Las Piñas: Metro’s city of lights

Thousands of dazzling Christmas wreaths with Santa’s face in the center will brighten the busy streets and friendship routes of the "city of lights" this Christmas season.

Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel Aguilar said the city hall’s facade will also be decked with colorful lanterns and various Christmas decor aimed at providing joy and happiness, to residents and visitors of the city, especially the children.

Churchgoers during the simbang gabi at the famous St. Joseph Church, home of the world acclaimed bamboo organ, will also be treated to a visual feast as bright traditional lanterns will be mounted along the stretch of Barangays Zapote to Manuyo Uno and in the church vicinity as part of the annual tradition.

And for the people who look for parols, they can enjoy and purchase various styles and designs of lanterns embroiled with Las Piñeros ingenuity and craftsmanship at stores located along the stretch of Padre Diego Cera Avenue, the city’s gateway to the rest of Metro Manila, Aguilar said.

Aguilar said the city’s lantern-making industries continue to thrive through the years despite introduction of modern innovations.

The mounting of thousands of sparkling wreaths and lanterns was made possible through the assistance of Mel Aguilar, wife of the mayor and honorary chairperson of the city tourism council.

Private subdivision residents, on the other hand, have come up with their unique Christmas lights and decor in their respective villages, making the city gleam at night.

"It is pleasing to observe how people are participating in our beautification drive, a manifestation that Last Piñeros are not only cooperative, but have taste in decorating as well," a delighted Aguilar said, referring to the Christmas decoration fever now sweeping the city.

"The country may be experiencing some hard times but the situation should not deter us from celebrating the feast of nativity," Aguilar added.