THERE is no denying that the magic of Christmas is truly here, pandemic or not.
This was demonstrated recently as “The City of Firsts,” the Araneta City, officially signaled the beginning of its holiday celebration with the lighting of its iconic Giant Christmas Tree yesterday, November 11.
A holiday tradition that has been observed and kept alive for over four decades now, the lighting of the Christmas tree, bedecked with dazzling lights, colorful ornaments and glittering tinsels, literally lit up the Times Square Food Park in Araneta City. The event happily brought joy, love and thanksgiving to the onlookers who, together with local government officials, senior company executives, celebrities and patrons, cheered and applauded the event, which carried the theme “Believe in the Magic of Christmas.”
“We made sure to light up our Giant Christmas Tree in time for 11.11, which tradition says is a special date when anything you wish for can come true. It’s also our way of welcoming the return of our guests to the City of Firsts now that quarantine restrictions are starting to loosen up a bit. Even though we’re now welcoming guests of all ages, we’re still making it a point that all of our customers are safe through the health and safety measures that we’ve put in place,” Marjorie Go, AVP for Marketing of Araneta Group, said.
Prior to the Christmas tree lighting event, a brief virtual press conference was also held, wherein the Araneta Group bared some of its future plans for the City’s further growth. In response to a question from FrontpagePH.com, Go said one of these is the establishment of a Gateway Mall 2, although no mention was made as to the exact date of its completion.
There is still an existing pandemic, although some restrictions are slowly easing up. However, Araneta City management made sure no stone is unturned to make the event, which highlights a mix of virtual and onsite performances, truly safe with strict health and safety measures implemented onsite.
A pre-show was also held that was virtually hosted by DJ Onse, and several lucky viewers got to take home some exciting prizes from the virtual games.
Present during the Giant Christmas Tree Lighting were Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and prominent celebrities and popular stars like Piolo Pascual, Maymay Entrata, AC Bonifacio, and Reiven Umali (Tawag ng Tanghalan 5 Champion).
Also present were Ms. Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obeñita, Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio, Bb. Pilipinas 2021 First Runner-up Gabrielle Basiano, Bb. Pilipinas 2021 Second Runner-Up Meiji Cruz, and Binibining Araneta City 2021 Francesca Taruc.
The lighting of Araneta City’s Giant Christmas Tree has been a fixture of every Filipino Christmas celebration for over 40 years. And as this year’s event carves a year-long milestone in the country, the Araneta Group made sure to celebrate the yearly spectacle in a big way.
As part of this year’s Christmas celebration, the Araneta Group organized the “40 Treats for 40” program, wherein 40 individuals received special gifts from the company. These individuals are essential workers who worked tirelessly even at the height of the pandemic.
“Despite everything that is happening around us now, we still want all people to Believe in the Magic of Christmas. We in the Araneta Group would like to share this wonderful time with some very special people. We have chosen 40 hardworking essential workers in our community who have shown dedication to their service ever since the pandemic began,” explains Lorna Fabian, Vice President for Leasing of Araneta City.
Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas, Vice President of the Araneta Group, also extended an early Christmas greeting to everyone who attended the event and watched it unfold online. “Christmas is a magical time. It gives us restored joy and a reason to celebrate even in these trying times. Today, as we light our Giant Christmas tree, we wish everyone to experience the special magic of the holidays.”
A grand fireworks display concluded the event, and signaled the opening of the iconic Giant Christmas tree to the public.