A Christmas tree lovely as a poem

Louie Gutierrez, Silverworks jeweler, has turned farmer-in-chief of Urban Farmers PH. One day during the pandemic, he just woke up and realized he could turn carats into carrots. He has not stopped planting since, converting idle land into sources of food for everyone. Neither has his wife, Maye, who brings edible food, literally, from farm to table.

Artist-sculptor Impy Pilapil has the unique distinction of making Christmas last all year round, through her art. Her sculptured trees are huge symbolic pillars in hotels that embrace them any time of the year. And homes that love her glass sculptured mini Christmas trees. The deeper meaning of Christmas is finely etched in her restless mind.

It takes balls for a woman to reign in a man’s territory. And for construction maven Alice Eduardo, this holds true, as her Christmas balls take a metaphorical turn. Her balls become bigger and brighter with every successful endeavor. She lays the foundation for towering structures that touch the sky—as well as projects that touch the heart.

Maritel Nievera has opened countless restaurants—Filipino, Spanish, Thai, Chinese and Japanese. But she ends up coming full circle—going back to her roots, espousing the return of the native. Even her Christmas tree must be very Filipino.

Not all travelers who wander are lost. Some, like Kaye Tinga, woman of style who is managing director and co-owner of W17—that bastion of style—are just busy picking up found objects along the way. These objects end up in her store. And in her Christmas tree.

So there, Mr. Kilmer. This is a season of the Christmas tree. And poetry.

Sen. Sonny and Tootsy Angara: A picture-pretty tree

Christmas is especially special this year because both our two older kids Manolo and Ines have been away at university, so it’s one sweet reunion for us. We have been counting the days until their arrival. Our tree is the same tree we’ve had for the past five years, but what we love about it now are these picture frames that a good friend gave us to hang in it.

Sen. Loren Legarda: The sustainable christmas tree

I made my own tree, using natural leaves from Dangwa, assembled by a talented local florist from Rizal with barangay folks. I asked them to make a base using bamboo and insert the fresh leaves.

I used achuete from my tree in the farm and I will plant the seeds after the holidays. I wanted a zero-waste, sustainable tree in my home, in my small farm, in my Senate office, even in the Senate lobby for everyone to appreciate and learn about sustainable living.

My Christmas wish: Peace on earth. No matter how trite it sounds. Peace in our minds, peace in the country.

Louie Gutierrez: Veggie little tree

I have always been fascinated by markets. I visit markets regularly to check out what crops are in season or find produce that I used to eat when I was a kid. When abroad, the palengke is always in my itinerary so I can sample local food. I want to celebrate my urban-farm passion with a veggie Christmas tree. My wish? For all unused land in the city to be converted into temporary farms so that no one gets hungry.

Maye Gutierrez: From farm to table, literally

During the pandemic, I created a table centerpiece made of vegetables as an attraction at our farm. One customer bought some veggies, and to my surprise, even the centerpiece, as she wanted to give it to her friend who was in isolation and depression due to COVID. It dawned on me that people wanted to give and receive healthy gifts that feed the body, mind and soul. So even after the pandemic, I still get orders for my Edible Blooms, which also make beautiful Christmas table centerpieces.

When the party is over, you can cook the vegetables as part of your Christmas feast.

Impy Pilapil: The essence of bubbles in a forest

Kelp Forest, a 10-ft. stainless-steel sculpture that was part of my Spira series, caught the eye of Ms. Betty Sy, owner of Conrad Hotel. For three consecutive years, I transformed this sculpture into a new, festive Yule tree adorning the lobby of Conrad Hotel.

The concept behind this piece was to capture the essence of spherical bubbles formed and released as kelp strands swayed with the ocean currents. I meticulously cut out iridescent, rainbow-colored disks that reflected on the mirrored stainless forms. The subtle movement of the rods brought the sculpture to life, and the finishing touch was the white “mist” created by the lighting designer, imparting a dreamy, heavenly feel to the entire lighting event.

In addition to the Kelp Forest tradition, I annually craft my “Eternal Christmas Tree.” These table pieces, made of glass, originated in the late ’80s when I created a few as gifts for my clients. The unexpected surge in demand allowed me in my own small way to support children who are enthusiastic to study, including fine arts students. Sometimes I wonder where they are today.

Christmas, for me, transcends the commercialized frenzy of gift giving and the festive coat we wrap the humorously charged judgment imposed by Santa on nice or naughty children. My Christmas wish is simple yet profound: for everyone to find time for themselves. Recently gifted with a book by Marcus Aurelius, I resonate with his wisdom: “Nowhere else is there quiet and freedom than retiring into your soul, particularly when you have thoughts that, upon reflection, bring immediate tranquility. And tranquility is nothing else but a good ordering of the mind.”

Maritel Nievera: The tree in my heart

I always like looking for decor for my restaurants in authentic and really native sources. And for this tree at home, I didn’t have to look far — just the bamboo branches from our garden. And the “ilalim ng tulay” (under the Quiapo bridge) for those charming little white lanterns, painstakingly handcrafted by local artisans. This tree captures what I feel is my patriotic duty: supporting what is ours, and putting more Filipino soul into our heart and home.

Alice Eduardo: The Christmas ball, the metaphor

Each Christmas season has a different story—but it is all rooted in the celebration of happiness, love, togetherness and family.

The circular shape of the Christmas balls reminds me of infinity and togetherness. The balls also symbolize happiness—when there are balls to play with, it reminds me that children and children-at-heart play happily together with their peers. The color red symbolizes love, and gold is prosperity. While the green of the tree itself is life.

When I look at my Christmas tree at home, I want it to exude happiness, love and hope. So I make sure that the lights of the tree are the brightest at home. It also represents warmth, clarity, and purity.

Kaye Tinga: The tree of found objects

Each year, the Christmas tree in our home is a tribute to the beautiful things we find throughout the year. Whenever I travel and see something interesting, fun, or unique, I always keep it in mind for our holiday decor. One year it might be colorful peacock feathers, another year glittering crystal icicles. These help become the basis of our family Christmas tree, bringing us together to reminisce on fond memories we’ve shared throughout the years.