New Years and Christmas in Makati

Another year here, and once again still loving it.

Christmas is a different place here, many people leave the city and head home to their Province (State) and this makes the air quality rise dramaticly, I can see the mountains from my appartment once again.

My family had a quiet xmas eve, other than the karaoke and the fireworks outside, We opened some presents then went to sleep, in the morning we had a small meal then went out with some other expat families and single guys to have a xmas day lunch. This was fantastic to see all those people, we dont get to see very often. I had a lot to drink and was very merry..

New years was arriving then so it was my duty to organise the fireworks for all the guys at a bar we go to normally. I went out to Bacoue in Bicutan to buy all the fireworks.

Fireworks are still legal here in the Philippines, Many accidents still happen here lots of drinks and a lack of common sense help. They have lowered the incidents but it still occurs. The other problem is not fireworks but guns. Lots of people will fire guns off on new years, these people dont realise that what goes up must come down. And anything in its way will be injured by the bullets.

New Years eve came up and we went out for some food and drink at a friends then we all went to the Bar to enjoy the night. At 9:30 we pulled out the sparklers and handed them out around the bar, it is nice to have everyone enjoy the night not just the few that paid for it. Then at 10 we pulled out the Picolo, these are fun and pretty safe, you throw them on the floor and they explode with a little bang. not big enough to hurt. Next were the Lucies these you light and a stream of sparks come out one end, these are a little more dangerous, dont point then at people or wave them about too much as if you hit someone they will hurt. We made sure all the kids had some and were being careful..

At 11:00 Pm we broke out the 200 Round Box, It is a single box of fireworks which fire up into the sky and explode, These dont go to high about 20 to 30 Floors up then explode so perfect for the street were were in. Then from then onwards it was a constant barrage of fireworks for over an hour. We finished the night off with a 300 Round barrage.. It was fantastic.. We were a little worried at the start about this one but it went off with out any problems..

The Philippines is a fantastic place to spend New Years, with or without friends, you will make them during the night, We started with about 30 People the end of the night was over 75 People.. New friends are always welcome..

To all those who enjoyed the night with me, we will be doing the same next year if fireworks are not banned by then.. It is bound to happen one year..

Those outside trying to decide when to spend time in the Philippines the New Year is a good time to do it. And just turn up, with or without an invitation you are welcome. Families also, The beer may flow but we do look after the kids also and make sure they have an enjoyable safe night.

Happy New Year all, and have great year in 2010..