Christmas by Manila Bay kicks off Dec. 15
The Philippines takes pride in having the world’s longest observance of the Christmas season. This comes to life once more as the Department of Tourism (DOT) leads the first Christmas by Manila Bay on Dec. 15-17.
A joint undertaking with the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) and the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), the three-day event opens on Dec. 15 with the Christmas Market by the Fort in Fort Santiago, Intramuros which will showcase the refurbished historical shrine.
The Market is a bazaar showcasing native Pinoy delicacies, novelty items and crafts, useful daily items and Christmas goodies where visitors can buy to be part of the grand drive to collect 60,000 gifts.
The festival will put to the fore the Filipino’s trademark resiliency and indomitable spirit despite the adversities they face.
Banda Kawayan Pilipinas, the country’s top bamboo orchestra based at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, will serenade the crowd with well-loved Fili- pino carols.
Other opening day activities include by celebrity performances, revival of indigenous games through the Palarong Pinoy spearheaded by the Province of Quezon and acoustic night featuring Peter and Vangie, up-andcoming musical talents.
The award-winning Kontemporaryong Gamelang Pilipino (Kontra Gapi), directed by Edru Abraham, will liven up the afternoons with their upbeat ethnic-themed music which enjoins audience participation.
On Dec. 16, the Pagkaing Pasko Cooking Exhibition will showcase the culinary heritage of the Province of Quezon, the Hermana Mayor of Christmas by Manila Bay, and an evening mass at the Manila Cathedral Basilica to kick-off the traditional nineday Simbang Gabi.
Highlighting the festival on Dec. 17 is the turnover of the 60,000 gifts to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the children of Marawi City, Typhoon Yolanda victims, Hospicio de San Jose and children of soldiers who died in Marawi.
This will be followed by the grand Christmas Parade by the Bay at 5 p.m. from the CCP Complex to the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park. With the kaleidoscopic Manila Bay sunset in the background, the parade will feature vintage and classic cars from Vintage Cars Philippines and corporate and governmentsponsored floats depicting the Pinoy’s Yuletide spirit.
Leading the contingents is the Province of Quezon, which will showcase its rich culture and popular festivals such as the Pahiyas ang Niyogyugan. The province has been one of the venues of the caravans organized by the AAP because of its good road networks and scenic countryside.
Other participants are the Municipality of Angono, Rizal with their famed “Higantes” papier mache giants, the Municipality of Pulilan, Bulacan noted for their kneeling carabaos, and the Province of Negros Occidental which will bring their Masskara Festival dancers.
The event draws to a close with a musical concert featuring artists from MCA Universal and a spectacular fireworks display at Fort Santiago.
Christmas by Manila Bay is supported by Petron, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Exporters Confederation, North Luzon Expressway, Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway, MCA Universal, and Allele White, with media partners Business Mirror and Manila Bulletin.
Cooperating agencies are the National Parks Development Committee, Nayong Pilipino Foundation, Intramuros Administration and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
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