Christmas has officially arrived in the country's capital city.
The City of Manila welcomed the festive season with the lighting of Christmas trees and decorations around the city on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna led the annual “Paskong Manileño” Christmas lighting ceremony at the Kartilya ng Katipunan beside the Manila City hall on Tuesday evening.
“Sa pagbubukas natin ng ilaw ng Christmas tree at ng mga parol ngayong gabi, patuloy sana nating pakinanginin ang liwanag na hatid natin sa ating mga kapwa, (As we light the Christmas tree and the lanterns tonight, let's continue to shine the light we bring to others),” the city mayor said in her speech.
“Ang diwa ng pasko ay pag ibig, pag asa, galakan, at kapayapaan (The spirit of Christmas is love, hope, joy, and peace),” she added.
Aside from the Kartilya ng Katipunan, the lighting ceremony was also done simultaneously in other landmarks in the city, including the National Museum of the Philippines-Fine Arts Building, Manila Central Post Office, Rizal Park, and Tutuban Center.
Nativity images, Christmas lanterns, lamp posts, and various holiday decorations can also be seen around the city.
Lacuna was joined by Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto and Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila Officer-in-Charge Charlie Dungo.
Manila representatives Ernesto "Ernix" Dionisio, Jr., Rolan Valeriano, and Joel Chua, members of the Manila City Council, and Manila City government employees also attended the event.