MERRY CHRISTMAS!

As the world celebrates Christmas Day tomorrow, Documented Features greets all readers of Zamboanga Today a happy Christmas.

I wish the best and the merriest for all my friends and colleagues in Zamboanga Today--Miracel Calvo, Rachel Elumbra, Eugene Lasprilla, Monch Follosco, Hader Glang, Nonong Santiago, Mila Arieta, Romil Arieta, Cecil Abuy, Bro. Rafael 'Boy' Santos, Cez Abuy, Rolly San Juan, Jonas Vegas, and of course, Arsenio 'Rawhide' Nuevo.

May Christmas carols and good tidings fill the homes of my friends in Daily Zamboanga Times--Roy Ramos, Rey Rebollos, Noning Antonio, Jemuel Mojica, Dan Toribio. Dante Corteza, Jimmy Villaflores, my mentor Bob Jaldon, the president of the Zamboanga Columnists Club Betty Elago, and the sweet Divine Reyes.

I extend warm Christmas greetings and thanks to Rebecca Thompson (gracias, Rebecca!) and Karen Schinnerer of the US Embassy Information Office, Jeng Crudo of DOLE, Nikki Meru and Marlon Libot of USAID-GEM, Joy Wee of TESDA, Vilmar Marquez and Carousel Concepcion of the Mein College Language Center, Dolly Galvan of Zamboanga City Water District, Dreama Tolosa, Michelle Baird, and Tess Magtangob of the USAID-EcoGov.

Felices Pascua y Prospero Año Nuevo to friends in media--Gerry Lacastesantos, Vic Larato, Sheila Covarrubias, Bong Garcia, Malu Cadeliña-Manar, Carol Arguillas, Amy Cabusao, Liza Jocson, Dave Santos, Julie Alipala, JV Francisco, Darwin Wee, Al Jacinto, Tess Fernandez, Joemeleth TaboTabo, Jun Feliciano, Bernie Concepcion, Edgar and Analy Soberano, Lulu Gerolaga, Soring and all staff of ABS-CBN, RJ Rosalado, Leila Vicente, Jewel, Queenie Casimiro, Vic Alvarez, Joey Bautista, Negra, Jordan, and Roel Pareño.

Malipayong Pasko sa mga barkada sa Pecojon Buang Club--Froilan Gallardo, Richel Umel, Dennis Jay Santos, Ryan Rosauro, Therence Koh, Charlie Saceda, Rommel Rebolido, Bhong Simbajon, Peter Bergado, Jay Mallaga, Len Manriquez, Antonia Koop, and our dear trainer who probably got psychologically sick because of our nutty ideas, Matthias Witzel.

Merry Christmas to all friends in Kiwanis, in Tzu Chi, the Zamboanga Press Club, the Defense Press Corps, the Zamboanga Columnists Club, PECOJON, and the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines.

Of course, I won't forget to say Merry Christmas to Ditos Lobregat-Balaguer, Tessie Sebastian, Eddie Cheong, Mike Saavedra, Ryan Sta. Maria, Congresswoman Beng Climaco, Congressman Erbie Fabian (thanks for tugging a smile on my gloomy Sunday afternoon), friends in the City Council--Nonong Guingona, Rudy Lim, Sir Aman and Maam Lilia Nuño, Mel Sadain, Luis 'Noning' Biel, Charlie Mariano, and Gerky Valesco. Merry Christmas, Mayor Celso Lobregat and Vice-Mayor Mannix Dalipe.

Joyeux Noel as well to General Alex Yano, Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, Col. Bill Coultrup, Philippine Marine Lt. Col. Melvin Ordiales, Lt. Col. Joe Allegretti,Lt. Col. Antonio 'Jun' Torres, Maj. Brian Kaiser, Cpt. Michelle Pascua-Gordon, Seman Shan, Sgt. Angel Moure, Sgt. Matt Dunne, CPO Rich Parkllan, PO Lanae Galang, Cmdr. Len Schilling, Maj. Brad Wallace, and the rest of JSOTFP in Camp Navarro.

To everyone in Mein College--wow that was such a great party I attended last Saturday. You guys really got bonding--the academic community is more than family to each other!

Para con el editor de Ares Prensa, de Bogota en Colombia, felices pascuas, Nestor Diaz Videla. Esperare por tu llegada en Islas de Filipinas, particularmente aqui en Zamboanga--verdad Ciudad Latina en Asia. Ojala, la investigacion por causa de lenguaje Chavacano de Zamboanga (que diferente contra con el Chavacano de Ternate) hay guinda con la colaboracion mutua delos dos paises (Colombia y Filipinas).
And to everyone else, readers, subscribers, and advertisers of the region's most widely-read community newspaper, have a happy Christmas! (Frencie L. Carreon)

(Documented Features is the feature section of Zamboanga Today. Contributions and reactions may be sent to editor.zambotoday@gmail.com.)