Families in San Jose City welcomed the Christmas spirit early as a life-sized belen and a giant Christmas tree lit up the grounds of the Nueva Ecija 2nd Congressional District Office over the weekend.

The one-hectare area sparkled with colorful lights and elaborate holiday decorations during the lighting ceremony evening on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Residents counted down together before the display burst to life, followed by fireworks that drew cheers from children and adults alike.

“Ayos naman po, maganda, masayang-masaya mga bata,” Ruben Ramil, a resident who brought his family to the event, said.

Another resident, Lorna Carbonel, said they look forward to the annual lighting.

“Ang ganda, super ganda… Ay siyempre naman po [aabangan 'yung sa susunod na taon],” she said.

Aside from the dazzling lights, organizers offered free shows for children and opened a night market where visitors could enjoy various food stalls.

Officials said the event aims not only to spread holiday joy but also to boost small businesses in the area.

“May mga pailaw, may mga food bazaar, may mga sari-saring tindahan diyan. Makakatulong din na makapagbigay ng maliit na kabuhayan diyan sa mga nagnenegosyo o gustong kumota,” Rep. Mario “Kokoy” Salvador, who led the activity, said.

The celebration gave residents a welcome break, especially after enduring the recent Super Typhoon #UwanPH that affected parts of the province.