Dreaming of traveling to Dubai’s Miracle Garden to witness endless blooms in record-breaking arrangements that create a sense of wonder, magic, and delight, whilst heart-shaped floral arches birth a beautifully romantic atmosphere of serenity?
 
This dream comes to life as the local government unit (LGU) of Calasiao makes history and brings this destination closer to locals and visitors with the opening and lighting of its Christmas village on Monday located in its plaza right in front of its municipal hall.
 
This Christmas village is a special gift of Mayor Mamilyn Agustin-Caramat to everyone as a way of giving back to the people for their support and love, and to help the puto (rice cake) producers and vendors to earn as their livelihood were affected by the global pandemic.
 
The town is known for its mouthwatering puto, which is one of the most in-demand “pasalubong” by those visiting Pangasinan.
 
The rice cake has been considered Calasiao’s “white gold” and an economic driver in the province. 
 
Mayor Caramat said, “Pagkatapos ng pinagdaanan nating pandemya, this Christmas village was conceptualized to uplift the morale of everyone – young and old alike. We have chosen Miracle Garden as our theme because as we all know a garden with flowers in bloom can brighten up our mood.”
 
“Ang atin pong Christmas display ay pinagsumikapan nating maging makulay at makinang for this is the kind of Christmas I wish everyone to have. Isang masaya, makulay at talagang nagniningning na Pasko kasama ang inyong mga pamilya, kaibigan at mga mahal sa buhay,” she said.
 
The Couple Minds Events Studios was commissioned to transform the plaza into the most extensive Christmas garden setup for the people to feel the season of Christmas in a new different level of excitement.

The Christmas village is open to all from 7a.m. to 10p.m. daily for free until February 14, 2023.
 
Just don’t forget to bring your vaccination card.
 
For those who are not yet vaccinated, a vaccination booth is placed at the entrance.
 
A maximum of 200 guests will be accommodated for 15 to 20 minutes to see the Christmas village and to give chance to others who are waiting for their turn to enter the area.
 
Smoking and vaping as well as littering are prohibited in the Christmas village.
 
Food and drinks inside the Christmas village are also not permitted, including bringing of pets.
 
Children aged 12 years old and below will not be allowed to enter without a parent/guardian accompanying them.
 
“Isa lamang po ang ating hiling ‘pag kayo ay bibisita, sana pahalagahan at ingatan natin ang ating Christmas village,” Caramat said, adding that in the midst of the celebration, let us not forget to reflect on the season and to remember that Jesus is the one true reason for our festivity.
 
She said, “Sana huwag lang tayong magfocus sa mga sparkling, glittering, shimmering Christmas decors; instead, let us reflect on the meaning of the nativity when Christ was born.”
 
For indeed, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the Savior who came to redeem all mankind. (JCR/AMB/PIA Pangasinan)