MANILA, Philippines - Robinsons Malls officially started the holiday season in all its 40 malls last Nov. 11 with ceremonies set off by the lighting of Robinsons Place Manila’s 70-ft. tall indoor Christmas tree.
A yearly tradition of Robinsons Malls, the lighting of the tree is symbolic of many things. Decked in poinsettia flowers and red and gold accents, the towering Christmas tree was made to serve as a symbol of hope amid the countless crises faced by the country. Gold is for wishing everyone progress and prosperity while red stands for the bravery and resilience of Filipinos. Poinsettia flowers that bloom only during Christmas season represent new beginnings. Now lit, the Christmas tree will be a reminder of brighter and happier days to come.
On the day of the lighting ceremony, 30 chosen children from Jaime Cardinal Learning Center in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila were treated to a fun-filled day of unlimited access to arcade games, food and party favors recognizing that Christmas is about giving joy to children. Nine hundred LED light bulbs were also donated to the Jaime Cardinal Sin Village represented by Fr. Mark Munda, director of Jaime Cardinal Sin Learning Center, signifying Robinsons Malls’ commitment of bringing light to those who need it. The donation was made possible through the Robinsons Malls’ The Gift Change (TGOC), a coin bank donation campaign that enables Robinsons Malls to continuously support 23 communities with projects including Pailaw sa Barangay, Binyagang Bayan, Libreng Bakuna, Kasalang Bayan and Libreng Pintura para sa Eskwela and provide free eye screening and eyeglasses through The Gift of Sight project.
Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry hosted the event and Christian Bautista serenaded the audience with his renditions of classic Christmas songs. Capping the occasion was a performance from Asia’s Got Talent grand winner El Gamma Penumbra.