By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Quezon City Hall on Monday, Nov. 14.
The city government also lit the holiday decorations like “belen” (nativity scene), angels, and Christmas lights from Quezon Avenue to Welcome Rotonda.
Vice-Mayor Gian Sotto, city government employees, council members, and department heads along with their families attended the event.
In line with the event with the theme "Let's Spread the Spirit of Love, Hope and Joy,” a fireworks display was held. Performers, including singing ambassadors from the University of the Philippines, entertained the crowd.
There were free street foods such as ice cream, kwek kwek (quail eggs), hotdogs, and bibingka (rice cake) for employees and their families who attended the event.
Mayor Joy expressed her gratitude to the attendees for their contribution to the city's success.
"Itong lungsod na ito ay nakatanggap ng napakaraming gawad na hindi natin sinadyang matanggap pero natanggap pa rin natin dahil sa likas na kabutihan, likas na kasipagan at likas na pagmamahal sa ating bayan (This city has received so many awards that we did not intend to receive, but we still received because of our goodness, diligence and love for our city)," said Belmonte.
Mayor Joy emphasized the importance of every resident's hope in the recovery of the city from the challenges brought on by the pandemic over the past two years.
"Itong pagdiriwang natin ay special dahil simbolo ito na nalampasan na natin ang pagsubok (This celebration is special because it is a symbol that we have overcome the challenges)," said Belmonte.
"It's the first Christmas that approximates the pre-pandemic level," the mayor added.
The city government said it will also light the giant Christmas tree in Quezon Memorial Circle on Nov. 19.