Christmas tree lighting, SLU lantern parade kick’s off Baguio yuletide celebration

The Summer Capital was filled with joy and excitement as city officials, residents and visitors gathered, December 1, 2025, at Upper Session Road to witness the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree with theme, “Biyaya ng Liwanag, Pasko sa Baguio”, which was immediately followed by the popular Saint Louis University’s 17th Lantern Parade.

Spearheaded by the City Buildings and Architecture Office in collaboration with the City Tourism Office, this year’s highly-anticipated Christmas Tree is made of bamboo as the primary material adorned with decorative lights, emphasizing the city government’s initiative of using sustainable materials.It also features the creative contributions of Resty Lopez, Joey Quinio, Reydon Amking, and James Calicdan.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, accompanied by his wife, Arlene, together with Abraham De Castro, representative of Congressman Mauricio Domogan; Councilors Van Dicang, Yuri Weygan and John Rey Mananeng, including Gladys Vergara, Chairperson of the Baguio Tourism Council, and many more, attended the joyful activity.In his message, the Mayor talked about the values of Christmas—hope, love, and goodness – and stressed on the pressing issues surrounding corruption and wishing that, despite the dark road ahead, people would still hold on to the very thing that moves them forward—hope.

“Kailangan po natin na umasa at maging positive po sa ating pananaw. Let us continue hoping para po sa ating mga kabataan, para po sa ating mga anak, para sa ating mga apo, at higit sa lahat, para sa ating bayan,” Magalong said.

While waiting for the countdown, the crowd were wowed by the musical performance of the University of Baguio’s Rondalla followed by equally excellent presentations by the UB Graces , Voices Chorale and Chamber Orchestra.

SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, together with CICM priests, led the blessing of the Christmas Tree and prayer for the Yuletide Season.

As the Baguio Christmas tree sparkled to life, the much-anticipated fireworks dazzled the sky, marking the vibrant start of the luminous SLU Lantern Parade.

The parade ended at Melvin Jones where seven schools gave vibrant field performances. – Jaeda Pad-eng, PIO-Intern / Gaby Keith