Christmas comes alive in Quezon City with 50-foot tree, festive bazaar

MANILA — A towering 50-foot Christmas tree illuminated the Quezon City Hall grounds on Wednesday evening as Mayor Joy Belmonte led the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

The event featured performances by local artists, officially ushering in the holiday season with this year’s theme, “Paskong QC: Blooming ang Saya!”

Apart from the dazzling Christmas tree, visitors can also enjoy the annual Christmas bazaar, which features around 60 food stalls offering a variety of food and beverages.

An animated display dubbed “QCarnival” has also been set up to entertain visitors, while game booths offer shoppers a chance to win vouchers with every purchase.

Even before the official program began, families and visitors had already flocked to the venue to enjoy the festive atmosphere and explore the bazaar.

Among them was Danieza Patacsil, who brought along her two young children and patiently waited for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

She said the occasion was an opportunity for her children, particularly her child who is battling leukemia, to momentarily enjoy a festive experience amid their medical challenges.

“Kasama ko po ang mga anak ko, bale nagasikaso kami ng para sa medical assistance ng anak ko, sakto may ganito para masiyahan ang mga bata. Mas ano talaga kami sa palabas,” Patacsil said.

For other visitors, the Christmas bazaar was also a chance to spend quality time with family while enjoying some of the food offerings.

Jennyline Dela Cruz, who visited with her husband, said she was making the most of her free time.

“Kasama ko po ang asawa ko. Bihira lang ako, mas maluwag ang oras ngayon,” she shared.

(I’m here with my husband. I don’t usually have a lot of free time.)

Asked about her favorite treats at the bazaar, she quickly answered: “Empanada at dragon fruit shake.”

According to Mona Yap, head of the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office, the festivities also aim to highlight local entrepreneurs and support small businesses.

“Marami tayong activities, yung isa ay animated display at Paskong QC carnival bazaar na tampok ang micro and small enterprises ng Quezon City,” Yap said.

(We have a lot of activities. One is the animated display anf the Paskong Pinoy QC carnival bazaar featuring micro and small enterprises in Quezon City.)

She added that this year’s bazaar features game booths beside the QCarnival display, where visitors can earn vouchers through their purchases and use them to participate in the games.

Those who want to experience the holiday festivities can visit the Christmas bazaar, which runs until January 3.

It will remain open daily from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.