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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Araneta City) |
As the holiday season gets brighter amidst the challenges and struggles brought by the recent calamities and the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Araneta City gathers some of the biggest stars in the Philippine entertainment industry for the traditional lighting of its Giant Christmas Tree which was held virtually on November 14, 2020 (Saturday). Now on its 39th year, one of the highly-anticipated Christmas traditions is bringing some holiday cheer far and wide with this year's theme "Comfort And Joy At The City Of Firsts".
Livestreamed for the first time on Araneta City's Facebook page and YouTube channel, the virtual lighting ceremony was hosted by Anna Ramsey for the pre-show and television personality Robi Domingo for the main show. Gracing the event were Tawag Ng Tanghalan Season 2 champion Janine Berdin, The Voice Teens alumni Jeremy Glinoga and phenomenal box-office star Vice Ganda who virtually performed and eventually joined the tree lighting ceremony. Araneta City also partnered with Coke Studio Philippines in bringing December Avenue, the country's most streamed band, to set the Christmas mood in the virtual event. Lucky netizens who have tuned in to the program were able to win an entertainment showcase, Noche Buena packages and other exciting prizes that would surely make their Christmas merrier.
"We understand how the pandemic affected everything, including the way we'll welcome and celebrate Christmas. We want to offer holiday comfort to the public in the safety of either our stores or their homes. And through this virtual Christmas tree lighting, we are looking forward to giving joy and hope this season," said Araneta City Assistant Vice-President for Marketing Marjorie Go. "Though the tree lighting event is going digital this year as a safety precaution, the public is still free to visit the Giant Christmas Tree at the Times Square Food Park along General Roxas Avenue anytime this season for holiday snapshots," she added.
The virtual Araneta City Giant Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was brought to us by Coca-Cola, Coke Studio Philippines, Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, Pilipino Mirror, Novotel Manila Araneta City, Purefoods Fiesta Ham, Purefoods Quezo De Bola, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Dairy Queen.
