13/11/2022
𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗢 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦
BAGUIO CITY – The cool Baguio climate is highlighted in this year’s Christmas celebration; with snowflake trails, and decorations in yellow and white as dominant tones.
Dubbed as An Enchanting Baguio Christmas, it was presented by City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) Coordinator Archt. Donna Rillera-Tabangin during the management committee meeting last Tuesday at city hall. The concept was done in coordination with the City Building and Architects Office (CBAO), City Tourism and Special Events Office (CTSEO), City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO).
On Nov. 12, the Baguio Country Club’s Oriental-themed Christmas Village opens to the general public, after a soft opening earlier in October, City Administrator Bonifacio de la Pena clarified. A snow show, nativity pageant, cosplay, live musical performance, picture-taking with Santa, Japanese and Korean personalities and a wishing wall are featured in the village, with graduated entrance fees for children, elderly and adults.
On Nov. 18, “Christmas Around The World” shall be launched at the Botanical garden on said date. Different areas of the park are decorated with materials to illustrate how other countries celebrate Christmas.
At a later date, Nov. 27; Porta Vaga building atop Session road launch their Christmas celebration with merrymaking and fireworks. There were requests that other business establishments within the city’s main street decorate their areas for the yuletide season.
Merrymaking continues as officials light up the CBAO constructed City Christmas tree on Dec. 1, along with the mandala-inspired parol/lights along the main road. The long-awaited Saint Louis University (SLU) lantern parade from Session road to Melvin Jones field shall also be witnessed by locals and tourists. A fireworks display is also expected from SM within the same time frame.
More Baguio celebrations await residents and visitors alike on weekend, Dec. 3, with “Cool Christmas at the Rose Garden” featuring a food truck showcase, Christmas installation, open mic street busking and performance.
On Dec. 3, the Nutcracker parade and ballet concert shall be witnessed along Session road and Melvin Jones; with Ballet baguio dancers and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadets performing for an expected jam-packed street audience.
Session road and Melvin Jones is open to the public on all four Sundays of December: 4, 11, 18 and 25, Archt. Tabangin informed the executives. Native delicacies are available, as with street Christmas Chalk art on the road. United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) members and students enrolled in Baguio schools offering architecture as a course shall also participate in celebration of Architect Week; as Session road buildings offer a glimpse of deco art.
Churches, including the Baguio cathedral, will also celebrate midnight mass and eucharistic masses for Christmas. According to City Administrator Bonifacio de la Pena, church authorities are responsible for health protocols within their areas of responsibility; for facemasks, handwashing and physical distancing.
For new year’s eve; a countdown, a bonfire and picnic is planned; Archt. Tabangin ended. The details shall be given in preceding meetings, she said. - JGF
