Festival of lights in Naga opens

CEBU, Philippines - The festival of lights in the City of Naga opened the other night with a bang, witnessed by several hundreds of locals and was topped with an eight-minute fireworks display and the release of sky lanterns.

Mayor Valdemar Chiong said this “tradition,” which was started in 1998 during his late brother-Mayor Ferdinand’s time, is dedicated to the people of Naga in view of the Christmas season.

“The putting up of a Christmas fair in Naga is to bring in the Christmas atmosphere here. Bisag wa kay kwarta, mosuroy ka diri bisag mokaon lang ka’g mani, ug magtan-aw ka sa mga lights, malipay naka. That was why Enan and I conceptualized this project,” said Chiong.

Chiong said they picked December 8 being the feast of the Immaculate Conception, so that those attending the procession can witness the event.

And at exactly 7:29 p.m. Thursday, shortly after the Fr. Melchor Urjel-led procession bringing the image of the Immaculate Conception stopped at the St. Francis Plaza, in a countdown led by Chiong, all multi-colored lights in trees, nativity scenes and Christmas trees surrounding the entire plaza were turned on.

Moments later the sky lanterns were released to the air, which signaled the start of the eight-minute fireworks display.

The mayor said the festival of lights, which was also participated by different establishments in Naga, will last until January next year.  (FREEMAN)