Town plaza glistens for Christmas

TAYUG, Pangasinan: Thousands of residents of this eastern Pangasinan town cheered after officials here switched on the bright and colorful lights that enlivened the Disneyland-inspired Christmas plaza on Sunday, December 3.

The lighting ceremony, which was led by Pangasinan 6th District Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas and her husband Mayor Tyrone Agabas, was preceded by a 30-minute fireworks display that illuminated the skies over the park.

Police said there were about 10,000 people who witnessed the event.

«Every year, that's the number of people who come here for the lighting ceremony. And they are not only from Tayug, but from neighboring towns,» said Agabas.

This town is also tagged as eastern Pangasinan's commercial and business center.

Agabas said that he and his wife began refurbishing the park in 2013. It was also then when the first lighting ceremony for the Christmas plaza was held.

Since then, people look forward to the grand lighting display and has become a major event in the town every December.

«So, every year, they come to watch the fireworks. They come to see the lights; they come to see what's new in the park, and they come to be happy,» said Agabas.

In his speech during the short program, Agabas said that the Chrstmas lighting activity was just a symbolic celebration.

«I hope that the true light will open the minds of the many; that those who are sad and those who are losing hope may have the light to follow as they navigate their lives,» said Agabas, who spoke in Ilocano language.

He also called on the residents to unite, saying that it is through unity that a town becomes progressive.

Agabas also told the people that the park was built for them, especially for the children.

He said that he and his wife decided to build the Disneyland-inspired park this year so that the children can enjoy the popular Disney characters.

In the park, there are Disney princesses statues, Spongebob's house, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast castle, Shrek and many more.

«Frozen's characters Elsa and Anna are also there. Every corner is Instagrammable,» said Agabas.

«This is one way of giving every family in Tayug an opportunity to create memories, which children will remember