Passionate Christmas decorator shares ‘tipid tip’ when putting up lights displays

Christmas is right around the corner, along with those irreplaceable moments of happiness to spend with family.

Of course, grand holiday displays and electricity consumed by twinkling lights aren't so "priceless," so it's best to be smart about your yearly Christmas decorating.

Manny Maño, for example, is known in their neighborhood for turning his home into a "Christmas house" in Pulilan, Bulacan.

The lights display has been a Maño family tradition since 2014, and he has no plans of breaking it amid hardships brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Na-COVID din ako," he said in an episode of GMA Public Affairs' "Dapat Alam Mo."

"Kaya sabi ko after a month of quarantine, magsimula na kayong … maglagay ng lights. [For] thanksgiving."

Nevertheless, Maño said he had been using low-voltage Christmas lights which he made sure to hook up to a transformer to save on electricity,

He also opens a portion of his lights display to the public, and only does so every other day.

Christmas is an especially personal time for many families in the Philippines.

The Esperanzas of Lucban, Quezon, for example, still made it a point to set up a lovely lights display this year, even if it's just outside their home.

"Pinaka-naging inspiration na lang po namin is 'yung mapasaya po 'yung mga taong nakakaita nito," JM Esperanza said.

"Pag nasa labas ka tapos may nakikita kang dadaan, matutuwa po sila, parang natutuwa na din po kami," he added.

"Very fulfilling po talaga, especially na we are the type of family po talaga na [who] really want to give back to the community." – Margaret Claire Layug/RC, GMA News