CDO execs see ‘Festival of Lights’ drawing more tourists

Festival of Light by Ayala Centrio Mall. (Photo by Ercel Maandig via PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Local government and regional tourism officials expressed hope that the recently launched ‘Festival of Lights’ here can draw tourists that would translate into a more robust economic activity.

The Festival of Lights was an initiative of the management of Centrio Mall, a subsidiary of Ayala Group of Companies, which is held annually ahead of Christmas season. It was launched last Friday (November 9).

City Mayor Oscar Moreno, who was invited along with Region 10 tourism director May Salvaña-Unchuan, said the mall has helped keep new tradition among Cagayan de Oro people, who are fond of witnessing lighting special effects.

Moreno during the past couple of years has allowed the city hall to be covered with Christmas lights. While lights were already installed in the building as of Saturday, it was not yet announced when the official switching-on ceremony is scheduled.

He expressed hope that residents from nearby towns and provinces will visit and patronize the businesses in the city.

Unchuan, meanwhile, said the event can entice more local tourists expanding from different regions.

“I always support this kind of gesture from every private entity just to attract our tourists specially our local residence on this kind of endeavor,” she said.

This year, Centrio Mall teams up with the Walt Disney Company here in the Philippines in bringing a magical holiday to remember, with the theme, “Reimage the Magic: A Festival of Lights”.

The music will be provided by Disney from its playlist of popular songs, which has an orchestral rendition arranged by seasoned composer and former musical director of Hongkong Disneyland, Rony Fortich.

The medley is complemented by the spectacular lighting effects once again by Voltaire de Jesus. Ayala Land Top Management executive Meean B. Dy, who graced the event, said the whole country is always at its most festive in this time of season, and they will continue to find ways to elevate their customers’ Christmas experience.