Araneta Center revives Christmas on Display after 16 years

Celebrity performances punctuated the return of Christmas on Display (COD) at the Araneta Center on Friday, Nov. 23, that was also highlighted by a fireworks show at the Times Square Food Park in Cubao.

Christmas on Display. INQUIRER.net photo / Krissy Aguilar

“Eat Bulaga” host Maine Mendoza performed before hundreds of shoppers and spectators who attended the event with her rendition of “Last Christmas.”

Baeby Baste, on the other hand, serenaded the audience with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Mandaluyong’s Children Choir also gave everyone the Yuletide cheer with Christmas Carols like “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Carols of the Bells” and “Sleigh Ride.”

The COD, carrying the theme “Christmas is Home,” highlights the importance of families coming together during the Holiday season.

“Gusto na naming umuwi sa bahay namin. Yung storyline, ibang iba ngayon. I think it’s more concentrated sa pagbabalikbayan,” Ral Rosario, son of Alex Rosario Sr. who created the COD, said during the event.

The nostalgic COD was in Araneta Center from 1966 until 2002. The event also marked the homecoming of the animated display after 16 years since it left the lifestyle hub.

Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Grey and Jon Lucas hosted the festivities.

Other Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens were also present like Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Eva Patalinjug, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Karen Gallman and Miss Globe top 16 finalist Michele Gumabao and Miss International 2018 1st runner-up Ma. Ahtisa Manalo.

Also present at the launch of COD were Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and Councilor Roderick Paulate.

The COD will have 15-minute shows from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. every Friday to Saturday. The Christmas display will run until January 6, 2019. /jpv

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