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| Big Ben Complex in Lipa City held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and 100 Days Before Christmas event last September 17, 2024 headlined by the launch and unveiling of its 100 Hope initiative. Big Ben's Joel Umali Peña (top left) and Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste (bottom right) delivered their heartwarming remarks during the event. (Image Source: HATAW! Dyaryo Ng Bayan/Big Ben Complex) |
Big Ben Complex, the premier commercial and business center in Lipa City under the management of Joel Umali Peña, has been holding its Christmas Tree Lighting and 100 Days Before Christmas ceremony every year, attracting local and domestic tourists and reminding them that the longest, most enjoyable and highly-anticipated holiday season has arrived filled with joy, hope and happiness amidst the challenges they are and will be facing and the adversities that they will overcome beyond their own beliefs and expectations. This year's edition is made special aside from continuing such tradition as Big Ben unveils its 100 Hope initiative which aims to encourage individuals not to lose hope and find light amidst the darkness in our lives and within our hearts, minds and souls to overcome our own fears and doubts for the sake of our future and that of our loved ones.
Through 100 Hope, individuals from different sectors and communities in Lipa City and nearby areas across the province of Batangas are free to express their Wishes, or HOPE messages, which are posted on Big Ben Complex's official Facebook page until Christmas Day (December 25, 2024). In his speech during the Christmas Tree Lighting and 100 'Hope' Days Before Christmas event last September 17, 2024, Peña shared, “Sa bawat lungkot, kasunod ang kasiyahan. Sa mga panahong kailangan mo ng Karamay, may isang kamay na handang umalalay. Iba-ibang tao ang itatampok para magbigay ng kani-kanilang HOPE. Ang mga ito ay posibleng maybahay, doktor, pulis, mga simpleng tao, milyonaryo, nag-oopisina, representative ng LGBTQIA+, artista o preso, rape victim, politiko. Pinaka-espesyal na masasabi kong nagbigay ng Hope message ‘yung pari na nanalangin, nagdasal para sa taumbayan. (In every sadness, there's joy. Whenever in need of someone to be with, there will always be one who is willing to help out. Different kinds of people will give their own HOPE. These may be housewives, doctors, policemen, ordinary people, millionaires, office employees, LGBTQIA+ representatives, artist or even a prisoner, rape victim, politician. Most specially, I would like to say that there is a priest who gave his HOPE message, a prayer for all.)"
Meanwhile, local residents and tourists visiting the city of Lipa will be amazed and overwhelmed at the giant Christmas tree in front of the Complex as it is, according to Peña in his interview with Hataw Tabloid, warm white with a white light to be brightened everyday until Christmas, symbolizing hope for everyone. Lipa City Mayor Eric B. Africa and Batangas Province Vice Governor Mark Leviste graced the occasion and gave their inspiring remarks during the event which was flavored by musical performances from various local artists and beautiful Christmas dedications. Making the celebration more special are the traditional Christmas snacks prepared and offered to guests and spectators such as pandesal hamon, bibingka, puto bumbong, salabat and different kinds of fruits among others. As Big Ben Complex is one with Lipa City and the Philippines in the celebration of Christmas and the holiday season with the hashtag #EatPrayLoveHoliday, Peña stated, “This year Christmas is all about the love of Jesus, so happy-happy lang. People will be featured and sana masuportahan sila. Christmas is love, cooperation and full of hope."
Big Ben Complex is situated at Jose P. Laurel National Highway, Mataas Na Lupa, Lipa City, Batangas. For more updates, information and event highlights, visit and follow Big Ben Complex's official Facebook and Instagram pages.
(With words by Maricris Valdez Nicasio, HATAW! Dyaryo Ng Bayan)
