Having just transferred to their new house in Southvale, Nathaniel Pajela and his wife Fely (nee Paz) told interior designer Luis "Cocoy" Cordoba they wanted a brand-new Christmas ambience in which the ornaments were equally new.

Thus, did their children, Justine Joy, Kate Luer, Mary Seres, and Maria Stelle smile approvingly when they first beheld the spectacle that Cocoy created for their young family.

What the family could not discard, though, were the traditions they have practiced through the years especially the customary Noche Buena celebration attended by both sides of the family. As in the past, they feasted on delectable food and drinks, which was followed by gift-giving with every family member received something special and precious.

To spread the joy of the season, Nathaniel and Fely yearly engage in an outreach program at the Bucana Elementary School in Nasugbu, Batangas, where Nathaniel studied. "It is one of the ways we give back to the Almighty for the blessings we continuously received," Nathaniel said.

On Cocoy's part, he explained, "I simply wanted to create a very colorful, extremely lighted, and bright Christmas feel."

This was in keeping with the desire of the lady of the house, Fely, to have something colorful and modern, and nothing Filipiniana. "She also preferred not to have a 'belen' or manger, which I respected."

"I follow what clients ask for; I am very confident at the same time flexible when it comes to designing.  After all, at the end of day, and I see my clients sport a wide smile after I have finished my work, that makes my day! A happy client is always the best gift I receive for Christmas."