Christmas in Baguio
VOL. XVIII, NO. 6(Nov. 15-21)
BAGUIO CITY – December holidays in Baguio are expected to be exciting and activity-laden with a touch of compassion, starting on Dec. 1 with a children-parent-teacher mardigras parade in their Christmas themed costumes and accessories after which a grand lighting ceremony and opening program follows in the evening.
In a meeting last Thursday, Councilor Elmer Datuin head of the tourism and special events committee together with the concerned agencies looked over the holiday schedule.
With former Councilor Narciso Padilla and City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) Betty Fangasan, Silahis ng Pasko activities were made known.
At 2PM of Dec. 1 just before the Christmas tree lighting activity, a childrens’ award ceremony “Putongan” for Little Mr and Miss Silahis ng Pasko will be done. A dancefest for day care children follows.
Artists are also expected to gather at Session road as a prelude to bands and concerts playing from 3 to 4PM, as choral groups sing for Sesion road promenaders from 4 to 5PM. According to Datuin, the formal program starts at 5PM and is expected to end at 6:15 with messages from Congressman Nicasio Aliping, Jr., and Mayor Mauricio Domogan. The lighting of the giant Christmas tree will be at 6:30 with the city officials doing the honors. There will be fireworks at SM and Mabini Elem. School areas, with other venues being considered.
Upper and Mid-Session road will be provided with stages for performances, Datuin said; with businessmen led by Lawyer Mauricio Cating decorating their façade, and sprucing up their frontage appropriately.
The road will be decorated with lanterns from the barangays and judged before the program, it was known. At least 2 lanterns are expected from each barangay, Datuin announced.
The Saint Louis University (SLU), which celebrates its foundation day shall field thousand of lighted lantern-bearing students, from Upper Session road up to Burnham Park.
The following weekends, Dec. 6 and 7 and 13 and 14, concerts are expected at different venues in addition to the share-a-joy program of John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), and planned choral presentations of the University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras and Baguio City National High School on Dec. 6.
The Philippine Military Academy Cadets’ Day also presents a silent drill at Burnham Park, 10 AM, Dec. 7, with an organization-sponsored treat for children at Kayang barangay. The same day, at 2:30Pm a concert for senior citizens will be presented by the PMA band at Malcolm Square.
On Dec. 8, an Immaculate Conception day mass will be celebrated at the Brown Madonna Shrine along Km. 7, Asin road.
The Baguio Cathedral will also be the venue of a concert dubbed “Mama Mary,” with acclaimed singer John Glenn Gaerlan at 7PM on Dec. 9.
On Dec. 13, a palaro for special children through the Social Welfare Office will be done at the Malcolm square.
A baton-twirling contest will be done at Malcolm Square for elementary, high school and college students at 8AM, Dec. 14. In the afternoon, the BCNHS presents the singing and dancing Christmas Tree, as hosted by the Baguio-Benguet Market Plaza Cooperative Multi-Purpose (BAMAPCOM), it was known from Padilla, Silahis ng Pasko Executive Project Officer.
A quest for the Christmas and New year Baby, hosted by Balikbayans Bonie and Josie Delenela and Angel Villaralvo, are scheduled accordingly.
A Lucky Balikbayan, Sportsmen and Pinikpikan Festival follows on Dec. 27, while the awarding ceremonies for international and national top sportsmen on Jan. 24 caps the Silahis ng Pasko activities.
Other than Silahis ng Pasko and city-sponsored activities, more are being slated as the opening date nears./juliegfianza
