AGLOW The Zamboanga City Hall, adorned with figures of angels and a pair of angel wings, has become the city’s top Christmas attraction.—ZAMBOANGA CITY INFORMATION OFFICE
ZAMBOANGA CITY — At night, the 110-year old Spanish-inspired City Hall here turns into a huge “Angel House,” with life-size angel mannequins crowding its entrance halls. The building’s rooftop features a pair of angel wings spanning 30 meters wide.
“Angels are messengers of God’s good news,” Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar explained her decision to take on an “angel theme” this year. “Angels are symbolism both found in Christianity and in other religions such as Islam and Judaism,” she said.
On Nov. 27, City Hall opened the display to the public after the official switching on ceremony for the lights that adorned the building’s façade.
The angel wings, which appear to fly and flap in the play of lights, have become instant attractions to residents. Salazar said she based the concept on children’s wishes and dreams.
This was not the first time that the city used things that amazed children as theme for its Christmas decors. Last year, the city adopted the theme, “Trip to the World,” which showcased various landmarks and places around the world. In 2015, the city featured elves in its decors.
Rene dela Cruz, the city’s general services officer, said the city spent P2 million for the various attractions this year, which included not only the decors at City Hall but also those found at Plaza Pershing, Plaza Fort Pilar, Jardin de Maria Clara Lobregat in Pasonanca, and Paseo del Mar in Rio Hondo.
Dela Cruz said the city government had spent almost P1 million for the Christmas lights and decors alone, while the rest of the amount went to procurement of construction materials and other supplies.
Angels are messengers of God’s good news Maria Isabelle Salazar
Mayor, Zamboanga City
“When there is something we need to add, we use the old decors, we recycle and we improve on the old decors to make it more beautiful,” Dela Cruz said.
Mannequins also adorn City Hall’s balcony, while the road leading to the building’s entrance is dotted with life-size effigies of angels wearing robes.
Architect Riza May Basing said they used commercially available female mannequins, putting angel costumes on them, for the display.
Basing said spectators might not be able to appreciate the mannequins and effigies—including the decorations—during the day.
“But everything comes to life at night,” she said. “(When the lights are switched on), that’s when they really get to appreciate it.”
Resident Elle Tricia Martin, 10, badgered her mother to take photos of the attractions.
“They are like big dolls taller than my mother,” she told the Inquirer.