Cities, municipalities usher in holiday season with Christmas tree lighting events, fireworks displays

It's the last month of the year, so cities and municipalities in the Philippines are lighting up their Christmas trees and lanterns to usher in the holiday season.

As seen in Tina Panganiban-Perez's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday, a Christmas tree in Session Road will greet those traveling North to Baguio City. The tree is made from recycled materials and bamboo.

St. Louis University also held its annual lantern parade for the 17th year, which was attended by over 6,000 students.

In Orani, Bataan, the facade of the Municipal Hall and the Orani Church lit up with decorations. A fireworks display and a shower of white confetti were also held to bring the Christmas cheer to the residents.

Meanwhile, Agdangan, Quezon offers their special holiday dish: the puto bao. The municipality held its first-ever Christmas event, putting up a Christmas tree, a giant angel, and lanterns.

Further south, Cebu City lit up its 120-feet Christmas Tree of Hope as a symbol of unity and also held a fireworks display.

Kidapawan City likewise lit up its giant Christmas tree in front of its city hall. It also put up Christmas decorations made up of recyclable materials, including 23 small Christmas trees and several lanterns.

In South Cotabato, residents experienced a "white Christmas" with artificial snow at the Kapitolyo along with handmade Christmas decors. They also enjoyed food stalls and loot bags.

As seen in Jamie Santos's report on "24 Oras," San Juan City also lit up its Christmas tree in the City Hall grounds. The decorations were native-inspired with Capiz shells, abaca, and a kalesa.

A Christmas bazaar was also opened featuring small business offering local products, gifts items, and food. —MGP, GMA Integrated News