Quezon City Christmas countdown begins

MANILA, Philippines—The Quezon City government on Monday officially set off off its Christmas countdown with the “Lighting of Christmas Decors and Fireworks Display.”

In his message, Mayor Herbert Bautista wished everyone a blessed Chritmas as he encouraged the public to help the victims of successive calamities that hit the country.

“I wished you a simple and blessed Christmas season. We look forward to a more positive and prosperous new year,” Bautista said.

The Quezon City government, according to Bautista, has cancelled all its December festivities including Christmas parties.

“I already issued an order that there will be no Christmas parties this year. If we have something to give, let us just share it to the victims of Supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’, quake-hit Bohol, and to the displaced families in the Zamboanga siege,” Bautista said.

He encouraged everyone to celebrate the Yuletide Season in memory of those who perished in Visayas and in Mindanao.

“Let us pray for their souls and their families as well for their recovery,” he said.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere turned jovial when the city’s christmas light decors were lighted and was followed by a fireworks display.

The event continued with music competitions, raffle draws, and scholarship grants.

The local government also launched its “Juan Peso Initiative” which aims to collect donations from its employees and officials and to the public as well for the victims of the calamities that ripped our country.

The event ended on a high note when rap icon Gloc 9 surprised the crowd with his top-hit songs.