Eton Properties officially kicked off the holiday season on Sunday with the fifth staging of “Kumukutikutitap: Maningning na Paskong Pamilyang Pilipino” at Eton Centris in Quezon City, spotlighting sustainability, community creativity, and Filipino Christmas traditions.

The annual celebration gathered barangays, schools, and community groups for the Inter-Barangay Parol-Making Contest, a program launched in 2020 by Eton Properties and the Office of the Vice Mayor of Quezon City. The competition advocates the use of recycled and upcycled materials to create lanterns that symbolize hope and unity.

This year, 81 parols made from repurposed items were displayed across the grounds, showcasing themes of bayanihan and ingenuity. Twenty entries received special awards, while the top prizes went to Barangay Payatas (Payatas B. Elementary School), Barangay Krus na Ligas and Barangay Bagong Silangan.

“Sustainability becomes real when people experience it, not when it’s written in a plan,” said Donna Salgado, AVP for Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications and Sustainability and ESG officer at Eton Properties. “Kumukutikutitap shows how community, creativity, and responsible choices shape the way we celebrate, build, and care for the spaces we share.”

Eton Properties president and CEO Kyle C. Tan highlighted the event’s growth over the past five years and its role in strengthening partnerships among the private sector, local government, and the community.

“Over the years, this event has become a gathering that brings together Eton Properties, the Quezon City Government, our partners, and our community to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the spirit of coming together,” Tan said.

Eton also acknowledged continued support from Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and Quezon City LGUs, as well as from LT Group sister companies — including Tanduay, whose recycled barrel Christmas tree once again served as the symbolic centerpiece of the festivities.

COO Adrian Chua said the celebration reflects Eton’s commitment to weaving sustainability into its developments through the Beyond Green program. “Kumukutikutitap has been more than a holiday event. It is a shared tradition… Through our Beyond Green program, we continue to make sustainability part of how we build communities and support partnerships.”

After the awarding ceremonies, festivities transitioned to Beyond Beats, a community concert presented with Tanduay featuring Silent Sanctuary, Moonstar88, Angela Ken, Kenan, Kiss N Tell and Better Days. The performances drew families and visitors together through well-loved OPM holiday soundtracks.