The Araneta Center shined bright on Friday night, November 16, as it switched the lights on its iconic giant Christmas tree with a constellation of stars descending in the country's premier lifestyle hub.
This tradition, of lighting of the giant Christmas tree started in 1981, has become one of the most anticipated activites in Araneta Center.
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| Sarah Geronimo and Vice Ganda at Araneta Center Tree Lighting |
Two of the country's most famous celebrites, the Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo and unkabogable box-office star and fantastica Vice Ganda, joined Araneta Center executives in lighting up the tree at the Times Square Food Park. This was Vice Ganda's 5th straight year of leading the celebration, and Geronimo's 1st.
Just as Araneta Center's celebrations this year are tied to the theme "Christmas is Home", the two superstars' appearance at the tree lighting marks a homecoming of sorts for them, as they have repeatedly celebrated milestones in their careers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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| (L-R) KierVi, TNT boys, Janine Berdin, Darren Espanto and Mccoy de Leon |
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| The Kids' Choice" jurors Xia Vigor, Chunsa Jung, Onyok Pineda, Carlo Mendoza and Jayden Villegas |
People (like, thousands of them) gathered to the venue eager to witness the centerpiece of Yuletide decorations come to life and watched their favorite stars perform. Among the guests were Darren Espanto, McCoy de Leon, TNT Boys, Janine Berdin, Vivoree Esclito and CK Kieron, and "The Kids' Choice" jurors Xia Vigor, Chunsa Jung, Onyok Pineda, Carlo Mendoza and Jayden Villegas. OPM band Mojofly rounded up the list of performers.
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| Look at that crowd! Photo grabbed (The Araneta Center FB page) |
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| While waiting for the program to start, MC entertained the crowd |
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| Gretchen Ho and Benj Manalo hosted the program |
The Araneta Center also partnered with Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children to treat 19 blind kids to a memorable day.
Binibining Pilipinas queens Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray, Binibining Pilipinas Supernational Jehza Huelar, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Eva Patalinjug, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental Karen Gallman and Miss Globe top 15 finalist Michelle Gumabao, who also graced the tree lighting, led in giving the visually impaired kids white canes and a Christmas gift pack.
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| Araneta Center's 100 feet Christmas Tree |
Araneta Center's giant Christmas tree (100 feet if you are curious) has continuously augumented the Filipinos' anticipation for the Holidays. While it stuns with its more than 3,000 LED light bulbs and an assortment of decors including birdcages with chandeliers, giant balls, giant bells, lighted poinsettias and a seven-foot start topper, the giant Christmas tree also evokes genuine Yuletide cheer for all ages. From Araneta Center's most loyal visitors to the members of the instagram generation, the public cannot help but take snaps with their families and friends with the giant tree serving as the background.
This is the 2nd straight year that Araneta Center's giant Christmas tree is housed at the Times Square Food Park on the corner of Times Square Street and Gen. Roxas Avenue.
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| Christmas on Display (COD) |
The area is also the new home of the well-loved and returning Christmas on Display (COD), which will have its own festive launch on November 23. The food park also features fun rides and a plethora of dining options, which the entire family can enjoy, making it one of the must-visit destinations this Yuletide season in Araneta Center.
For more updates, visit www.aranetacenter.net and follow Araneta Center's social media pages: @AranetaCenter on Facebook and Twitter and @TheAranetaCenter on Instagram.
