A magical Christmas with Coca-Cola

MANILA, Philippines - Christmas came early at the Araneta Center last Nov. 12, when the young, the young at heart, barangays, barkadas, kapuso, kapatid, kapamilya and everyone in between came together to usher in a happy holiday season at the Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan and the annual Araneta Center Giant Tree Lighting at the Araneta Coliseum parking lot.

This Christmas get-together started with a gleeful welcome from the Coca-Cola Agawin ang Eksena winners who sang well-loved carols. The Coca-Cola Music Bus spread happiness around the center, showering partakers with ice-cold Coke and gifts aplenty.

A succulent Noche Buena feast was whipped up by teen celebrities who served guests with barbecues, pizza, ice cream, cotton candy, even our favorite Christmas delights, putobumbong and bibingka. Coca-Cola, was overflowing, delighting guests with its refreshingly unique fizz and delicious taste that gives that uplifting zing we have all grown to love and share with our loved ones.

Altogether to light up a Magical Christmas of Happiness: Joining the Araneta Center giant tree lighting ceremony last Nov. 12, were Coca-Cola ambassadors?Joseph Marco and Julia Montes, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Congressman Bolet Banal and Coca-Cola Philippines marketing director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe

But this isn’t the usual fiesta of stars. In the spirit of Christmas, these celebrities from different stations came together as one whole happy family. Leading this heartwarming joining of hands were Coca-Cola ambassadors Kathryn Bernardo, Joseph Marco, Julia Montes and Enchong Dee. With ABS-CBN young idols Empress Schuck, Jessy Mendiola and Arron Villaflor along with GMA stars Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Sef Cadayona, Diva Montelaba, Barbie Forteza and Joshua Dionisio, they shared wonderful moments together just like every Pinoy family does — laughing, bonding and exchanging stories over delicious meals and a Coke.

The young stars were also there to lend a hand to our less-fortunate fellowmen. Throughout the caravan, they encouraged guests to donate whatever they could for the Manila Boystown.

AOne with the main man: The Pinoy’s beloved Christmas icon, Coca-Cola’s Santa Claus.

The heart of the occasion was the traditional lighting of the Araneta Center giant Christmas tree, even more sparkling this year. In fact, it’s the 30th year this custom is being celebrated. Standing at almost 100 feet, this year’s tree is bedecked with more than 10,000 lights and hundreds of stars and Coca-Cola Christmas balls, with huge ribbons and colorful gift boxes as accents. For the past 30 years, it has been a cherished icon that signals the beginning of the holiday season and reminds us to always believe in the magic and happiness it brings, the same way Coca-Cola inspires. A special toast and a fireworks display followed the tree-lighting.

A jam-packed dance concert featured the hottest Pinoy bands of today, the Aspog Band and Spongecola. It was a musical showdown like no other.

Throughout the night, Coca-Cola ambassadors gave away special raffle prizes — big red boxes filled with surprising Christmas treats, perfect for sharing and spreading the love this Christmastime! Well, you could get one for yourself or the whole family when you join the Coca-Cola Christmas Box Surprize Promo. In this easy-win promo, you not only get the chance to win Noche Buena gift baskets, Coca-Cola products, Bench gift certificates, cool gadgets like iPads, digital cameras, PS3s, Wii and others, you might also take home a whopping P1 million.

Just follow these simple steps: 1) Drink Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite or Royal Tru Orange in any 400ml, 500mL, 750mL, 1 Liter, 1.25L, 1.5Liter or 2Liter packs; 2) Collect 2 caps in exchange for 1 raffle coupon which may be claimed at participating sari-sari stores, public market stalls, Coke sales offices and Coke Dealers redemption centers from Nov. 1 to Dec. 30, 2011 only; 3) Text in the code in the coupon to join the electronic raffle. It’s that easy! Winners will be selected per area nationwide, daily. The Coca-Cola Christmas Boxes will be delivered right to the winners’ doorsteps! See posters and visit coca-cola.com.ph for more details.

For more updates and highlights of the caravan, visit the Coca-Cola fan page on Facebook or go to coca-cola.com.ph.