TACLOBAN CITY- Christmas in this city formally starts with the lighting of the 70 feet Christmas tree by city officials led by Mayor Cristina Romualdez in Wednesday (December 7).
The giant Christmas tree is located inside Plaza Rizal which is just across the city’s main church, Santo Niño Church.
Mayor Romualdez was joined by Councilors Aimee Grafil, Elvie Casal and members of the Zonta Club in the ceremonial lighting of the 70 feet tall Christmas tree after a brief program.
This year’s Christmas tree is designed by local artists and inspired by the windows of Gothic Cathedrals – an enduring symbol of the Catholic faith characterized by the use of pointed arches, rib vaults and buttresses.
The stylized Christmas tree which stands at the center of the public plaza across Sto. Niño Church is dominantly decorated by Gothic designs mimicking colorful stained glass window and interspersed with Christmas décor.
At both ends of the plaza are colorful Christmas photo booths where visitors can have their pictures taken.
Light emitting-diode (LED) bulbs which include multicolored Strobe lights and Parabolic Aluminized Reflectors (PAR) placed at the base of the tree create the special effect and change its color from time to time.
In her message during the program Mayor Romualdez exhorted the crowd to contemplate on the true meaning of the season. (HENRY JAMES G.ROCA, CIO)
