The city will carry its “Pansa-nopen Tayo” circular economy and local artistry promotion advocacies into the Christmas season with recycled materials and locally produced art to make up this year’s holiday decorations.City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo said the city is moving away from relying on a singular decorative theme and will promote circularity and local creativity.
“It’s going to be special this year as well because we are taking off from that singular theme. We will see decorations that are going to use recycled materials,” Mapalo said.
He said local artists have been commissioned to create Christmas installations that retain the holiday spirit while minimizing the use of commercial materials and maximizing recycled ones.
The city’s Christmas festivities will officially begin on December 1 with the lighting of the city Christmas tree and decorations along Session Road up to Malcolm Square. These activities will again serve as among the season’s anticipated attractions for residents and visitors.
Mapalo said the Baguio Tourism Council will also organize Christmas shows every weekend throughout December.
Because the Rose Garden is due for renovation, the usual Christmas market will not be held there this year.
Instead, Christmas shows traditionally included in the market program will be distributed among three venues: Malcolm Square, Sunshine Park and Melvin Jones Grandstand, with the bigger shows expected at Melvin Jones.
The schedules will be arranged through a calendar of activities to be announced later.
Session Road will also be pedestrianized for a Christmas promenade, although booth selling will not necessarily be allowed.
The promenade will continue the city’s tradition of showcasing Christmas decorations and decorated establishments along the road in partnership with participating groups.
The festivities will again culminate in the city’s New Year’s Eve countdown and communal fireworks display at Melvin Jones.
The program will begin at around 8 p.m. with performances by local bands and music leading up to the midnight fireworks display. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
