Christmas Around the World launched Nov. 18, activities slated for an enchanting Baguio Christmas
Baguio celebrates Christmas as observed in different countries; with representations of design, form and structure at the Baguio Botanical Garden with lighting ceremonies at 6PM, Nov. 18.
Dubbed as “Christmas Around the World,” the presentation is part of the city’s “An Enchanting Baguio Christmas.” Different areas of the park are decorated by personnel of the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) to illustrate other country’s celebration of Christmas.
There is however an emphasis on the cool Baguio climate, expressed through trials of snowflakes amidst dominant colors of yellow and white evident on the Christmas decorations on the main roads and the Central Business District.
On Nov. 27, Porta Vaga building atop Session Road will launch their celebration with merrymaking and motif decorations, from the building’s tenants and lessors. Earlier, a request was given for business establishments within the city’s main streets to decorate their area of responsibility for the yuletide season, same as Porta Vaga.
On Dec 1, the city Christmas tree and mandala-inspired parol/lights along Session road shall be lit by city officials and luminaries on December 1. Alongside shall be the long-awaited Saint Louis University (SLU) lantern parade from Session road to Melvin Jones field. A childrens’ mardi gras is also planned as a day activity.
As of date, the City Engineers Office (CEO) and City Building and Architectures Office (CBAO) are joining forces to create structures which express joy and delight during the yuletide season.
Within the same time frame, a fireworks display is expected from SM Baguio, it was announced.
Residents and visitors are also in for more celebrations as on December 3, a “Cool Christmas at the Rose Garden” features a food truck showcase, Christmas installation, open mic street busking and artists’ performances.
The Nutcracker parade, ballet concert along Session road and Melvin Jones; a silent drill; of the Ballet Baguio dancers and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) shall be held on Dec. 4, a Sunday. The performances are expected to be met with a jam-packed street audience.
For the whole month of December, thematic Sundays apply: on Dec. 4, the never-vintaged Volkswagons in the city shall be displayed, dressed up as decorations; on Dec. 11, coincidental with Architecture week, the art deco design of Session road establishments shall be highlighted; and on Dec. 18, children and other private individuals celebrate with chalk art along Session Road.
According to City Administrator Bonifacio de la Pena, midnight and eucharistic masses for Christmas may be celebrated in all churches. Church authorities however should be responsible for health protocols; face mask, hand sanitation, and physical distancing, in their areas of responsibility, dela Pena added.
Other activities are slated for the new year, the final plans being ironed out, Arch. Tabangin said, all in coordination with the City Building and Architects Office (CBAO), City Tourism and Special Events Office (CTSEO) and City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO). – JGfianza
