Araneta Center’s Christmas tree lights up Nov. 9

MANILA, Philippines - The soul and symbol of Christmas in the metropolis shines tomorrow, Nov. 9 when Araneta Center lights its iconic giant Christmas tree in meaningful and festive rites. For 31 years since it was first installed, the Araneta Center’s giant Christmas tree signaled the official start of the holiday season in these environs. The tradition borne out of a wish by J. Amado Araneta to erect the country’s biggest Yuletide tree continues to extend Christmas cheer to as many Filipinos as possible.

This year, Araneta Center once again teams up with Coca-Cola in a tree lighting ceremony that continues the legacy of spreading holiday cheer through simple acts of happiness to Filipinos. Hosted by Megan Young and Robi Domingo, the activities will involve a constellation of television and movie celebrities from different networks, Coca-Cola’s Happiness Ambassadors and Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens. Among the stars that are expected to grace the festivities are Enrique Gil, Jessy Mendiola, Myrtle Sarossa, Yves Flores, Alden Richards, Louise delos Reyes, Thea Tolentino, Jeric Gonzales and X-Factor Grand Winner KZ Tandingan.

Araneta Center’s Christmas Tree Lighting is just one of the many Yuletide activities lined up for the season. The Big Dome will once again be agog with concerts and special presentations that hype the holiday spirit. A British musical invasion of sorts comes to the Big Dome with back-to-back performances of musical icons Elton John (Dec. 8) and Sting (Dec. 9). From Christmas Day until Jan. 3 of the New Year, Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes in yet another memorable ice spectacle.

The tree lighting likewise ushers in more holiday fanfare including the season’s bargains offered by the three malls — Gateway, Ali Mall and the New Farmers Plaza, restaurants and Farmers Market.

The Parolan display also lights up on Nov. 16 near the Farmers Garden. Fireworks will light up the Christmas sky every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 30 to Jan. 3.

The activities of Araneta Center’s Giant Christmas Tree Lighting will start at 3 p.m. at Quadrant C outside the Red Gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.