Lifestyle

Araneta Center Grand Christmas Tree Lightning

November 16, 2016

Now on its 35th year, this much-awaited event is a joyous mix of live entertainment and annual tradition that reflects true Filipino values.

Putting up a Christmas tree is a family event. Kids and adults help one another in decorating while reminiscing unforgettable celebrations. It becomes a magical moment when the star is placed on the top and the lights are turned on. It was the same feeling I had when I witnessed the traditional Giant Tree lightning last November 4 at the Araneta Center. Here’s a rundown of what happened that night:

PLDT did a pre-show segment to promote their Christmas deals and promos and gave away prizes to the audience. This was followed by performances from the hottest Kapamilya stars who joined this year’s celebration.

Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina
Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina
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"Goin' Bulilit" mainstays Mutya Orquia, Nhickzy Calma, Marco Masa, Izzy Canillo and Xyriel Manabat during the opening dance number.
“Goin’ Bulilit” mainstays Mutya Orquia, Nhickzy Calma, Marco Masa, Izzy Canillo and Xyriel Manabat during the opening dance number.

Daryl Ong sang his famous and heartfelt rendition of "Stay"
Daryl Ong sang his famous and heartfelt rendition of “Stay”

Jason Dy serenaded the crowd with the song "Be My Lady"
Jason Dy serenaded the crowd with the song “Be My Lady”
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Former PBB housemate Dawn Chang danced to Arianna Grande's "Side to Side"
Former PBB housemate Dawn Chang

Former PBB teen housemate Maris Racal
Former PBB teen housemate Maris Racal

PBB Lucky Season 7 housemates Vivoree Esclito and Marco Gallo
PBB Lucky Season 7 housemates Vivoree Esclito and Marco Gallo

Loisa Andalio and Inigo Pascual
Loisa Andalio and Inigo Pascual

ASAP Birit Queen Jonalyn Viray sang "Secret Love Song"
ASAP Birit Queen Jonalyn Viray sang “Secret Love Song”
DJ Chacha and Jonalyn Viray

Alex Gonzaga channeling her inner Ariana Grande
Alex Gonzaga channeling her inner Ariana Grande

Vice Ganda
Vice Ganda

The presence of kids from He Cares Mission made the event more meaningful this year. They serenaded the crowd, received early Christmas gifts, interacted with the Binibining Pilipinas winners and Kapamilya celebrities and witnessed the momentous tree lighting.

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The ceremonial tree lighting was led by “It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda, BPCI Chairperson Ms. Stella Marquez Araneta, Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2016 Nichole Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2016 Jennifer Hammond, Bb. Pilipinas 2016 1st Runner-Up Angelica Alita and Bb. Pilipinas 2016 2nd Runner-Up Jehza Mae Huelar.

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Another highlight of the night is the revelation of what Araneta Center has in store for shoppers and Center visitors this December through video mapping.

Le Grand Cirque

The first-ever “Le Grand Cirque”, touted as the greatest show in town, is coming to the Big Dome this Christmas! It promises to give a high-octave family entertainment with its mesmerizing display of impossible feats of agility and strength. This big-scale circus production features a group of world-class performers and artists that come from Europe, Canada, China and the UK

“Le Grand Cirque” shows will run from December 25, 2016 to January 3, 2017 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. For more information visit Ticketnet website or call its hotline at (02) 911-5555.

Araneta Center Christmas promos

Get the chance to win a brand new Isuzu mu-X or one of ten who will have an overnight stay at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center with “Feel the Ride” Christmas promo. This runs from November 4 until January 15, 2017, and shoppers will be eligible to join for a single receipt purchase worth P1000.

There is also an on-going promo for the Center’s online supporters called “60 Gifts for 60 Days“, which will run daily until December 23.

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See the 100-foot Christmas tree at the Gateway Food Park, beside the Smart Araneta Coliseum!

For more details on its Christmas activities and promos, visit the Araneta Center website and follow their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

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