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.
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