Pasko sa Pajo features Light-a-Tree contest

CEBU, Philippines – Reindeers, star-shaped lanterns and Christmas lights are among the decorations on trees along Maximo V. Patalinghug Avenue at Barangay Pajo in Lapu-Lapu City for the “Pasko sa Pajo: Light-Up-A-Tree Contest.”

As motorists descend into Lapu-Lapu City from the first Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, they could see the brightly bedecked trees at the center island of the road that the constituents of the barangay had decorated.

Barangay Captain Junard "Ahong" Chan said: "Ang activity nato is a way of uniting the residents or bonding sa mga Pajoanon sa pagpangandam sa nagkaduol nga pasko o ang katawhan sa manunubos."

At least 26 groups in the barangay participated in the contest, Chan said.

"Kining mga grupo o associations, came from schools in our barangay, mga persons with disability, mga senior citizens, ang Philippine Air Force from Mactan Air Base, ug bible-study group," Chan said.

The lights of the Christmas-decorated trees in the barangay were officially switched on at 8 p.m. last Wednesday, with Mayor Paz Radaza, lone district Representative Aileen Radaza, Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong and the city councilors gracing the event, signalling the start of the contest.

Chan said the theme of the contest is: "Ang Kahayag sa Pasko sa Pajo Nakahatag og Kahiusahan, Diretso sa Dalan sa Kaayohan ug Kalambo-an Para Kanatong Tanan."

The barangay head said each competing group was given time to beautify and decorate their assigned tree. "Ato gi-emphasize ang lights. Ato sab makit-an ang ilahang creativity pinaagi ani," he said.

The final judging of the Christmas light-up-a-tree contest and the announcement of winners will be done next month.

"Pre-judging pa man ta ron. Ato gitan-aw sa kung kinsang decoration ang maka-sustain. Pwede pa sad nila ma-improve og maayo ang ilahang mga decorations," Chan added.  (FREEMAN)