To spread the holiday cheer and welcome the Christmas season, Pasig City officials and citizens gathered to illuminate the city hall on Friday night, Nov. 18.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto led the lighting ceremony, along with Vice Mayor Robert "Dodot" Jaworski Jr., Congressman Roman Romulo, and the 11th City Council.

Dozens of Pasig citizens flocked to the city hall quadrangle to see the lights show, which the public can visit with their family and friends as a scenic venue during the holidays.

As the crowd counted down and Mayor Sotto pushed the button, the pillars surrounding the quadrangle sparked in hues of blue, purple, and yellow.

The branches of the trees covering the area at the right side of the quadrangle were adorned with flickering lightbulbs and parol (lanterns).

An installation in the form of box-shaped presents were lit at the front of the quadrangle.

The front face of the City Hall itself was charmed with bright ribbon and bow-shaped decorations.

Finally, the lights of the Christmas tree placed at the center of the city hall quadrangle -- the main feature of the lighting ceremony -- was revealed, marking the beginning of the city's Christmas festivities.

The stretch of Caruncho Avenue, Plaza Rizal, and other key locations were also illuminated.

Prior to the lighting showcase, the Pasig City Band and Coro Pasigueño serenaded the enthusiastic crowds with Christmas tunes.

In his message, Sotto emphasized how the city has overcome the challenges brought by more than two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Asahan po ninyo, sa darating na 2023, ang mga nasimulan po natin ay paiigtingin pa basta't matulungan lang tayo (This coming 2023, you can trust that we will step up what we have started as long we, Pasigueños, all work together)," Sotto said.

"Ngayong pasko, 'Balik Saya..Pagbangon sa Pandemya' (This Christmas, bring back joy... rise from the pandemic)," he added in a social media post.