Las Piñas lights up Christmas tree

THE city of Las Piñas held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday night at its quadrangle.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the ceremonial launch of «Love Las Piñas Christmas,» in what the local government unit (LGU) marked as «a new chapter in the city's approach to celebrating the holiday season — a chapter that is rich in community spirit, shared stories, and festive joy.»

The tree lighting ceremony, according to the LGU, also marked a «significant moment» for Las Piñas, which symbolized the city's unity and resilience.

«The Covid-19 pandemic changed the course of our Christmas and New Year celebrations, but this should not hinder us from wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,» Aguilar said in an address in Filipino.

Las Piñas' tree lighting ceremony featured a «spectacle of lights and music,» featuring performances from local students and artists, and culminating with a fireworks display, which symbolizes the city's «vibrant and dynamic» nature.

«The tree lighting ceremony in Las Piñas City not only signifies the commencement of the Christmas season but also serves as a beacon of the city's enduring spirit and communal harmony. As the lights of the Christmas tree shine throughout the season, they symbolize the warmth and brightness that the community of Las Piñas brings to each other, embodying the true essence of the holiday spirit,» a statement by the city government read.

Apart from the mayor and vice mayor, city council members and city government employees also attended the ceremony.