By: Victor Batongbakal
A family taking a picture under the replica of Eiffel tower located at the corner of Cotaco family's garden. Photo by Julienne Therese Fuentes
Shining, shimmering, splendid!
With its vibrant Christmas decorations, Santa Claus can easily spot from above and will not leave the hanging stockings empty on Kalye Paskuhan.
Started with simple lights to feel the spirit of Christmas in the year 2000, the Cotaco family continues the tradition of opening their home to the public as they wanted to live on the legacy of their late father, Ding Cotaco, who died last year.
As you walk by the Christmas village, you will see a mural of their father dressed up in a Santa Claus costume that depicts the main motivation of the family why they came up with this idea – to put a smile on people's faces, especially children.
After they lost the head of their family, the youngest son, Andrew Cotaco, has taken the place of his father in organizing the annual Christmas tradition.
From Andrew Cotaco's Facebook post
"Masaya ako dahil pinagpapatuloy ko 'yung legacy ng dad ko na nakakapagpasaya ng maraming tao taon-taon," he told Kalasag.
It took two to three weeks for them to put everything in place before they opened it for public viewing. Knowing the electrical hazards lie in using tons of Christmas lights, they hired electricians to help them who also act as standby during the whole session to ensure that everyone in the area is safe.
Upon entering, you will see varieties of Santa Claus channeling different scenarios around the garden — holding a bell alongside snowmen, coming out of the window carrying a bag of gifts, dancing Santa, posing with nutcrackers and gingerbread men, and one separate miniature village full of Santa Claus.
"Natutuwa 'yung mga bata, sumasaya sila kaya every year pumupunta talaga kami rito," said one of the visitors.
Among the decorations, the people's favorite spots for taking pictures are the replica of the Eiffel tower and the Instagram-worthy light dome with Santa Claus riding on a carousel at the center inside of it.
Photo from Andrew Cotaco's Facebook post
They also put up Belen to remind everyone about the real essence of Christmas.
According to the caretaker of the house, they lose count of the total number of Christmas decorations since every year they make an effort to bring something new to the public.
If your stomach crumbles after picture-taking with your family or friends, there are plenty of foods to choose from near the venue.
The Kalye Paskuhan, or “ilaw-ilaw” as known by some Bocaueños, is located at Bagumbayan in Bocaue, Bulacan and welcomes everyone from November 11 this year up until January 1 next year, publicly open from 6 pm to 9 pm.
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Tags: Kalye Paskuhan, Bocaue, Bulacan, Cotaco Family, Andrew Cotaco
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