Thousands of people not only from San Nicolas but also from the neighboring towns flocked and gathered outside the municipal building to witness the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The program started with an opening prayer presided by the Parish Priest of San Nicolas De Tolentino Church, Rev. Fr. Noel Bulosan. He inspired the audience, saying “Christmas is not just a time for festivity and merry making. It is more than that. It is a time for the contemplation of eternal things. The Christmas spirit is a spirit of giving and forgiving.”
Meanwhile, Municipal Mayor Alicia Primicias-Enriquez gave her message. She expressed her sincerest gratitude to the people for their trust, saying “Nais ko po kayong pasalamatan sa tiwalang inyong ibinibigay. Tanong po ng karamihan sa akin, hindi ka ba napapagod Mayor? Sagot ko po sa kanila, hinding hindi po ako mapapagod sa paglilingkod sa ating bayan. Pinagkatiwalaan po ako ng mga tao kaya tutuparin ko po ang aking mga pangako.”
She then flexed some of her notable accomplishments as a Mayor, saying “Meron po tayong bagong biling dalawang ambulansya. Noon meron pong dalawa, isa po ay sira pa, pero ngayon apat na po ang ating ambulansyang puwedeng magamit. Simula pa lamang po ito. Hintayin lang po natin dahil marami pa pong susunod.”
Mayor Alice also gave thanks to Mr. Mark Dunhill and company, San Nicolas I, San Nicolas II, High Schools, Red Arrow, Liga ng mga Barangay, all the municipal employees, JO, GIP, TUPAD, Guardians, Annak ti San Nicolas, Dee Bee Solid Warriors, Pagbabago 101, and to those who in one way or another shared their precious time, effort, and guidance in making this Lighting Ceremony a success.
The program also showcased a nerve-cracking and thrilling dance performances from Human Tribe and Red Arrow Dance Group, both dubbed as “San Nicolas Pride”.
As a grand finale before the Lighting Ceremony, a five-minute breathtaking fireworks display lit up the skyline of San Nicolas with colorful bursts of light which drew bright smiles and gasps of admiration from the watching crowd.
People cheered as cellphone cameras clicked when Congressman Tyrone Agabas, Former Congresswoman Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Mayor Alicia Primicias-Enriquez, Vice Mayor Alvin Bravo and all other municipal officials flipped on the switch to light the entire Municipal Complex.
Being one of the most anticipated events in the town, the centerpiece of activity is a 36ft-tall Christmas Tree built out of Christmas ball ornaments made of straw ropes. Also featured are the 15ft giant teddy bear at the center stage, eight more giant teddies at the top of the trellis, five 15ft giant reindeers and instagrammable sights around the plaza.
“Yung Christmas Tree, Giant Teddy Bear at malalaking Reindeers, itong buong plaza, it is so beautiful. Talagang paskong pasko na nga,” said Nicka Cera, who with her friends came all the way from Pozorrubio.
After roaming around enjoying the Christmas ambiance, spectators went straight to the Food Bazaar to satisfy their cravings. More than fifty (50) food stalls were arrayed at the Municipal Auditorium to offer delicious and intriguing meals, snacks and street foods.
Alicia L. Primicias – Enriquez
