WHITE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. Hundreds of residents gather at the park of Ligao City on Saturday night, Dec. 3, as the city government opened its simple but cheery Christmas display. Photo by Michael Jaucian
LIGAO CITY, Albay, Philippines — The city government here switched on the lights of its 40-feet-tall Christmas tree and park on Saturday night, Dec. 3.
Hundreds of residents gathered to see the first night as the thousands of led lights hanging from the trees illuminated the Ligao City Park after two years of having to spend a quiet holiday season at home due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.
“Finally, we are gathered here after two years of waiting, enjoying chatting with family and friends,” Hannah Aguire, a resident, said.
Mayor Fernando Gonzalez said the lighting of the tree has been a tradition in the city for 27 years which was initiated by his wife Linda, who was then the city mayor.
“We made it simple but meaningful this year because we’ve experienced crisis for the past two years,” Gonzalez said.
The city also readied month-long activities for the elders and children for Christmas.