Christmas is not the same for everyone.

For victims of calamities and disasters In Bacolod City, a meal on Christmas Eve out on the cold street was already something to be thankful for.

Several of them shared food given by a good samaritan, including spaghetti and rice noodles, and toys for children. 

Marites said they simply did not the money to spend even to rebuild their home.

Marites and several others who ended up in the street are among those who lost their homes in Barangay 39 to Typhoon Tino in November 2025.

In Bacolod City, over 300 families were evacuated while over 11,000 others in Negros Island Region (NIR) were displaced following the wrath of Tino and the effects of supertyphoon Uwan that followed, according to the Office of Civil Defense NIR.

Another resident, Evelyn, also found refuge on the street where she spent Christmas Eve with her family. 

“Ang hirap talaga ng buhay. Kung may magbibigay sa amin, mabuti naman, salamat. Nami-miss ko na si Mama… first time na December na hindi ko kasama ang ina ko,” she said.

Like Marites and Evelyn, survivors of a fire that struck Barangay Dos also settled for a humble meal on Christmas Eve.

Their Noche Buena consisted of fish, noodles, and rice.

Aiza, a survivor, hopes to return to a home by New Year.

“Makabalik sana sa aming bahay para sa New Year, doon na kami,” she said.

Another survivor, Annabelle, shared the sentiment but said it is important for them to accept their fate and be thankful they are still together.

“Tanggapin natin kasi ito ang nangyari sa atin. Magkakasama kami rito. Sana makabalik kami sa aming tirahan,” she said.

The fate of Annabelle and those of other survivors has, more than ever, emphasized the value of community.

Renz, whose family has had more than enough to share for Noche Buena, made sure they remembered their neighbors as they welcomed Christmas Day.

“Dapat huwag natin silang kalimutan kasi kapwa-tao natin sila. Huwag kalimutan kung ano man ang mayroon tayo ngayon,” he said.

With the gift of generosity, the hope for a brighter tomorrow filled the spirit of survivors, at least, even on Christmas.