Christmas celebrations in Sawa (Basay) Western Samar

I spent an amazing day celebrating Christmas through music and dance with the people of the rural Barangay Sawa (Basay) in Western Samar. There was no power owing to Typhoon Ruby sweeping through the area less than a week earlier.

The kids in the next house heard us singing.

Mel and Rejane in Basay, Western Samar

The skin of water buffalo tastes better than it looks.

Mingling with the locals

Singing Christmas Carols with the kids.

The little boy in purple shirt was so cute.

The kids of Sawa were so beautiful

Thanking the people of Sawa for their hospitality.

The dance off …

The locals love this delicacy but for me it felt like I was eating candles.

I still don’t know what this is, but it is one of the best things I have ever eaten.

The ladies cooking in between pouring rain.

Rejane welcomes the community of Sawa, Basay.

Rain interspersed with searing heat

Even the kids sat separately

All the women sat together.

The kids joined in the singing.

After asking a million questions they begged for a photo.

These two boys followed me everywhere

Sawa school grounds.

All the men sat together.

I loved those kids.

National Council of Churches of the Philippines (NCCP) Christmas concert in Sawa, Basay (Western Samar) 

Merry Christmas from the kids of Sawa (Basay, Western Samar)