WELCOMING two momentous events in one, the Valenzuela City government and Mayor Wes Gatchalian led in lighting the “Tree of Hope” at the Valenzuela City People’s Park.
Alongside, the ceremony also marked the beginning of a three-month-long celebration of the city’s 400th founding anniversary.
The “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony is a yearly tradition, setting the Christmas spirit early for the Valenzuelanos.
This traditional lighting of the 50-foot tree, along with several decors and installations, has been long-running since 2004.
“This year, the lighting ceremony is coupled with another historical commemoration — the kick-off celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the City of Valenzuela. It is a modern Pinoy Christmas theme bridging the past and future, as a herald to 400 years of history and progress,” the mayor said.
To further make the event a night to remember, the local government invited the Christmas icon, Jose Mari Chan, to sing his signature song ‘Christmas in our Hearts’ while setting the Tree of Hope and the fireworks alight.
A post-lighting concert took place at the Valenzuela City Amphitheater wherein special guests, Patrick Quiroz and the band, The Itchyworms, livened up the stadium.
Valenzuelanos jammed with some of their iconic songs, concluding the monumental night on a strong note.
Getting the ball rolling, the tree-lighting occasion is one of the city’s main festivities for its 400th founding anniversary tribute.
The day of the commemoration is November 12, following Pueblo de Polo’s founding date, November 12, 1623. Back-to-back celebration awaits the city with Polo Fiesta and Casa de Polo inauguration as two of the grand slated events at #Valenzuela400 this month.
Meanwhile, some of the anticipated huge events for the upcoming months are as follows: Oktoberfest, Polo Fiesta activities, Mass at San Diego de Alcala Church, Casa de Polo blessing and inauguration, Industry Summit, Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela
Awarding, Cultural Night, Valenzuela’s coffee table book launch, a visit from delegates of Bucheon, South Korea, Food Fiesta, and a Christmas Bazaar.
For the past 400 years, Valenzuela sought several developments and innovations — and it has never stopped evolving.
From an agricultural provincial town of Polo to a highly urbanized, industrial, and livable city, this notable transition led Valenzuela to be recognized as one of the progressive cities in the country.
