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Manila Bulletin devider devider Christmas season starts at Araneta Center with lighting of giant tree

Christmas season starts at Araneta Center with lighting of giant tree

Published Nov 17, 2018 07:09 pm
By Alexandria Dennise San Juan The holiday season turned brighter in Quezon City as the Araneta Center in Cubao lit up its iconic giant Christmas tree on Friday night. The iconic 100-foot Christmas Tree lights up during its ceremonila switching at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City, Novemeber 16 2018. Thr lighting of the giant Christmas Tree, a tradition which started in 1981, has become one of the most anticipated activities in Araneta Center. (Mark Balmores0 The iconic 100-foot Christmas Tree lights up during its ceremonial switching at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City, Novemeber 16 2018. Thr lighting of the giant Christmas Tree, a tradition which started in 1981, has become one of the most anticipated activities in Araneta Center. (Mark Balmores /MANILA BULLETIN) Thousands flocked at the Araneta Center when it switched on the lights of its giant Christmas tree to mark the Christmas season, a tradition which started in 1981. Antonio Mardo, senior vice president for operations of the Araneta Center said that they have been treating the public Chritmas festivities for 37 years already as people are very eager to witness the centerpiece of the Yuletide decorations each year. "It started in 1981 so we are now, without fail, 37 years old. This is the 37th year that we lighted up the tree. We started in a very simple Christmas tree way back 1981. Now its more its grander, more beautiful than before," Marso said. Based on the crowd estimate of Quezon City Police Station 7, there are at least 15,000 people within the premiere lifestyle hub last night that have witnessed the unveiling of this year's giant Christmas tree. The 100-foot-tall Christmas tree illuminates the Times Square Food Park of the Araneta Center with its 3,000 LED light bulbs and assorted decors such as birdcages with chandeliers, giant balls, giant bells, lighted poinsettias, and a seven-foot-star topper. Aside from the Christmas tree, the hub also boast the returning Christmas on Display (COD) which will be launched on November 23. Also situated near the COD and the Christmas tree are the food park and amusement rides which the entire family can enjoy in line with this year's theme "Christmas is home." "That's the reason why we are celebrating. Ang gusto natin dito ay para magkaroon ng place where people are bonding, friends are bonding, families are bonding so this is a bonding place. This is the place to be for Christmas," Mardo added. Christmas also came early to at least 19 visually-impaired children who were given white canes and Christmas gift packs during the event led by Binibining Pilipinas queens.
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