VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – A gleaming Christmas tree covered with Capiz windows was lit up by local officials in front of the City Hall here on December 2.
The tree features the traditional and ancestral parts of Vigan ancestral houses and traditional Filipino homes – the “Kulintipay” or Capiz window, which integrates windowpane shells into windows.
“The Capiz window has deeply rooted cultural significance. It reflects Filipino craftsmanship symbolizing its cultural identity, pride, and heritage,” City Councilor Glendale Benzon said.
The Belen, a nativity scene, is also displayed alongside mannequins dressed with traditional woven products depicting the preparation of Vigan delicacies such as the empanada and longganisa.
“An added attraction is the Filipino Belen, which reminds us that the Christmas season is a season of giving. Additionally, we have the making of traditional delicacies native to Vigan, especially for holiday seasons,” Benzon added.
The seven-meter-tall Christmas tree has four rotating layers synchronized with upbeat music.
In his speech, Mayor Jose Singson, Jr. emphasized the importance of sharing this holiday season.
“Ti spirit of Christmas a makunatayo ket sharing. We share our blessings to everyone as often as we can, continuous tayo a sangsangkamaysa nga only by sharing ken caring for others shall we be together in not only surviving but hopefully naparpardas a pannakagun-od ti prosperity tayo (What we identify as the spirit of Christmas is sharing. We must continue to unite that only by sharing and caring for others shall we be together in not only surviving but hopefully, the faster attainment of our prosperity). Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!” Mayor Singson said.
Gracing the event was Governor Jeremias Singson who congratulated the city government for coming up with a community Christmas tree that serves as a symbol of love and hope for all Bigueños.
“As we celebrate the Christmas season and move forward for a new year, we are again reminded to cherish the values of unity, camaraderie, and courage,” Governor Singson said.
“Itultuloytayo koma ti ragsak, ipangpangruna ti panagkaykaysa ken panagyaman ken paray-rayen tayo koma pay ti kinatibkertayo tapno maisaganatayo ti napintas a masanguanan ti probinsya ken ti pagiliantayo… Sangsangkamaysatayo koma nga agyaman ken mangselebrar dagiti nagapuanantayo iti daytoy a tawen ken agkikibintayo a mangsarabo ti tawen 2024 a kas ONE Ilocos Sur! (Let’s continue to embody happiness, prioritize unity and gratitude, and empower our strength to prepare for the future of our province and the country. Let’s all express our gratefulness and celebrate our accomplishments this year and walk hand-in-hand as we welcome 2024 as ONE Ilocos Sur!),” he ended.
Hundreds of Bigueños and tourists gathered in front of the city hall to witness the ceremony that ended with a fireworks display. (JCR/AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
