CABANATUAN CITY – The Christmas season “officially” started here on Sunday evening with the launch of a 35-foot Christmas tree with three elves, along with several other icons of the season, as centerpiece at the SM City Cabanatuan. Michelle Charlene Chua, asst. mall manager, said they offer a lot of things to bring fun to mall goers, including huge sales and charity events.
“Ang aasahan po nila ay isang masigabo at masayang Christmas po dito sa mall natin sa SM City Cabanatuan,” Chua said.
This year’s theme was all about elf – “Have your elf a merry little Christmas” – which underscores both the joy of Christmas to children and a tribute to hard working people, such as parents and frontlines, she said.
“Alam naman po natin ‘yung mga elf ay napakasipag na workers ni Santa Claus. All year-round po ‘yan mga nagta-trabaho parang tayo din po na frontliners na all year-round po ay nagsusumikap para po sa mga mahal natin sa buhay,” she explained.
Their traditional Bear of Joy project that that serves as the mallgoers’ way of giving away stuff to less fortunate children is also available until Dec. 23.
In this project, one who buys a bear for P199 each shall have a bonus of another piece for gift-giving. This year’s recipients are indigenous children, she said.
Lawyer Joma San Pedro, chief of the provincial tourism office, said the centerpiece launch has become a “bookmark of memories” for the people of Nueva Ecija.
“Yung lighting ceremony na ginagawa ng SM every year kung saan signal ito na magpa-Pasko na talaga,” he said.
City councilor Peewee Mendoza said the activity serves as an inspiration among residents amidst the pandemic.
“Sa kabila ng pandemya ay nakukuha pa ring i-celebrate ang Christmas,” he said. –
