Poblacion Market Central holds annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony

 

Alsons Dev’s Poblacion Market Central hosted its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony last November 30, 2022, officially welcoming the festive season in Davao City. Standing tall at 20-feet, the glimmering Christmas tree boasts its design meticulously decorated with bamboo and handmade banana paper, inspired by tribal patterns and core Filipino values that Alsons Dev upholds.

This year, Christmas in Davao will be even more joyous thanks to Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), which hosted its annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Poblacion Market Central last November 30, 2022.

A 20-foot-tall Christmas tree made of bamboo and handcrafted banana paper, which is a tribute to Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness, will greet Davao's holiday revelers. It reestablishes Poblacion Market Central as a focal point that highlights Mindanao's vibrant culture and continues to draw visitors from all over the region with its cutting-edge interpretations of art, shopping, and cuisine that support regional identity.

Even the Christmas tree itself is loaded with significance. The bamboo swirl in the amakan motif represents the Filipinos' adaptation and suppleness to many circumstances. On the other hand, the handmade banana paper stars and swags decorated in vibrant Yakan, Okir, and Ikat tribal patterns represent the people of Mindanao's enduring ties to their customs and culture. Alsons Dev strives to promote fundamental Filipino values through its programs and activities even as we adjust to the demands of modern times.

Executives from Alsons Dev, including Vice President and General Manager Eric de la Costa and Assistant General Manager of the Business Units Group Jolla Soriaga, lit the tree. The Davao Suzuki String Ensemble, a group of student musicians led by Krizmagnum Ibaos, serenaded the audience with a lovely selection of Christmas carols in the background. The cuts were specifically chosen to evoke a joyous Filipino Christmas.

Poblacion Market Central’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was heralded by the Davao Suzuki String Ensemble, comprised of talented student musicians from across the city. This event is just one of the many holiday activities in store for Davaoeños at Poblacion.

The Davao String Ensemble

Christmas is a joyous time for anyone, but Soriaga said, "We wanted to make it even more joyful for Davaoenos with Poblacion's range of art, food, and retail options and this gorgeous Christmas Tree that not only invokes the joy of Christmas but also makes them feel proud of their heritage."

Dusit Thani Manila's Uniquely Designed Christmas Tree

Philippine Star Columnist and socialite Celine Lopez designed this tree.

 You must have seen a Christmas tree as a fresh pine tree or synthetic ones made from fiber optics or plastics. Well, I guess we all have them at home or in the malls. You may have seen trees in different colors too, from bright ones to dark ones. They also come in different sizes and height as well. But you may not have seen unique Christmas trees that are specially designed by popular personalities.

Socialite and Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdez put Barbie dolls on her tree.

 I had the opportunity to visit Dusit Thani Manila's unique Christmas trees designed by well-known personalities from different fields. Philippine Star columnist, author and socialite Celine Lopez had her tree made up of white roses and silver balls. I think her tree looks classic and elegant, maybe it has a bit of her personality. As for extremely fashionable Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdez, she had her tree done with tons of Barbie Dolls in gowns created by different designers as well. Thereby making her tree as unique as she is. Ms. Prieto's buddy, eventologist and Tweetbiz host, Tim Yap had his own tree designed with loads of Hello Kitty dolls and Swatch voodoo dolls. On the other hand, famous designer Rajo Laurel had his trees filled with hangers clothed in somewhat pinkish or peach color.
  Thai airways also had their own tree with purple silk and gold trimmings ornaments. While HSBC had their tree designed in white candle-shaped with red and transparent balls. The uniquely designed trees will be on display at the Dusit Thani Manila's lobby until the end of this month. There's also a ginger bread house made from real marshmallow, biscuits and chocolate bars. Inside were yummy goodies you can buy as gifts. To complete the Christmasy feeling, wafting in the air is the smell of Bibingka (rice cakes) and Puto Bumbong sold in the lobby.

Eventologist and TV host Tim Yap had tons of Hello Kitty and voodoo dolls.

Thai Airways had purple silk and gold trimmings within the tree.

HSBC used white candle-shaped ornaments for their tree.



My Mom, my friend Tita and Kyle behind the ginger bread house.