Once upon a time, there were four little children, two boys and two girls. Every Christmas time, they make musical instruments out of softdrink caps (tansan) that they patiently flatten, poke a hole in the center and arrange in a loop wire. Sometimes, if resources permit, they use block of woods where to nail the flattened caps.
Written in the instruments were the acronym: ARBOMACA group, and etched in their faces were the excitement of a newly-formed caroling group. As dusks came, they start to roam around Purok Bukang Liwayway streets reaching as far as Purok Masagana and Saranay, knocking at every houses, singing their hearts out. They were oblivious of the crazy dogs howling at them and the irritated house owners. All they wanted was to share the spirit of christmas through the christmas songs they memorized earlier, of course, in exchange of meager coins that they fairly share with each other.
They were a fun bunch of carolers, planning the sequence of the song they sing, cheerfully singing even out of tones. They were also creative. Why, where can you find kids-carolers who light up sparklers and triangle firecrackers after every set of songs? That to the delight of the house owners giving them more than they expect.
One time, when they passed by the police station, they thought to themselves, "Hmm, even tough men like police, enjoys christmas carols". So they tried their luck, and then little cheerful voices filled the air. The police might have pleased with the short entertainment that he gave them a crisp bill of P20.00. Fifteen years ago, that was already a big amount.
Fifteen years later, the caroling group has long been disbanded. The four little children parted ways living their own lives, some already started a family and raising kids of their own. But the memories remain. The flattened tansan, the sparklers, the silent nights they filled with their voices, the delighted policeman, the barking dogs...
Fifteen years later, here they are: the ARBOMACA Group!
And this is their Christmas story.
