the extraordinary. This delicate balance has shaped my life, granting me the ability to find comfort in both solitude and connection, no matter where I am or who I’m with.

The holiday season is truly in full swing, and there’s nothing like an NCCC Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to kick it off. This year marks my third Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony for 2024 and another memorable experience with NCCC Mall VP. Since 2017, I’ve attended these magical events year after year, watching them grow in warmth, grandeur, and the magic of the season.

Each ceremony is unique, yet every one brings the same feeling of awe as the Christmas lights flicker to life. This year’s theme, Tales of Christmas, truly captured the magic of holiday stories and tradition. The centerpiece of the evening was a stunning 30-foot tree, adorned in glittering lights and festive decor, standing as a beautiful reminder of the joy this season brings.

With classic holiday tunes filling the air, the tree lit up, and the holiday spirit seemed to grow brighter in everyone’s eyes. The energy of the crowd was contagious; families, friends, and mall-goers of all ages gathered, all wrapped up in the magic of the moment. It’s these shared experiences that have made the NCCC Christmas Tree Lighting such a beloved part of my holiday season for so many years.

Davao Social Media, Content Creators, Influencers, Bloggers
with Sharlene Faye Lim, NCCC Malls President

This year, NCCC has gone all out with its Christmas displays. The iconic LED Talisay Tree, illuminated NCCCall VP facade, and glowing walkway lights make every corner of the mall feel like a piece of a holiday wonderland. Along with the magical displays, they’re rolling out Tales of Christmas Cheers, a holiday fanfare filled with festive activities running from November through December.

So, to all NCCC shoppers, I invite you to visit, explore, and experience the joy of the season at NCCC Mall VP. Come celebrate with family and friends, and take in all the wonder of the holidays right here in Davao. From the heartwarming tree lighting to holiday treats and activities, there’s something for everyone. Happy holidays, and may your Christmas season be filled with love, light, and laughter! 🎄✨

Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than witnessing the grand Santa’s Toy Wonderland at SM City Davao. This year, I had the pleasure of attending their Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and it felt like stepping into a magical world where toys come to life, spreading joy and cheer to everyone around.

As someone who loves the Christmas season, this was my second Christmas tree lighting ceremony this year, and I’m already excited for more to come!

The Wonderland Comes to Life

When I arrived at the Annex Event Center, the atmosphere was already buzzing with excitement. Families, children, and shoppers of all ages gathered, eagerly waiting for the main event. The towering 30-foot Christmas tree stood at the center, surrounded by larger-than-life toys—everything from dinosaurs, teddy reindeer, nutcrackers, to mini trains and robots. Each display was meticulously designed, bringing back the nostalgic wonder of Christmas mornings when toys felt magical.

As the lights dimmed and the countdown began, there was a collective gasp from the crowd. The moment the tree lit up, sparkling in all its glory, I couldn’t help but feel the warmth of the season wash over me. It was truly a sight to behold, and for a moment, it felt like the toys around the tree were alive, spreading happiness and cheer to all of us.

Fun and Festivities

The launch of Santa’s Toy Wonderland wasn’t just about the Christmas tree lighting. The event was packed with exciting performances that left everyone in awe. One of the highlights was seeing Kenneth San Jose, the talented celebrity and hip hop sensation, perform live! His energy lit up the room and added an extra layer of excitement to the evening.

We were also treated to heartwarming performances by Muzic’s Kool Divas and the graceful dancers from the LCB Performing Arts Center Foundation Company. Their holiday-themed performances were the perfect complement to the magical atmosphere, leaving everyone feeling festive and full of Christmas spirit.

Spreading Joy with Bears of Joy

One of the things that stood out to me during the event was the introduction of the adorable Bears of Joy. This year, SM Supermalls and SM Cares brought us a new huggable squad—Mika, Ash, Bree, and Ronnie—cute, oval-shaped plushies that are perfect as gifts for loved ones or even as a treat for yourself! For only P280, you get a pair of these bears, and the best part? You can spread the joy by donating one of them to a child in need. It’s a wonderful initiative that allows you to give back during the holiday season.

A Wonderland for Shoppers

Of course, the Christmas season is also a time for shopping and gift-giving, and SM City Davao didn’t disappoint. After the tree lighting ceremony, I took a stroll through the Merriest Christmas Bazaar located at the Covered Pathwalk. The bazaar was filled with unique gift ideas, perfect for potluck gatherings or for finding that special present for your loved ones. Local exhibitors like Dragonfruit King, Bartolome's Pasalubong Lokal, and Davao Bites offered a variety of products, from food to handcrafted items, making it a one-stop shop for holiday shopping.

A Magical Start to the Holiday Season

My experience at Santa’s Toy Wonderland at SM City Davao was nothing short of magical. From the dazzling tree lighting to the fantastic performances and the heartwarming initiatives like Bears of Joy, it truly felt like the holiday season was officially in full swing. This was my second Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and I’m already looking forward to attending more, as each one brings its own unique joy and excitement.

If you’re in Davao or nearby, I highly recommend visiting Santa’s Toy Wonderland at SM City Davao. Whether you’re with family, friends, or just looking to enjoy the holiday spirit, it’s a magical experience you won’t want to miss.

Until my next Christmas adventure, I’ll be cherishing the memories of this fun-filled, festive experience. 🎄✨