The San Juan City local government lit up its giant Christmas tree and kick off the city's holiday activities on Friday, Dec. 2.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, together with his family and other local government officials, led the lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree at the Pinaglabanan Shrine open parking grounds. The tree is adorned with over 30,000 Christmas lights and was built by over 30 individuals.
"Last year nagkaroon kami ng ganitong programa ngunit nung panahong ‘yun eh medyo may pag-aalangan, pero ngayon eh mas buo na ang loob ng mga tao na lumabas at ‘yung mga ganitong activities ang nagiging paraan upang maranasan nila kung ano ba ang pakiramdam ng Pasko na may mga bazaar at nagsa-shopping (We also held this kind of program last year, however, the public still had worries and apprehensions about this event due to Covid-19 pandemic. Now, the people are more relaxed and ready to go outside and experience these kinds of activities during Christmas such as attending bazaars and shopping)," Zamora said.
“We are bringing back our Christmas bazaar this year after its successful relaunch last year. I have seen how happy the Christmas festivities made our fellow San Juaneños so we made sure to step it up a notch this year since we are now almost back to normal,” he added.
Dubbed as “Kapaskuhan sa Makabagong San Juan,” the event featured a free concert where local artists such as Juan Karlos Labajo, BGYO, 8Track, Dustine Mayores, and the mayor's daughter Amanda Zamora performed.
Meanwhile, San Juan's Christmas Bazaar features different food and beverage stalls, as well as clothing and arts and crafts, from different small businesses in the city to help them earn more this season.
On weekends, the city will have performances from acoustic singers and magicians to entertain visitors. The bazaar will be open from Dec. 2 to Jan. 2, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. daily.
Despite the easing of some health protocols, the mayor reminded both exhibitors and visitors to practice and follow health and safety protocols especially during Christmas season.
“We already have a city ordinance on optional wearing of face masks, but we are encouraging everyone, especially those who are in high-risk in contracting Covid to wear your masks,” Zamora said.