Baguio City’s music festival, gift-giving ushers Christmas

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Singers, musicians and artists a-plenty who practiced for weeks, along with willing hands who labored hard for the decorations, lights and choral set-up made up for a symbolic and melodious Christmas in Baguio; during the afternoon to evening musical festival  Dec. 15, at Upper Session road.

According to Christmas in Baguio action officer Councilor Elmer Datuin, the four-part musical extravaganza was done with efforts of the barangays, various church and school-based choirs and glee clubs, symphony, and concert bands.

It started at 3 p.m. with “A Journey of Hope” Christmas Cantata of  church choirs with the giant Christmas tree as backdrop; the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, United Methodist Church, Lourdes Parish, Holy Innocents’ Church, Youth With a Mission and Good News Church.

Barangay Hillside participated with a number.

Bible readings interspersed with the songs were done by Rep. Bernardo Vergara, Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Fr. Emil Pati, SVD, Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas, Asia Pacific Theological Seminary President Tham Wan Yee, and a representative from the Girl Scout of the Philippines, while the acknowledgment was given by Councilor Philian Weygan-Allan.   

After the Cantata, the Musar Symphony Orchestra performed for the audience. An annual activity, the Musar music school based in Baguio featured their talented students; with instrumental renditions of Christmas carols and familiar tunes.  

Later, the university, college choral and glee clubs presented their respective numbers. As in the past presentations, the Baguio City National High School Special Performing Arts along with that of the Pines City National High School had their appropriate Christmas costumes, and awed the audience with their performance. The nativity scene, along with voices and dances was presented by the Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, Easter School, University of the Cordilleras, Aloha group, Pinsao High School and Dep-Ed teachers. Other groups decided on the last minute and joined the festivities.

The last part of the music festival featured the best of Baguio concert bands; Zapt band, Powerpuff, Up-Town Rascals and other groups performed to the delight of the younger audience. There was a fireworks display at 7 p.m. by the Local Government of Baguio, simultaneous with that of SM City Baguio.

Earlier in the morning, the prayer walk from Melvin Jones grandstand, with eight prayer stations, went on up to the Children’s Playground, Burnham Park. This was participated in by groups, churches, schools and barangays. The walk, spearheaded by the Baguio Character City Council is a reflection for all things of the environment, and how to achieve peace with creation. Basically, it deals with praying for the family, children and personal concerns, environmental problems such as traffic, garbage and water pollution.

Flower and tree planting followed, as with reading from the psalms and prayers.          

On Dec. 22, a gift-giving activity for indigents shall be done at SM mall in the afternoon, coupled with Chinese carols, Japanese Anime, Korean K-Pop, and Filipino Christmas presentations.

This is according to Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, chair of the foreign groups’ and Balikbayan activities. The indigents who are to receive gifts are pre-selected by the City Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Other activities such as the Diwa Ng Pasko, chaired by City Veterinarian Dr. Brigit Piok shall give away toys and reading materials to needy children, through radio station RPN-DZBS.