Christmas time at Araneta Center

MANILA, Philippines - The holidays definitely wouldn’t be the same without the giant Christmas tree at the Araneta Center.

In partnership with Coke, the Araneta Center signaled the start of the holidays in the city with the Christmas tree-lighting held last Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum’s open parking grounds. Present to officially light up the tree were Araneta Group vice chair Judy Araneta Roxas, Araneta Group EVP & COO Rene Dela Cruz, Coca-Cola president Guillermo Aponte, Coca-Cola marketing director Anubbha Sahasrabuddhe, Bb. Pilipinas beauties including 2011 Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Isabella Manjon, 2010 Bb. Pilipinas-World Czarina Gatbonton and Janine Tugonon, and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup also graced the event.

This annual tradition started in 1981, and has been a highly-anticipated event for 30 years now. Standing tall at almost 100 feet and bedecked in tinsel, hundreds of Christmas balls and cascading LED lights, this year’s tree is truly a sight to behold.

The event was made more special with performances from today’s young bright stars. Among the stars present were Coke ambassadors Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Enchong Dee and Joseph Marco; ABS-CBN stars Jessy Mendiola, Empress Schuck, and Arron Villaflor; and GMA talents Kris Bernal, Steven Silva, Rocco Nacino, Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Ryza Cenon, Diva Montelaba and Sef Caydona. Spongecola rocked it out with the crowd to close the show.

Christmas is now in full swing at the Araneta Center, so be sure to enjoy all the activities lined up from November until January 2012.

Be serenaded by the different chorale groups every day until Dec. 31 at Farmers’ Plaza, Ali Mall and Gateway Mall.

Witness the unveiling of this year’s Belen — the traditional Filipino Christmas symbol that depicts the birth of Jesus Christ — at the Farmers’ Market on Nov. 18; and marvel at the colorful floats of the Electric Parade around the center on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 6 and 10.

Also, catch the following shows at the Araneta Coliseum. Be regaled by 1,000 voices, a 60-piece orchestra under the baton of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab at ‘Sang Libo’t ‘Sang Tinig ng Pasko, an Araneta Center Christmas special with Piolo Pascual, KC Concepcion and Lea Salonga on Nov. 19 at the Araneta Coliseum. You should not also miss Disney on Ice, from Dec. 25 to Jan. 3. Tickets are available at Ticketnet 911-5555.