An Enchanting Baguio Christmas is a 30-day event that was under the program of Baguio Tourism Council. They organized events within the city including a trade fair at Rose Garden. This is a joint project from both public and private sectors.
The Enchanting Baguio Christmas was officially launched on December 1 together with Christmas tree lighting and lantern parade. The Christmas village cum trade fair started on November 23 and 24 wherein the National Dance Company and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performed. These spectacular performances ignited the Enchanting Baguio Christmas to a great start.
European inspired chalets and booths were set up within Rose Garden. These booth participants were free to sell their stuff. No rent was imposed upon them by the organizers of the Christmas project.
Aside from food, beverages and arts and crafts-related items, I saw a booth teaching free bracelet making and another selling hand painted signs.
The Rose Garden is transformed once it gets dark. There are more people enjoying the place once the lights are lit. The mood at night is better to enjoy traditional Filipino food that reminds us of Christmas especially the puto bumbong, a steamed purple rice cake. Traditionally, it is steamed in bamboo tubes and served during Christmas but now you can buy it anytime.
Kudos to the organizers and participants to this Enchanting Baguio Christmas. It is on its almost two weeks and they have enchanted the people already. The sights, sounds, smells and taste have brought to life that Christmassy feel and mood. It is exciting and curious to know how they will top that especially on the day and days of Christmas itself. A lot of activities have been scheduled for the whole month of December but the execution and implementation is yet to be seen.
Many critics have already shared their thoughts online. Some are to destroy but most are to cheer and admire and grateful for the festive feeling in the air. Coming up with all-inclusive programs and activities and organising them takes a lot of time and effort so kudos to the Baguio Tourism Council for doing an enchhanting great job!
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