The series of activities were all attended by the officers, enlisted personnel, dependents and civilian employees which were personally graced by their commander, Major General Arthur I. Tabaquero who always act as father of the stormtroopers.
The “Ceremonial Switching” of Christmas lights in the command building last December 1 signaled the start of long Christmas celebration inside camp. The twinkling of lights especially at night coupled with cold breeze of the air adds more excitement to the people that Christmas is really fast approaching.
Some activities include the Catholic’s traditional “Misa de Gallo”, Day Care’s Christmas party, morning serenade, medical and dental assistance, media Christmas fellowhip, decentralized and centralized command Christmas party, gift giving, and of course Noche Buena.
It was highlighted by various children’s magic show, fun games, sports competition, carols, lantern making contest and fellowship sharing of foods.
In the line units, although they are in the frontlines confronting the terrorist who might wreak havoc in different areas especially during this yuletide season, they never forgot to celebrate the date that reminds us how faithful our God is for sending his only begotten son to wash away our sins. Simple soiree with their men and dependents joined with gift-giving were initiated by different commanders.
Christmas of team 8ID may be different to other people because most of its personnel usually celebrate Christmas with out their families. Only few soldiers live with their family inside camp that can enjoy the spirit of Christmas together. Almost all soldiers endure the taught of living away from their family for the sake of people to live in prosperity and peaceful as they celebrate Christmas.
In his message, Major General Tabaquero said to his soldiers to share the brotherhood of men because they belong to one big family in the Army. Helping, caring, and working for each other, were also emphasized by General Tabaquero in order to do the heavy tasks on their shoulders as protectors of our country and our people.
“Christmas should not only be celebrated every end of the year. We must always carry the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts and in our minds because Christmas is a way of life that upholds love, forgiveness, charity and humility in every time of the year and in every opportunity that is given us by the One who gave Christmas in our lives”, he added.
With the culmination of the series of activities, the stromtroopers had their decentralized Christmas party in the mid-day of December 19, clustering different offices and post units within the different areas inside camp. Major General Tabaquero managed to visit each cluster to at least personally greet and convey his personal message to each member of his division including the dependents and civilian employees.
Meanwhile, a centralized get-together Christmas fellowship was also conducted at 8ID covered court in the evening of December 19 as a one big happy family of stormtroopers.
With this celebration, the 8ID family celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior with its real meaning of love, charity and sharing which they believe (Stormtrooper) that they will receive the goodness of God in the next year to come more than the blessings they received in this present year.
