Baguio Mansion's Christmas Tree now open to the public

Baguio City, a favorite destination among locals and tourists this holiday season, has opened its Baguio Mansion House for people to see its Christmas Tree.

No less than First Lady Louise ''Liza'' Araneta-Marcos led the tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday evening. She is accompanied by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

According to Al Valenciano of the Malacañang Heritage Tours, Baguio City has always been the ''Christmas Capital of the Philippines.''

''What better way to celebrate it by lighting the Christmas Tree for the first time here after being fully adjusted for the pandemic,'' Valenciano said.

READ: Christmas trees light up in Metro Manila in celebration of Yuletide season

This year, the Baguio Mansion House has been opened to the public for the first time since 1908. 

Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo Tantoco said the Christmas Tree was decorated with 38 lanterns made by highschool students nationwide.

''The parols on the tree this year are entries from our nationwide parol making competition,'' Tantoco told reporters.

The public can take photos with the Christmas Tree until 8 p.m. daily until the first week of January 2025. 

Before the tree lighting ceremony, the University of Baguio Voices Chorale serenaded those who attended the event. The Philippine Military Academy Marching Band also played Christmas songs for the public.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News