The Christmas House in Dumaguete

Dr. Rico Absin, the master of Christmas decorations

We are all used to Christmas decorations before Christmas, right? But at this house in Dumaguete, they take the Christmas decorations to the extreme. I have never seen anything like it, except maybe on movies. This house is just 5-10 minutes walk from the Silliman University and the entrance fee is 25 PHP / person.

The house itself is outlined by many thousands of tiny bulbs giving it a fairytale-like quality.

The balcony was crowded with selfie photographers.

​A passion for art and decoration

​This is the Dr. Rico Absin’s house, a former anesthesiologist in his late 50s. He has created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration. This is actually his private residence and it’s well known as the Christmas House in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental. ​​In December his house will be the brightest and merriest, illuminating the quaint old house which he has dwelled in most of his life and in which he now occupies alone after inheriting it from his parents.

The fairy tale castle was popular for those who wanted to take pictures.

Dr. Rico Absin's Christmas house.

Even in the Philippines they have reindeers.

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A little bit surreal

​For me it’s a little bit surreal to see all this and it raises some questions. Who is Dr. Absin? And why is he doing this year after year. Inside the big house which of course was full of Christmas decorations in every room and corner, there were also many personal things which like proved that someone actually was living there. For example there were lot’s of old photos from different episodes of his life, from his younger days until now.

There were many personal photos from his past life.

Dr. Absin’s house was filled with things that he had collected over the years.

In every corner of the house there were Christmas decorations.

Even in the ceiling there were personal things as well as decorations.

For a good cause

​It has become an annual custom for this Doctor to share his blessings during the season to some 300 less fortunate children in the city which he throws a party for their benefit. He never forgets to wrap up gifts to be given away and makes sure that not one child leaves without getting any. Also a member of the City Tourism Council, Dr. Absin holds benefits and fund raisers for this particular cause.

Bring joy to the children

​Asked why he had pursued this hobby, Dr. Absin quickly answers that it “gives me great satisfaction to see all the happy people’s faces when they come and I also feel good knowing that I bring joy to the children and the people of Dumaguete”. 

The garden outside the house was filled with visitors.

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