Manila lights up Christmas lanterns

Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah "Honey" Lacuna-Pangan spearheaded the simultaneous lighting of the Christmas Tree, Nativity, Chrismas Lanterns, and lampposts within and outside Manila City Hall on November 15.

The 45-feet high Christmas Tree showcased the colors gold and silver that symbolize better future for Manileños and elegance for the modern city, respectively.

Meanwhile, the wreaths symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ on the cross.

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The design made by local display artist Norman Francis Blanco encourages Manileños to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ.

Aside from the lighting of this Christmas Tree located at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, National Museum of the Philippines-Fine Arts Building, Manila Central Post Office, Rizal Park, and Tutuban Center also participated in the first lighting ceremony led by the city's first female mayor.

Mayor Dr. Lacuna-Pangan was joined by Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto and Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila Officer-in-Charge Charlie Dungo.

Also present in the annual lighting ceremony are District 1 Representative Ernesto "Ernix" Dionisio, Jr., District 2 Representative Rolan Valeriano, District 3 Representative Joel Chua, members of Manila City Council, other department heads and employees of Manila City Government, Manileños, and tourists who wanted to witness and to celebrate Paskong Manileño.

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Mayor Dr. Lacuna-Pangan said that Manileños can celebrate Christmas through simple acts of kindness that will help others.

Attendees who gathered at the Kartilya ng Katipunan also saw and listened to the performances of Universidad de Manila Chorale and Ramon Magsaysay High School Chorale.