<strong>Christmas Village in Koronadal Attracts Thousands of Tourists </strong>
The Christmas Village on the Koronadal City Hall Grounds continues to attract and draw thousands of people from all over Region XII.
Following the recent official lighting of the 100-foot-tall giant Christmas tree and the Christmas paroles beneath it, Koronadaleños and tourists from neighboring towns, cities, and provinces flock to the city’s government center every night and day to partake in the festivities and take snaps and selfies in front of the majestic and colorful giant Christmas tree and sparkling Christmas paroles.
The city hall ground was transformed from an ordinary open space into a colorful and lively Christmas village where people could enjoy the fun and excitement of the amusement rides as well as the beautiful scene of lights and sounds.
The food strip on the ground offer mouth-watering and appetizing delicacies, goodies, and comfort foods, treating the tired and hungry tourists.
A live band entertains the diners and strollers with its variety of heartwarming and upbeat songs.
Estelle, one of the spectators, shared that she took her whole family to the venue, days after the lighting ceremony of the giant Christmas Tree as they were not able to personally witness the fun and excitement because of the rain.
“My whole family looks forward to witnessing the giant Christmas tree this year. It’s a different kind of feeling to see it personally than just watching it on Facebook”, Estelle expressed.
On December 8, despite the unexpected rainfall, the City Government, headed by City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena, pushed through with the ceremonial lighting of the giant Christmas tree and paroles, which highlights this year’s Christmas festivities, “Hinugyaw sa Paskuwa 2022, Magical Lights and Wonderland” with a theme of “Spread Hope, Joy, Love and Peace on Christmas Time.”
The program kicked off with a parade of members of the LGBTQ community impersonating some of the Disney characters, the marching maroons of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School, and the Marist’s Symphonic Band of Notre Dame of Marbel University.
The white façade of the City Hall building turned into a 3D mapping light show with synchronized exhibitions of lights, lasers, and music, which surprised the spectators and made them even more thrilled.
In his Christmas message during the ceremonial lighting, Mayor Ogena highlighted the very reason why we celebrate the holidays.
“We must always remember that the reason why we are celebrating Christmas is because of one person, the birth of the child, Jesus,” Ogena said.
He added, “Just like this year’s theme, let us spread hope, joy, love, and peace at Christmas time.”
The local chief executive also expressed admiration for the resilient spirit the Koronadaleños exhibited during that evening. He appreciated the crowd that patiently waited for the Christmas tree lighting in the middle of a pouring rain.
“Despite the rain, the people of Koronadal cannot be stopped from coming. That is the spirit! We thrive on adversity and critical times,” Ogena stated.
On the other hand, City Vice Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil gave her message, saying that the city government wants the best for the people of Koronadal during this holiday season.
“After more than two years of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the city government has come up with such Christmas festivities as our way of making the people of Koronadal happy during this year’s Christmas celebration,” Araquil said.
Mayor Ogena led the countdown, signaling the switching-on of the remarkable light display.
A spectacular fireworks exhibition matched the colorful and sparkling glow of the Christmas lanterns and the giant Christmas tree.
Mayor Ogena also acknowledged the people behind the conceptualization and creation of the giant Christmas tree and the whole Christmas village. With some of the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the mayor led the giving of the plaques of recognition to the contractors and consultants.
He likewise, lauded the team efforts of City General Services Officer Gemma Amor Panza and City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Elric Batilaran who spearheaded the successful activity.
The Christmas festivities at the city hall grounds will continue to run until January 2023 in celebration of the Hinugyaw Festival.