Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to lead the traditional Christmas tree lighting and gift-giving ceremony at Malacañan Palace this weekend. The festivities, scheduled for November 25 and 26, will be held at the Kalayaan Grounds, marking the onset of the holiday season in the presidential residence.
According to Philippines News Agency, this year's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, themed 'Traditions and Innovations', will showcase Filipino artistry and craftsmanship. The Palace Christmas tree will be adorned with lanterns created by students from state colleges and universities (SUCs), part of the "Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin" (One Star, One Goal) nationwide lantern-making contest.
Garafil emphasized that the contest aims to celebrate Filipino creativity and craftsmanship as embodied in the Christmas lanterns, a national symbol of the Filipino Christmas spirit. The competition's winners will be announced during the tree lighting event, with prizes sponsored by the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. SUCs will receive a photo and video editing package, while student winners will receive cash prizes and other rewards, including an all-expense-paid trip to Manila and a special tour of the Malacañang museums. The judging panel included architects Conrad Onglao and Mico Manalo, television host Boy Abunda, Rev. Father Rahnilio Aquino, and fashion icon Heart Evangelista-Escudero.
The event will feature performances by the Coro de San Jacinto Chorale, Cagayan State University Chorale, actress-singer Rita Daniela, and the 'King of Philippine Christmas Carols' Jose Mari Chan. Additionally, President Marcos will lead the 'Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya' Nationwide Gift-Giving Day for over 17,000 children from various shelters and orphan care centers. This initiative, organized by the Office of the President and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, along with private partners like Jolibee and San Miguel Corporation, will celebrate the festive occasion at over 250 locations nationwide.