Thousands of red-clad folk flocked to the Bacolod Public Plaza Monday night, December 13, as Mayor Evelio Leonardia led city officials during the lights-on ceremony that turned into a “MassKara Party in December”.
The police estimated that the crowd peaked at more than 15,000, a press release from the Bacolod Public Information Office said.
The public plaza glowed with Christmas colors as 95,000 lights transformed the historic bandstand into a glittering “Light Castle,” while the symbolic Jubilee Tower became the “Tower of Lights”, it said.
A “Tunnel of Light ” drew visitors for photo opportunities because of the neon hues that clothe the 40-foot passageway, giving the public plaza a trio of Instagram-worthy installations, it added.
Sponsoring the lighting spectacle was Emperador Distillers Inc., a subsidy of Alliance Global Inc. owned by business mogul Dr. Andrew Tan.
Holiday wishers also queued at Emperador’s corporate booth for product sampling and food tasting.
Megaworld Corporation also installed more than 19,000 lights at the Bacolod City Government Center on November 29.
Emperador executives said that the company is delighted to be a part of Bacolod’s celebration of the holiday spirit by bringing light and joy to the City of Smiles.
“May the vibrant colors bring smiles to the faces of every Bacolodnon during this season,” the company statement said.
As the crowd anticipated the switch-on, Leonardia thanked Tan, adopted son of the city and Bacolod’s honorary mayor, for his company’s continued support to the LGU.
“We dedicate this event for the people of Bacolod. This is for all of you,” Leonardia said.
Police estimated that the crowd peaked at more than 15,000, the press release said.
MassKara-themed songs played live by performers sent holiday wishers, including the mayor and city officials, dancing.
The festive mood gave Leonardia the opportunity to assure constituents that Bacolod will be “back on track” once the pandemic is over.
“Bacolod will grow the way it was before. We will continue to progress and we will bounce back stronger,” Leonardia said
The mayor cited several of Tan’s investments in Bacolod, particularly Forbes Hill and the mixed-use Upper East in front of the BCGC.
The Christmas lights and decors at the plaza will remain until the celebration of the Bacolaodiat Festival in February 2022, while those at the historic Jubilee Tower will stay year-round, Executive Assistant Sandra Sycip said.*