Tagum City to light giant holiday tree

He said the giant Christmas tree, which stands at the front ground of the City Hall, would be one foot higher than last year’s 172 feet Christmas Tree because of a taller symbol on top of the tree. Last year it had an eight-pointed star at the apex. (Pixabay photo)

TAGUM CITY – On its second year, the Tagum City government is all set for the giant holiday tree lighting next week, promising a brighter and colorful Yuletide program led by Mayor Allan Rellon.

“This year the giant holiday tree will be more elaborate, more colorful and more symbolic, that is something different from last year,” the mayor said.

He said the giant Christmas tree, which stands at the front ground of the City Hall, would be one foot higher than last year’s 172 feet Christmas Tree because of a taller symbol on top of the tree. Last year it had an eight-pointed star at the apex.

The lighting of the giant Christmas tree is set in the evening of November 25, the eve of the city’s Christ the King parochial feast and the arrival of the Boy Scouts local and foreign officials for the 6th ASEAN Scout Jamboree on November 27.

“The leaders of the ASEAN Jamboree will be valued guests who will witness the lighting of our giant holiday tree,” Rellon said.

The new giant holiday tree located right at the New City Hall was first launched last year after the old giant Christmas tree was discontinued at the Freedom Stage grounds.

The giant Christmas tree tradition has been an attraction each Yuletide Season since the late 90s.

As in the past, thousands of multi-colored magnificent small lights and dazzling colorful lanterns and decors strewn around the holiday tree are expected to sparkle and give a good night shot ideal for selfies.

It was former Mayor Rey Uy who started the tradition during his one term as mayor in 2001-2003 at the back of the old City Hall.

The holiday tree was shorter, smaller then. Every year one foot is added to the tree. The tallest height that the old giant Christmas tree had reached was 153 feet in 2007 during the return of Uy as mayor.

In 2008 its height was lowered to 100 feet. In 2010 it was increased again reaching to 106 feet.

In 2015 it measured 105 feet.