BAGUIO CITY – Christmas in Baguio commenced with much fanfare: parades along the main thoroughfares, lights and sounds display at People’s Park, fireworks in various venues and a giant lighted Christmas tree at the Rose garden, Burnham Park.
Earlier a unified medical mission and legal aid served hundreds while the 69th Fil-Am invitational golf tournament kicked off November 28 to run until Dec. 15 at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay fairways.
Dogs were walked for a cause, early morning of Friday, Nov.30.
The first day of December saw two parades, starting at upper Session road, with the second one, Silahis ng Pasko participated in by nearly a thousand day care pupils in Christmas symbol costumes, ending at Melvin Jones for a grand opening program and ceremonies. A little Mr. and Ms. Silahis ng Pasko coronation rites, Kultura-O-rama and dance fest followed in the afternoon at Malcolm square.
A car show, bonanza, chalk art contest, battle of the bands, concerts, song and dance contests were conducted in the afternoon with Christmas carols at the Rose garden, preceding the countdown, fireworks and lighting of the grand Christmas tree, Saturday evening.
Congressman Mark Go, Mayor Mauricio Domogan and other city officials led the Christmas tree lighting, which signaled the burst of fireworks, and the 10th Saint Louis University (SLU) spectacular lantern parade from Session road to the Athletic bowl, where field demonstrations followed.
The Share-a-Joy childrens’ Christmas fun alley and raffle joys was also enjoyed by the newpaper, shoeshine and baggage boys, including bag sellers in the market.
Meanwhile musical Christmas lights display at Malcolm square is launched today at 5PM, simultaneously with an advent wreath blessing at the Baguio Country Club veranda.
On December 7, University of Baguio students perform the annual Christmas Cantata. Interested individuals may get in touch with the UB Student Affairs Office for tickets, as the number of audience is limited.
At 6 in the evening of Dec. 7, the SLU glee club silver anniversary concert goes on at the SLU Center for Culture and Arts (CCA) theatre.
The annual quest for the Baguio Lucky Foreign Visitor is on Dec. 7 to 10.
On Dec. 8, SM sponsors the Blossom of Lights at the Sky Ranch area. Simultaneously, Mr. Bi-Earth King 2018 goes on at the Abanao Square roof deck, from 5 to 10 PM.
In celebration of Immaculate Conception day, a Silahis ng Pasko sa Baguio thanksgiving holy mass at the Shrine of the Brown Madonna, 9AM. The activity jumpstarts the Quest for the Baguio Lucky Christmas family.
On Dec. 8 and 9, the Silahis ng Pasko Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) dancing and singing Christmas tree is launched with the Philippine Military Academy band concert at 2PM, at the Malcolm Square.
A harana is performed at the Abanao square, with the David Harmonic Orchestra, Inc, Joy Foundation, and Rondalla group, from 4 to 6PM, Dec. 14 to 16, and Dec. 21 to 23.
For health buffs, a Camp John Hay Christmas sunset run is set on Dec. 15 with gunstart at 2PM.other sports activities are also slated in various venues.
On the same day, a Special Day for Special People is scheduled through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) with contests for adults and children in amateur singing, instrumentals, and chess. All activities start at 8:30AM at the Malcolm square.
On Dec. 15 to 23 the 9-night Aguinaldo mass happens at the Abanao square rooftop from 6:30 to 7:30pm, while at the Lady of Atonement Cathedral, the Simbang gabi starts Dec.16 up to 24.
At the Abanao square, Santa goes around the mall from Dec. 16 to 25, at 12 noon-1 pm, and 4 pm-5pm.
The Abanao square rooftop also goes busy with a medical, dental and optical mission on Dec. 17, 9 AM to 5 PM in coordination with Medikalinga, and the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc., after which the venue is open for a Christmas decoration competition.
On Dec. 17 and 18, the Baguio City National High School special program in the arts presents “Pamaskong Handog ng Sining at their auditorium.
Abanao Square “Kids Journey to the North Pole Christmas Party will be at the roof deck from 1 to 4PM, Dec. 20, 2018.
Santa meets and greets merry makers on Dec. 24 and 25, 11 AM, 3PM and 5PM at SM Baguio atrium, while on Dec. 25, members of the selection committee goes around hospitals for the Lucky Baguio Christmas Baby Quest
A Silahis ng Pasko holy mass is celebrated at Malcolm Square, 4 PM on Dec. 27.
Concerts and other merry making activities happen in various venues, with the calendar still open for other activities.
Grand fireworks display happens on Dec. 24 and 31.
By: Julie G. Fianza
