CHRISTMAS is in the air as government and private organizations have joined forces to organize “Christmas By Manila Bay” on Dec. 15-17 which will benefit the children of Marawi City, Leyte, and Hospicio de San Jose in Manila.
“The event aims to make the Filipinos and the whole world appreciate the uniqueness of Filipino Christmas by highlighting what is the distinct celebration from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” said Mina Gabor, who served as the tourism secretary during the time of former President Fidel V. Ramos, at a press briefing held at a hotel in Manila recently.
Gabor said that the three-day event is filled with different activities to showcase the spirit of giving the Filipino way, promote crafts and products of the Philippines and relive some of the Original Pilipino Christmas Music and traditions to make the event more festive.
Among the activities lined-up are Christmas Market, Christmas Gift-giving, Christmas Concert and Christmas Parade.
“The gift-giving day will be held on Dec. 18. Our goal is to give 60,000 gifts to children of Marawi, Leyte and Hospicio de San Jose,” said Gabor.
She added: “We felt that if people will give, then we must also be able to return the gesture by making a very happy event.”
She encouraged the people to donate gifts worth at least P200. “If they cannot find anything that’s worth P200, we will also accept cash and give them a receipt.”
“At first we thought of P100. Pero sabi namin ‘ano na ba ang mabibili sa P100?’ So we increased it to a minimum of P200 which I think would be acceptable to many people,” she said.
“We realize that many people want to give but they cannot give so much. With this amount, many families can share their graces to the children of Marawi,” said Gabor, now head of the International School of Sustainable Tourism.
She said that people can buy gifts but the wrapping should be done at the night market. “We just wanted to make sure that it is secured.”
The Christmas Market is an exhibit and sale of the finest Philippine products ranging from houseware, arts and crafts, garments, fashion accessories, among other gift items and a variety of delicacies and food items from different regions of the country organized by CITEM, Gabor said.
The Christmas Parade, she said, is a moving showcase of Filipino Christmas colors reflective of the culture, values and traditions of the Filipinos.
“It will be held in the long stretch of Roxas Boulevard from the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex to the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila,” she also said.
The Christmas concert is a series of performances featuring outstanding Filipino artists, choral groups and performing bands.
Popular artists from ABS CBN are expected to grace the festive event in December.
The “Simbang Gabi Sa Manila Bay” will also be held on Dec 16 and Dec.17 at 7 p.m., organizers said.
Among the groups involved in the project are the Department of Tourism, Automobile Association of the Philippines, ISST, ABS CBN, etc.