by Lilian Mellejor – PNA
DAVAO CITY — The city government will turn the city hall into a Winter Wonderland come November 23, as the month-long Pasko Fiesta celebration kicks off.
Pasko Fiesta is one of the festivals organized by the city annually. City tourism officer Generose Tecson said under the Winter Wonderland concept, people will be treated to a tunnel of lights of white and blue color patterns and snowflakes.
Food Fiesta will be also offered to the Dabawenyos at an affordable price in Sta. Ana Wharf.
The city is also bringing back the “Torotot Party” on December 31 to usher in the New Year, which will be sponsored by Phoenix.
Tecson said the city will also enliven the Sta. Ana Wharf with lights and food stalls at affordable prices.
Huge prizes will be up for grabs in different competitions aligned to the Winter Wonderland concept.
Establishments can compete in the Christmas lights competition utilizing festive and dazzling lights, thematic decorations and holiday trees.
Tecson said the Christmas lantern competition will showcase the Dabawenyos’ ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Another new feature is the Lighted Vehicle Parade where any person, group, organization or company can join the competition. The vehicles can be tricycle or jeepney-size and should be decked with LED or lights.
Tecson said Dabawenyos will still be treated to the battle of bands, dance competition and other traditional events offered in the previous Pasko Fiesta.
Last year, the city canceled the remaining days of the Pasko Fiesta after the December flood and the fire incident that hit a local mall which left scores dead.
The city spent about PHP18 to PHP19 million for the first days of the Candyland-theme of Pasko Fiesta.
This year, Tecson said, the city already set aside PHP42 million for the Christmas celebration. Of the total budget, PHP20 million will go to the trimmings, food of the security forces and other activities.
Tecson said while the Winter Wonderland theme may be too western, “we want it because of the coolness that makes people happy inside.”
The city has also invited the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and celebrity Erik Santos for the Pasko Fiesta Concert on November 24 at the RMC FilOil Flying V Event Center. It will be opened to all Dabawenyos and visitors for free.
