Mactan Newtown Kicks Off Holiday Season with Heartfelt Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Mactan Newtown officially launched the holiday season on November 28, 2025, with a simple yet meaningful lighting ceremony centered on community spirit. The event, themed "A Bright Christmas," brought together families, friends, local officials, and media at the Mactan Alfresco for an evening filled with music, lights, and reflection on the deeper significance of the season beyond decorations.

A focal point of the celebration was the Tree of Hope, adorned with Capiz shell lanterns and red ornaments symbolizing unity and local coastal craftsmanship. Complementing this was a five-foot-tall handcrafted belen (nativity scene), meticulously carved from narra wood by artisans from Barangay Mactan. This display showcased Cebuano artistry and community cooperation, embodying the true essence of Christmas.

The tree-lighting was led by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King Chan, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Vice President for Strategic Support Rene Arnobit, Mactan Newtown General Manager Marilou Kiunisala, and Barangay Captain Efren Aying. Kiunisala emphasized the event’s purpose beyond festive celebration, highlighting its focus on fostering connections that inspire collective progress.

"As we welcome this season, it’s important to recognize that it is about more than just festivities but it’s about the connections that help us move forward. This is what a Bright Christmas represents, not just the ornaments, but the unity we foster when we choose hope and generosity," Kiunisala stated.

Mayor Chan reflected on the community’s resilience amidst recent challenges, including an earthquake and several typhoons. She encouraged attendees to embrace the season’s true spirit through compassion and solidarity.

"These past few months have not been easy for fellow Cebuanos, from the strong earthquake to the typhoons. As we light this Christmas tree in The Mactan Newtown, we remember that the true spirit is felt most when we choose to care and support those who carry heavy burdens. Every act of kindness becomes part of a truly meaningful Christmas when love is not just spoken, but also practiced. We are a community that does not run away from hardship, but a city that rises together. Hope shines brightest when acts of kindness are done," Mayor Chan remarked.

The evening featured lively performances, starting with local musicians, followed by the SEI Children’s Drum and Bugle Corps. The program concluded with the Celestial Voices Choral, whose rendition of classic carols kept the festive mood alive.

To maintain holiday cheer, Mactan Newtown will host a Yuletide Fair at the Boardwalk from November 28 to December 28, with pop-up stores operating daily from 4 p.m. to midnight. Weekend nights will showcase "Moonlight Melodies," highlighting performances by local buskers and providing more opportunities for communal enjoyment.

Far from flashy displays, the lighting ceremony underscored the power of togetherness. Through the Tree of Hope and the artisanal belen, Mactan Newtown’s Bright Christmas conveyed a clear message: community, craftsmanship, and hope illuminate the season most brightly.