‘Maliwanag ang Pasko’ launched

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has launched its annual “Maliwanag ang Pasko” campaign and urged the public to light up their houses, churches and streets.

Barely a month before Christmas, Meralco said it is now accepting nominations for the most creatively designed and brightly lit houses, streets and churches all over its franchise area.

“Maliwanag ang Pasko” is Meralco’s annual campaign to enliven the age-old Filipino tradition of lighting up during the Christmas holidays.

“As Meralco is associated with the role of tagapagdala ng liwanag (bringer of light), we also would like to reinforce through the ‘Maliwanag ang Pasko’ campaign the company’s partnership with consumers in providing light, comfort and convenience, not only in their homes, but in their churches as streets as well, especially during this time of year,” said Elpi Cuna, Meralco vice president and corporate communications, head.

Cash prizes will be given to nine houses, nine streets and nine churches “for lighting up and sharing the joy and spirit of Christmas in their neighborhoods and communities.”

The contest is divided into three categories for the home, church and street.

Meralco said this year’s theme focused on the value of charity or sharing.

“The company wants to emphasize and bring back the important values of giving and sharing during Christmas,” Meralco said. “Because of this, for the home category, Meralco will be matching the prize winnings of the nine winners and will donate this amount on behalf of the winners to a partner charitable institution.”

Nomination forms are available in all Meralco branches and can also be downloaded from and submitted through the official “Maliwanag ang Pasko” website at www.maliwanagangpasko.com.

The nomination period ends at 12 noon of Dec. 8.

After all the candidates have been shortlisted, their pictures will be uploaded on the website on Dec. 15, where the public can vote for their favorite entries via SMS or text messaging.

All text voters will be included in an electronic raffle to be held on Jan. 3, 2008 where five winners will be chosen.    – Helen Flores