DOT sets Christmas by Manila Bay fest

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is spearheading the first-ever Christmas by Manila Bay.

The extravaganza in cooperation with the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) and the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) will be held on Dec. 15-17.

According to Tourism Secretary Corazon Wanda Teo, the festival will put to the fore the Filipino’s trademark resiliency and indomitable spirit despite the adversities they face daily.

She said that the event will show to the world that it is still more fun to visit the Philippines, despite the negative perceptions it has been receiving in recent months.

She noted that the festivity is in line with the DoT’s recently relaunch of the “Bring Home A Friend” tourism campaign which aims to boost the country’s visitor arrivals to showcase the warm hospitality and friendliness of the Filipinos. Highlighting the three-day program is the Christmas Parade by the Bay on Dec. 17 with the kaleidoscopic Manila Bay sunset, featuring vintage and classic cars from the AAP, as well as corporate and government-sponsored floats depicting the Pinoy’s Yuletide spirit.

It will be followed with the traditional Simbang Gabi at the Quirino Grandstand, a musical concert by MCA Universal, and capped by a fireworks display.

Spicing up the three-day event are Christmas-themed entertainment shows.

The Christmas Market by the Bay, a bazaar showcasing native Pinoy delicacies, novelty items and crafts, will run for the duration of the activity. Buyers will be given the opportunity to take part in the gift-giving activity, which aims to raise 60,000 gifts to orphanages, and victims of the Marawi crisis and other calamities.