The Quezon City government held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Quezon City Hall on Friday, Nov. 26.
The ceremony was led by Mayor Joy Belmonte who said that this year's celebration is much more colorful as the city is starting to recover from the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also reminded the "QCitizens" and the local government employees to be grateful for their accomplishments, avoid conflicts with each other, not to lose hope, and remember those who died from the dreaded disease.
"Ang pagkamatay nila (their death) is a reminder to us that we should really remember to be grateful to the Lord for his blessings to us, that we are survivors, and as survivors, our duty is really to care for our people and to be kind to our neighbors" she said.
Belmonte added that the most important thing to focus on is rebuilding the society, economy, self-confidence of the citizens, and health of the families in the city.
The event, which was themed "Liwanag ng Pasko, Mga Tala at Pag-asa (Light of Christmas, Stars of Hope)," began with Christmas songs performed by the QC Government Chorale and Symphonic Band.
Vice-Mayor Gian Sotto, members of the city council, and the different department heads were also present at the event.
Aside from the Christmas tree, there are also lanterns and other decorations placed along the city's main roads that were lit up on the same night.
Last year, the ceremony was also held in the QC hall, where the giant Christmas tree was lit along with other trees in the Quezon Memorial Circle, Katipunan, Welcome Rotonda and Novaliches.