BAGUIO CITY – Christmas in Baguio, the city’s calendar of yuletide activities peaks this week as the city joins the whole Christendom in commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Even as the traditional Simbang Gabi ended last night (Dec. 24), Christmas masses are scheduled in various churches the whole day today.
Today, Silahis ng Pasko, a sub-calendar of the yuletide spectacle spearheaded by the former councilor Narciso Padilla and the city government through the office of the city social welfare and development office under Betty Fangasan will stage the Santa Claus on the Road and the Quest for Lucky Christmas Baby 2017.
Padilla said the selection of the lucky baby was done midnight of the 24th at the Baguio General Hospital while the awarding will be conducted on Dec. 26 at 9 a.m.
The baby will receive prizes consisting of cash gift, baby clothes and baby blankets courtesy of search benefactor balikbayan Josephine Delinela who has been supporting the project for the past years with husband Bonnie (Bonnie died recently but the widow pledged to continue the tradition), blanket and a cavan of rice from CSWDO, food and goodies from the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs and the, the Federation of Baguio Senior Citizens Association, Blessed Association of Retired Persons Foundation Inc. (BARP) and the Philippine Government Retirees Association (PGRA).
The same procedure will be done for the Search for the Lucky New Year Baby on New Year’s eve. The lucky baby will be awarded on Jan. 2 with prizes courtesy of retired US Navy Angel Villaralbo.
On Dec. 27, Silahis ng Pasko will sponsor a Holy Mass at the People’s Park at 4:30 a.m. to be officiated by St. Vincent parish priest Fr. Jeffrey.
On Dec. 30, they will stage the Baguio Lucky Balikbayan and the Cordillera Sportsmen Day, 9:30 a.m. at the Sunshine Park.
Padilla said they will award the lucky balikbayans in the individual, family and couple categories with medals and at the same time they will honor the sports luminaries led by mixed martial artists Eduard Folayang, Arnel Lomibao and Marquez Sangiao, Pilipinas Akyathlon women’s titlist Sandi Menchi Abahan and other sports champions.
Other activities in the calendar are the Spectacular Fireworks Display, 24 and 31 December, 7 p.m.; Christmas at the Bell House, Dec. 1-31, Bell House/Amphitheatre, Camp John Hay; Blossom of Lights, 30 December, SM Baguio – The Atrium; Snow Toy Collectibles, 16 Dec. – 5 Jan. 2018, SM Baguio – Lower Ground;
Pamaskong Pakulo 2017: Handog ng Baguio Centermall lucky shoppers first monthly raffle draw
Baguio Centermall, 25 Dec. 2 pm; Red Hiphop Dance Championship, 30 Dec., Baguio Convention Center; and Countdown to New Year 2018 fireworks display, 31 Dec. , Melvin Jones Grandstand, 12:00 mignight 1 January 2018. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
