Philharmonic to serenade Baguio

THE PHILIPPINE

Philharmonic Orchestra is set to serenade mountain folk to

open the Yuletide.

A serenade by the renowned Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will be done during the launch of the AEBC with a performance at the Burnham Park Rose garden.

The launch will also signal the opening of the ‘Baguio Christmas Fair,’ a local simulation of worldfamous Christmas Markets found across different countries in Europe. It is poised to be the first in the Philippines and the third in Asia.

Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in an executive order declared the month of November to January next year as part of the "An Enchanting Baguio Christmas (AEBC)," set to be launched on November 24.

The events are led by the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) chairperson, Gladys Vergara De Vera with Councilor Elaine Sembrano, chairperson for the City Council committee on tourism, parks and playgrounds and special events with Magalong as BTC cochairperson.

Ferdie Balanag, AEBC creative director said the event is aligned with Magalong’s core agenda on responsible and sustainable tourism.

“His instructions are to keep it simple and elegant and expressive of the true meaning of Christmas as symbolized by the nativity of Christ," added Balanag.

Balanag said the Rose Garden at Burnham Park will serve as the venue for the Baguio Christmas Fair which will showcase curated chalets offering the best of Christmas finds, flavors and finery, activities for children and families, as well as an enchanting line-up of performances, shows, games and entertainment until January 10.

The order from the mayor has enjoined cooperation from all sectors of the government and private sector to participate and support the endeavor.

“There is a lot in store this year to fill the Baguio Christmas air with much sparkle and magic, and everyone is invited to experience An Enchanting Baguio Christmas with the loving people of Baguio City," Balanag said.

The Baguio Christmas Tree atop Session Road will be lighted December 1 to signal the formal declaration of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas, synchronized with lighting activities at major city thoroughfare, entryways, flyovers and overpasses, after which the much anticipated annual Lantern Parade by Saint Louis University follows.

A Christmas Lights and Sounds Shows will also be set, alongside other activities such as film-showings and Christmas tales to be told in the area for kids.

Sports activities are also lined up like the SAKA ROCKER Music and Football Festival, a grass-roots-organized Barangay Peace Cup.