BAGUIO CITY – The city government has stepped up preparations for the “Christmas in Baguio” celebration to be launched on Dec. 1.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan said preparations began with the makeover of the city’s main thoroughfare and buildings to set the tone for the holiday merrymaking.
As in the past years, colorful treats are being lined up for the Christmas in Baguio calendar of events for the enjoyment of both the residents and the tourists who will spend the holidays in this highland city.
A spectacle of lights and colors will usher in the celebration on Dec. 1 via the ceremonial lighting of the giant Christmas tree and the lantern parade which has turned into a crowd-drawing event over the past years.
Councilor Elmer Datuin, action officer of the preparations said that in the morning, Silahis ng Pasko activities will open with a children-parents mardigras at 8 a.m. along Session Road featuring children from the various day care centers clad in their colorful Christmas costumes.
This will be followed by the Silahis ng Pasko grand opening program and ceremonies at 9 a.m. at the Melvin Jones grandstand to be graced by Domogan and Rep. Nicasio Aliping Jr.
At 2 p.m. the Miss and Mr. Little Silahis ng Pasko 2014 will be staged at the Malcolm Square featuring the awards ceremonies, children’s “kultora-o-rama,” and dancefest.
The launching program proper is expected to begin at 3 p.m. at the giant Christmas Tree site at Session Road.
Among the activities lined up are:
Dec. 5 – Share-A-Joy Baguio and Palaro and Raffle for Gift Items, 9 a.m., Camp John Hay Bell Ampitheater;
Dec. 6 – PMA Cadets Day at the Park Silent Drill Exhibition, 10 a.m. Burnham Park and the PMA Band Concert Christmas Village launching program and concert, 2:30 p.m. Malcolm Square; Christmas Village launching program and concert, 3 p.m. at the Rose Garden;
Dec. 5-6 – Quest for the Baguio Lucky Christmas Family;
Dec. 8 – Immaculate Conception Day Holy Mass, 9a.m. at the Shrine of the Brown Madonna Km 7 Asin Road, Sitio Pacac, Tadiangnan, Tuba, Benguet;
Dec. 11 – UP Pasiklaban, Torach Parade and Oblation Run, 5:30 p.m. UP Baguio;
Dec. 12 – Special Day for Special People, 6:30 a.m. Malcolm Square; Children’s Palaro, 8:30 a.m. Malcolm Square;
Dec. 14 – Kafagway Sportsfest, 8 a.m. Baguio City National High School dancing and singing Christmas Tree 2 p.m., Malcolm Square;
Dec. 15-16 – Christmas Cantata, 6p.m. University of Baguio;
Dec. 16-24 – Misa De Gallo, 5 a.m. Baguio Convention Center and various churches;
Dec. 25 – Quest for Baguio Lucky Christmas Baby and Santa Claus on the Road;
Dec. 27 – Baguio Lucky Balikbayan and CAR Sportsmen Day (Baguio Pinikpikan Festival);
Jan. 1—Quest for Lucky New Year Baby;
Jan. 24 – 29th Annual Kafagway Sports Award Program./A Refuerzo
