65-foot Christmas tree lights up in Guindulman, Bohol
The tallest Christmas tree in Bohol province is found in Guindulman town. It is adorned with 1,650 toys and multi-colored bulbs to symbolize joy, simplicity and resiliency. (Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas)
TAGBILARAN CITY — Tourists heading to the eastern part of Bohol will be pleasantly surprised to see the province’s tallest Christmas tree.
The 65-foot Christmas tree, which stands on the corner of Guindulman town hall, becomes an instant attraction.
The tree with multi-colored bulbs is adorned with 1,650 toys donated by Libres Clan and members of the Guindulman Association of California Southern Area (Gacsa).
The tree represents joy, simplicity, durability, and resiliency.
Guindulman Mayor Ben Balo said the importance of the Christmas tree would bring joy to children and residents alike.
“The celebration this year is very special because it is a symbol that we have overcome the different challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette,” said Balo.
With the Christmas tree as the centerpiece, holiday merrymaking at Guindulman included a giant belen (nativity scene) and inter-barangay belen and daygon (Christmas carol) singing contests on Dec. 17-18.
The 19 villages also decorated the roads with parols (stars) and candy canes.
After the Christmas season, the toys from the tree will be given to children.
People can take pictures of the holiday tree and other decorations from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Guindulman, at least 85 km from Tagbilaran City, is an old town situated in the eastern part of Bohol. It is said that if twilight falls, the area becomes dark or “dulum” in the local dialect.
“The town is no longer overtaken by darkness as we are moving forward for progress,” said Balo.
He plans to develop unexplored tourist sites where there is a huge potential to promote tourism as part of the town’s tourism planning and at the same time provide a sustainable livelihood to the people.
Next year, Guindulman joins the 1st Bohol Loop Dive Expo 2023 where it will showcase its stunning and healthy colorful coral garden and many hidden dive sites for local and international divers.
