Christmas tree lighting at Mall of Asia

MANILA, Philippines - SM Mall of Asia shoppers will witness the official start of the long Yuletide season with the lighting of a 50-feet tall Christmas tree beautifully surrounded by elves at the Main Mall Atrium. The event, set tonight at 6, features performances by the world-renowned UST Singers and premier opera singer Rachelle Gerodias.

It’s MOA’s happiest Christmas yet, with lots of prizes for shoppers. Santa Claus will meet the kids and families and pose for pictures.

The UST Singers has been in the forefront of international choral music scene, with 18 concert tours in Europe, Asia and the US.

Gerodias is the first Filipina to work with Italian soprano Mirella Freni. She recorded with world-famous orchestras and won Aliw Awards’ Best Classical Artist honors twice.

In line with the tree lighting is an announcement of a raffle that

will give away 78 prizes. Shoppers get one raffle coupon per P1,000 purchase at participating MOA stores from Oct. 25, 2010 to Jan. 9, 2011. Purchases made with BDO credit cards are equivalent to two raffle coupons. Coupons can be redeemed at booths located at the main mall and entertainment mall. Inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas, prizes are a one Sea Residences condo unit from SMDC, two Suzuki cars, three trips for two packages to Malaysia, four Honda motorcycles, five laptops, six LCD TVs, seven tablet cellphones from Berlein, eight iPods from PowerMac, nine Extreme Magic Sing, 10 gift passes from Toy Kingdom, 11 microwave ovens from Elba and 12 winners of beauty services from Univers Kaizen Salon.