The Malabon City government held the grand opening of its first-ever “Musical Lights and Fireworks Display” at the Malabon City Hall on Monday, Dec. 5, for the Christmas season.

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval led the event along with City Administrator Alexander Rosete, Malabon City Police Station chief Col. Amante Daro, former City Congressman Ricky Sandoval, city councilors, city department heads and employees, members of the Red Cross, fire and rescue volunteers, and residents.

“Sa ating pagdiriwang ng kapanganakan ni Hesukristo, atin pong alalahanin ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko - pananampalataya at pag-asa. Ito po ang panahon na tayo ay pinapaalahanan na maging instrumento ng pag-ibig sa ating kapwa. Buksan po natin ang ating mga puso para sa pagbabago at pagpapatawad. Sa ganitong paraan, tiyak na magiging masaya at makabuluhan ang ating pagdiriwang (In our celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas - faith and hope. This is the time when we are reminded to be an instrument of love to our neighbor. Let's open our hearts for change and forgiveness. This way, our celebration of Christmas will be happy and meaningful),” the mayor said.

When the musical lights display was officially launched, the lights at the City Hall building flickered to the beat of various Christmas songs while fireworks were set off to the sky.

A Christmas carol medley was also performed by the School Divisions Office (SDO) Malabon Chorale.

In line with the International Volunteers’ Day celebrated on the same day, Sandoval lauded and thanked the volunteers from different groups who helped the city residents in times of need.

“Kayong mga naglaan ng tapang, talino, sipag, at dedikasyon para sa mas mabilis, angkop, at sapat na tulong at solusyon sa panahon ng kalamidad at sakuna lalo na ngayong may pandemiya ay mga bayaning maituturing. Isa kayo sa maraming regalong natatanggap ng siyudad ng Malabon ngayong taon (Those of you who provided courage, intelligence, diligence, and dedication for faster, appropriate, and adequate help and solutions during calamities and disasters, especially now that there is a pandemic, are heroes to be considered. You are one of the many gifts that the city of Malabon received this year),” the mayor told the volunteers.

During the event, Sandoval and the other local government officials also unveiled the city’s new mission and vision while the winners of the gift-wrapping contest participated in by the city’s different departments were also announced.

Former Congressman Ricky Sandoval and officials from the Red Cross- Malabon, Red Cross, Malabon Direct Response Brotherhood Fire Volunteers, and Malabon City Eagles Club, also shared their messages and greetings for the residents.

The city already lit the Christmas tree and other decorations at the Malabon Park in Barangay Tonsuya in a ceremony held on Thursday, Dec. 1

On Dec. 2, the city government and the Malabon Chamber of Commerce and Industry also officially opened its very first “Paskuhan Village,” which provided an opportunity for different micro, small, and medium enterprises to showcase and sell their products.

“Ang kapaskuhan at bagong taon ay panahon ng pag-ahon at mga bagong simula, manatili po tayong sandigan ng isa’t isa para sa mas matibay na pamilya at komunidad (The holiday season is a time of upliftment and new beginnings, let's keep supporting each other for a stronger family and community),” the mayor said.