Valenzuela lights ‘Tree of Hope’

Celebrities graced Valenzuela City's "Tree of Hope" lighting ceremony over the weekend which also marked the beginning of a three-month-long celebration of the 400th Founding Anniversary of the city.

The occasion was held at the Valenzuela City People's Park with no less than popular Yuletide singer Jose Mari Chan, Patrick Quiroz and Itchyworms spicing up the rites that set the Christmas spirit of the Valenzuelanos.

The "Tree of Hope" lighting ceremony is a yearly tradition focusing on a 50-foot tree, along with several decors and installations. It 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.

Mayor WES Gatchalian were joined by SM Supermalls president Steven Tan and CDO Foodsphere Inc. assistant vice president Jason Ong in lighting up the "Tree of Hope" this year.

Dedicating the Tree of Hope, the city also welcomed PWD children and teens as the primary beneficiaries for this year. Likewise, students from the city's state universities the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and Valenzuela Technological College or VALTECH (formerly named ValPoly) also participated in the event.

Mayor Gatchalian extended his warm greetings and emphasized the meaning of the "Tree of Hope."

"For our 'Tree of Hope' Lighting tonight, may this event not be a symbol of hope, but also serves as a reminder that the light that has guided over the past 400 years, will be the light that shall guide us in the future," he  said.

Joining the event were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian, City Councilors Ricarr Enriquez, Gerald Galang, Niña Lopez, Sel Sabino-Sy, Mickey Pineda, Atty. Bimbo dela Cruz, Louie Nolasco, Marlon Alejandrino, SK Federation president, Councilor Goyong Serrano, and Liga ng mga Barangay president, Councilor Jonjon Bartolome.

The PWD children and teens performed a meaningful doxology to start the event right. To further make this 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 colorful and dashing fountain display provided the finishing touches to the ceremonial night.

Days after the event, multiple attractions in the city such as the Valenzuela City Family Park, WES Arena, Fatima Avenue, and Polo Family Park were also set to illuminate their Christmas installations.

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. These activities in line were all open for the Pamilyang Valenzuelanos.