The City of Manila officially welcomed the beginning of holiday season with the lighting of its iconic giant Christmas tree at Kartilya ng Katipunan on Monday, Nov. 22.
The annual "Paskong Manileño" Christmas lighting ceremony was led by Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, his running mate Dr. Willie Ong, and Manila Vice mayor Honey Lacuña.
"Let this light be the symbol of hope that in the coming new year there will be better things for us, may magandang naghihintay sa atin sa liwanag na ‘yan," Domagoso said during his speech.
"Nagpapaalala sa ating mga Pilipino na ang Kapaskuhan ay masaya, may pag-asa. Ang Kapaskuhan ay magandang kinabukasan na naghihintay para satin (This is a reminder to us Filipinos that Christmas is merry and there is hope. Christmas is beautiful future waiting for us). Let this tree be a reminder that there will be good things in the coming weeks, months, and years of our lives. May awa ang Diyos (Lord have mercy)," he added.
Domagoso also asked Manilenos to pray for the souls of those who died due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as well as for the medical frontliners who paid the ultimate price to save the lives of others.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno spearheads the lighting of the 45-foot Christmas tree at the Bonifacio Shrine, Manila. Joining him are Aksyon Demkoratiko senatorial aspirant Samira Gutoc, Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, vice presidential aspirant Dr. Willie Ong, and Manila Reps. Yul Servo, Benny Abante, and Edward Maceda. (Noel B. Pabalate/ MANILA BULLETIN)Citing the city government's success in COVID-19 vaccination efforts, Domagoso vowed that he will continue to vaccinate and protect the people of Manila against the disease.
"We will continue that journey, we will reach as many as possible, as soon as possible to protect each and everyone of you so that we can go back to our normal lives. Huwag tayong susuko, kaya nating talunin si COVID-19 (Let's not give up, we can defeat COVID-19," the Manila mayor said.
He, however, reminded the public to not be complacent and follow health protocols as the infectious disease is still out there.
Aside from the Kartilya ng Katipunan, the lighting ceremony was also done simultaneously in other sites in Manila including the Rizal Monument, Intramuros, National Museum, Manila Post Office, and Metropolitan Theater.
Manila Rep. Yul Servo, Rep. Eduard Maceda, Rep. Benny Abante, Rep. Rolan Valeriano, councilors, the Manila government department heads, and Samira Gutoc were also present during the lighting ceremony.