24-meter Christmas tree, giant balls bring joy to Albay villagers

HOLIDAY SPECTACLE Residents of Ligao City and its neighboring towns in Albay province visit the 24.38-meter (80-foot) Christmas tree at the city pavilion and St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish Church. MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN/INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON

LIGAO CITY—With the flick of a switch, myriad LED bulbs brought life to a 24.38-meter (80-foot) Christmas tree at the city pavilion on Sunday, keeping a tradition of spreading holiday cheer to thousands of villagers here and from neighboring towns.

“It’s been 20 years now, and I can see people are enjoying watching the tree,” said former Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez, who is the president of the women’s club and the one who spearheaded the project.

“The volume of spectators is really increasing, and this only proves that solidarity and love endure among us during the holiday season” she said.

The huge tree, adorned with white ribbons, near St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish Church was lighted along with white giants balls hanging from trees, gifts and angels around the church, and the Nativity scene at City Hall topped by the word “Peace.”

Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua said the event carried the theme of “White Christmas,” citing the reign of peace, purity and prosperity throughout the year. “We would also like to thank the Lord for sparing us from devastative typhoons” she said.

“It’s very beautiful. It’s just like we’re also experiencing the coldness of the snow while watching Olaf and company,” said Laiza Mae Arminola, 6, referring to the “Frozen” movie character. She came with her friend, Sophia Samala, 5, from Oas town.

Nilda Sumlao, 57, and her family arrived all the way from a remote village in Oas to witness the switch-on ceremony. “We always make sure that we are present during the lighting because it make us feel relaxed,” she said.

Members of Ligao National High School Choir sang Christmas carols during the program.