They all braved the merciless Christmas-season, Friday rush hour traffic. The common destination was the Manila Metropolitan Theater in the heart of the Philippine capital. And there were reasons why.

Some wished to be awed by the collaboration between Philippine National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, the artistic consultant of the eponymous Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, and Philippine  National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. Some loyal fans were looking forward to sit through the immortal holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, but this time with high expectations through an all-Filipino Christmas ballet. Several groups were curious to witness how Christmas traditions and well-loved fiestas would seamlessly blend well. And so, family and friends, classmates and colleagues, and other guests got to watch all these and more in Puso ng Pasko.

The presentation of ARDP, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the CCP Professional Artist Support Program captured the true spirit of the well-known, several-months-long Paskong Pinoy through the story of New Jersey resident Lolo Val, who shares his adventures with his barkada of the past Yuletide seasons, with vivid recollection and a little nostalgia to denote experiences he still yearns for. Young granddaughter Angelita, who has never been to the Philippines, intently tunes in, now with fervent hopes to visit the country.