by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) - - The recent bombing incident that happened at the Atilano Pension that killed three (3) people and wounded 27 others did not stop the throngs of people from attending the kick off day of the city initiated Christmas festival dubbed “Pascua na Zamboanga.”
Thousands gathered Friday Night at the Plaza Pershing and City Hall grounds as “Pascua na Zamboanga” (Christmas in Zamboanga) reeled off highlighted by the traditional lantern parade, fireworks display and ceremonial switch on of the Christmas lights and other landmarks.
City Information Officer (IO) Sheila Covarrubias said “with the spectacular show of lights and decorations, City Hall is once again an icon of prosperity, joy and celebration and can be considered to have the most fantastic holiday display in this part of the country.”
Covarrubias also boasted of the bubble-making machines “which make the City Hall holiday display even more festive,” she said.
“The snow-making machine on the other hand is one latest attraction at the Plaza Pershing Christmas Display,” the lady IO said.
“This year, the holiday displays in City Hall, Paseo del Mar and Plaza Pershing reflect on the concept that Christmas is for Children and that Christmas is a time for celebration-merry making, gift-giving and sharing,” Covarrubias was quoted as saying.
Mayor Celso Lobregat during the ceremonial switch on of lights said “Every year I would say the City Hall holiday display comes as a surprise.”
Lobregat enthusiastically said “the city’s Christmas celebration is getting bigger and brighter than ever.”
The mayor also extended his invitation to the people to come and visit Zamboanga City this yuletide season. “We invite everyone from here and elsewhere to come to Zamboanga. This is how we celebrate Christmas,” he said.
“For several years now we have been lighting our city hall and every year the Christams lights and trimmings get better and better,” Lobregat bragged. (JPA/ /PIA9-ZBST)