The whistling of the bumbong, the twinkling lights, and the carols of Jose Mari Chan playing in every mall—Christmas casts a spell like no other. For some of us, it’s more than just a season; it’s a feeling woven into the fabric of our being.
Growing up, Christmas held a special magic. Resources were tight, but our spirits were rich. One cherished memory was waking up at 4 AM to light up our humble Christmas tree and tuning the radio to 90.7 for two glorious hours of uninterrupted Christmas carols—a true luxury in the days before CDs, iPods, and streaming services. I’d lie on the sofa, gazing at the tree’s soft glow, the chill air a delightful contrast to the warmth spreading through me. Sometimes, I’d go out to buy seasonal delicacies—puto bumbong, bibingka, or warm pandesal. It was pure bliss.
Even now, 25 years later, the magic of Christmas music still works. It’s my go-to remedy for creative slumps, a source of inspiration even in the heat of summer. But it’s not about chasing fleeting happiness. These carols are a call to action, a reminder that the joy of Christmas reflects the effort we put in. Each year, I strive to make Christmas better than the last, and those familiar melodies fuel my determination.
Come September, the planning begins—gifts, decorations, schedules—every detail meticulously considered. It’s a labor of love, a testament to my fondness of the season. I felt financially prepared for the season, but life had other plans.
My wife fell ill, struck by a sudden vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. Her GERD was aggravated by the endless rounds of Christmas parties and dinners. Dehydrated, she needed immediate care, and our doctor advised a trip to the hospital.
Thankfully, I had set aside some holiday savings that I can use. Yet, in the back of my mind, I wondered, “Paano na ang Christmas ganaps?” To pass the time in the hospital’s emergency section, I did what anyone might do—mindlessly scrolling on Facebook. Then someone caught my eye—Liza Soberano. I remembered Maya and their Easy Credit service—a flexible line of credit designed for just such emergencies. It felt like a solution to save my Christmas plans.
I didn’t realize how easy it was to apply for Maya Easy Credit. Just open the Maya app, find the Credit dashboard, and tap “Apply Now.” Within seconds, I was approved and immediately saw my credit limit and service fee. Fortunately, I had upgraded and verified my account years before, which made the process even smoother.
I settled the hospital bill via the app and get to settle it in 30 days to ease the load. That extra financial cushion allowed me to focus on what truly mattered: my wife’s recovery and spending Christmas together.
Life throws unexpected curveballs. One moment, you’re caught up in the whirlwind of Christmas preparations, and the next, you’re in a hospital room wondering if you’ll even put up a Christmas tree this year. But that’s the essence of Christmas, isn’t it? It’s not about picture-perfect celebrations or Instagram-worthy moments. It’s about resilience in the face of challenges and finding help in unexpected ways.
This year, our Christmas might look a little different. Maybe there will be fewer presents under the tree, or the decorations might be a bit simpler. But perhaps this quieter, more reflective Christmas will be the most magical one yet. After all, sometimes the best gifts come in the most unexpected packages—or apps.
