DoT sets 1st ever ‘Christmas by Manila Bay’ festival on Dec. 15 to 17

THE PHILIPPINES is said to have the world’s most eventful and colorful observance of the Christmas season. This claim to fame will come to life once more in the first- ever Christmas by Manila Bay, an extravaganza set on Dec. 15 to 17 which will showcase the Filipinos’ warm celebration of the birth of the Christ child.

A joint undertaking of the Department of Tourism (DoT), the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), and the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), the festivity is inspired by the famed Tournament of Roses of Pasadena, California which draws thousands of visitors.

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 governmentsponsored 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 Christmasthemed 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.

Other attractions are revival of indigenous games through the Palarong Pinoy spearheaded by Province of Quezon, Pagkaing Pasko Cooking Exhibition, and an Acoustic Night featuring up- andcoming musical talents.

Christmas by Manila Bay is supported by Petron, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Solaire Resort and Casino, Yeppunonnie PH, Business Mirror, Hyundai Philippines, Allele White, ACCEL Sports, MCA Universal, Pitalicious Shawarma, PRU Life, Pressplay, and Crystal Clear.

Cooperating agencies are the National Park Development Committee, Center for International Trade Exposition & Missions and Cultural Center of the Philippines. For details, log on to www.christmasbymanilabay.

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