The City of Firsts' Holiday tradition has been alive for 4 decades now

Reported by Celso De Guzman Caparas  Photos by CDG Caparas ​

The City of Firsts has officially signaled the beginning of its holiday celebration with the lighting of its iconic Giant Christmas Tree last November 11.
Decked with dazzling lights, colorful ornaments, and glittering tinsels, the Giant Christmas Tree situated at the Times Square Food Park in Araneta City was lit up in a grand celebration attended by local government officials, senior company executives, celebrities, and patrons with the theme 'Believe in the Magic of Christmas'.
"We made sure to light up our Giant Christmas Tree in time for 11.11, which tradition says is a special date when anything you wish for can come true. It's also our way of welcoming the return of our guests to the City of Firsts now that quarantine restrictions are starting to loosen up a bit. Even though we're now welcoming guests of all ages, we're still making it a point that all of our customers are safe through the health and safety measures that we've put in place," Marjorie Go, AVP for Marketing of Araneta Group, said.
This year's event highlights a mix of virtual and online celebrity performances and performances, with strict health and safety measures implemented onsite. 
A pre-show was also held virtually hosted by DJ Onse, and several lucky viewers got to take home some exciting prizes from the virtual games.

This year's Giant Christmas Tree Lighting event was graced by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (top photo, 5th from left), Councilor Wency Lagumbay and prominent stars like Piolo Pascual (top photo, 4th from left), Maymay Entrata, AC Bonifacio, and Reiven Umali (Tawag ng Tanghalan 5 Champion).

Also present were, top photo, from left :  Bb. Pilipinas 2021 First Runner-up Gabrielle Basiano, Binibining Araneta City 2021 Francesca Taruc Bb. Pilipinas 2021 Second Runner-up Meiji Cruz, Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio and Ms. Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obeñita.
The lighting of Araneta City's Glant Christmas Tree has been a fixture of every Filipino Christmas celebration for the past four decades. And as this year's event carves a year-long milestone in the country, the Araneta Group made sure to celebrate the Giant Christmas Tree spectacle in a big way!
As part of this year's Christmas celebration, the Araneta Group organized the '40 Treats for 40 program, wherein 40 individuals received special gifts from the company. These individuals are essential workers who worked tirelessly even at the height of the pandemic.
"Despite everything that is happening around us now, we still want all people to Believe in the Magic of Christmas. We in the Araneta Group would like to share this wonderful time with some very special people. We have chosen 40 hardworking essential workers in our community who have shown dedication to their service ever since the pandemic began," Lorna Fabian, Vice President for Leasing of Araneta City, said. 
Mrs Judy Araneta-Roxas, Vice President of the Araneta Group, also extended an early  Christmas greeting to everyone who attended the event and watched it unfold online.
"Christmas is a magical time. It gives us restored joy and a reason to celebrate even in these trying times. Today, as we light our Giant Christmas tree, we wish everyone to experience the special magic of the holidays."
A grand fireworks display concluded the event, and signaled the opening of the iconic Giant Christmas Tree to the public.
Araneta City is managed by AC Inc, one of the five business units of the Araneta Group of Companies. 
With a long history of pioneer business ventures, the progressive and diversified Araneta Group is anchored on property development, food service, lemure and entertainment, and hospitality Visit the Araneta Group's official website http://www.oranetagroup.com) for more details.
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