BAGUIO CITY – Under a canopy of twinkling stars and the crisp mountain air that defines this City of Pines, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos flipped the switch on a resplendent Christmas tree Thursday night, bathing the historic mansion in a cascade of lights that signaled the archipelago’s yuletide kickoff with all the warmth of a crackling hearth. The intimate ceremony at the sprawling presidential retreat – a nod to decades of holiday traditions – drew a cozy crowd of family, staff, and dignitaries, transforming the fog-kissed estate into a beacon of joy as the nation braces for its most cherished season.
Draped in garlands of red poinsettias and shimmering ornaments that caught the moonlight like fireflies, the towering fir stood as the undisputed star of the evening. “This tree isn’t just lights; it’s a reminder of the hope and unity that Christmas brings, especially in times like these,” Marcos shared with a radiant smile, her voice carrying over the soft strains of carols piped through hidden speakers. Flanked by her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and their sons Sandro and Simon, she led the countdown – “Lima, apat, tatlo…” – before the branches burst into life, eliciting gasps and applause from the bundled-up guests huddled against the 15-degree chill.
The affair unfolded with quintessential Pinoy flair: A spread of bibingka and puto bumbong warmed hands and hearts, while local choir from the Baguio Cathedral belted out “Pasko Na Naman” under strings of fairy lights strung between century-old pines. It’s a ritual rooted deep in the Marcos family lore – the Baguio mansion, a colonial-era gem perched on the city’s misty heights, has hosted such lightings since the 1960s, evolving from quiet family affairs to symbols of national festivity. This year, amid whispers of economic headwinds and political ripples, the event felt like a deliberate exhale, a pause to savor the simple sparkle before the December whirl.
Youngest son Vincent, ever the quiet observer, added a personal touch by unveiling a custom ornament: A delicate silver parol etched with the family’s initials, a gift from Baguio artisans that underscored the push for local crafts. “In the glow of these lights, we see the faces of every Filipino – resilient, joyful, and together,” the First Lady reflected, her words laced with that effortless elegance that’s become her hallmark. As fireworks – eco-friendly pops of color approved by the DENR – lit the horizon, the gathering spilled into the mansion’s grand hall for hot tsokolate and stories swapped like heirloom recipes.
For Baguio’s tight-knit community, the lighting is more than pageantry; it’s a gentle nudge toward the holiday economy, with nearby markets already buzzing in anticipation of the annual “Panagbenga” prelude. Marcos, wrapping a scarf around a wide-eyed page, bid adieu with a promise: “May this light guide us through the season and beyond.” As the tree’s radiance lingered into the night, it stood as a luminous vow – in the heart of the highlands, Christmas isn’t just coming; it’s already here, one illuminated pine at a time.