Gina (left) and daughter Racquel Pareño
“This year, the colors of our Christmas tree at home are green, gold and silver–for prosperity! I decorated the tree with the help of my grandchildren. On Christmas Eve, the entire family gathers at my place. With my two kids Racquel and Michael and five grandchildren, I attend the midnight Mass. Then, we have Noche Buena and open our gifts. We serve different dishes every year, depending on what we agree on. But ham and queso de bola are always on the table, along with white wine, of course. On New Year’s Eve, we drive up to Tagaytay City, where it’s cool and quiet and not as smoky because of the fireworks. We celebrate the holidays simply. For as long as we’re all together, we’re happy.” Bayani San Diego Jr.