BAGUIO CITY - Gaye Vergara, a Baguio native and medical technologist working in the United States, has found a unique way to share holiday cheer by creating a Christmas village diorama. Vergara, who has been collecting Christmas houses since 1996, decided to bring her collection to life during the pandemic to cope with the loneliness of spending holidays alone.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Christmas diorama, inspired by Filipino Christmas traditions, became a companion during her isolated celebrations in the U.S. Unable to share her creation physically due to pandemic restrictions, she turned to social media to spread the joy. Her videos of the dioramas gained positive responses, encouraging her to continue the project in 2021. Realizing the happiness it brought to others, Vergara decided to ship her collection to the Philippines and set it up at her parents' house in Baguio City. In December 2022, the diorama was displayed publicly at the 237 Avenue Building along Bonifacio Street, near major universities and academic institutions in Baguio. Opened on November 4 by Vergara and her family, the display is free for the public to enjoy.
The dioramas, crafted over three months, feature various scenes including an old colonial town and an interactive display with moving elements. Vergara, having spent the majority of her holidays abroad since moving to the U.S. in 1996, shared that while Christmas in the U.S. is enjoyable, celebrating it with family in the Philippines brings a different level of happiness. Her creation not only showcases her artistic talent but also embodies the spirit of sharing joy during challenging times.