Welcoming two momentous events in one, the City of Valenzuela held its annual "Tree of Hope" lighting ceremony at the Valenzuela City People's Park on 30 September, an event graced by special guests Jose Mari Chan, Patrick Quiroz and Itchyworms.

The ceremony also marked the beginning of the three-month-long celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the city.

The "Tree of Hope" lighting ceremony, a city tradition since2004, sees the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree and the installation  of holiday decor to set the Christmas spirit early for Valenzuelanos.

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.

Mayor Wes Gatchalian was joined bythe  CDO Foodsphere and SM Supermalls in lighting up the Tree of Hope this year.

The city also welcomed PWD children as the primary beneficiaries of the event, along with students from PLV and VALPOLY.

Singers from PLV performed Christmas carols, while the local government invited Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan to sing his signature song, "Christmas in Our Hearts", while the Tree of Hope was lit amid fireworks. A colorful and dashing fountain display provided the finishing touches to the occasion.

Multiple attractions in the city such as Valenzuela City Family Park, WES Arena, Fatima Avenue and Polo Family Park are also set to turn on their Christmas installations in the coming days.

A post-lighting concert took place at the Valenzuela City Amphitheater where guests Patrick Quiroz and The Itchyworms livened up the crowd.

The city's 400th founding anniversary celebration happens on 12 November, following Pueblo de Polo's founding date of 12 November 1623. Back-to-back celebrations awaits the city with the Polo Fiesta and Casa de Polo inaugurations as two of the grand events slated for #Valenzuela400 this month.

Other huge events unfolding in the following months include the 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.

Over the past 400 years, the City of Valenzuela has never stopped evolving. From an agricultural provincial town of Polo, it has become a highly urbanized, industrial and livable city, recognized as one of the progressive urban centers in the country.

Thus, reaching four centuries of growth and progress is a milestone worth celebrating for all Valenzuelanos, and an inspiration to continuously commemorate and honor the rich history that established the city.