An unidentified store owner is caught in the act of retouching, cleaning the garb of Santa Claus on display at the front of her store selling assorted Christmas decors along Forbes Ave., Manila.

Unknown to her, CNS roving photo journalist Mike Taboy took the shot of a lifetime and framed her as if begging Santa in this manner: “Can you come with me please Santa?” And Santa says: “Ssshhh, quiet. It’s not yet time. We have 18 more days before X’mas.”

Wiki says Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved children on the night of Christmas Eve (24 December) or during the early morning hours of Christmas Day (25 December).

(Mike Taboy/BENJIE CUARESMA/IAMIGO.CNS)