Nativity Scene Reminds Us The true meaning of Christmas

A nativity scene showcases the perfect reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It is a time for celebrating, enjoying family and friends, and making memories, but it is truly about Jesus Christ. The true meaning of Christmas is the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus!

For 20 years now, the Araneta Center has put up the Belen, a traditional Filipino Christmas icon that depicts the birth of Jesus Christ. This life-sized depiction of the Nativity at the Farmers Market, which serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, has come to be a yearly local attraction, and Christmas at the Araneta Center is not the same without the Belen.

Following the Giant Christmas Tree lighting last November 9, the Araneta Center continues the tradition of ushering in the holiday season with the annual Belen Lighting ceremony.

This year’s Belen Lighting ceremony was held on November 16 at Farmers Market. Present to witness the solemn ceremony were Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Quezon City 3rd District Congressman Jorge Banal, Barangay Socorro Barangay Chairman Joey de Guzman, Quezon City 3rd District Councilor Pinggoy Lagumbay, and Quezon City Market Department OIC Noel T. Soliven. (Photo c/o Mac Vasquez)

The Christmas cheer continues at the Araneta Center after the Belen lighting, so be sure to check out all the holiday sights, sounds, treats, and activities lined up for the whole family from November until January 2013.

Buy all things Christmassy at the Parolan bazaar in Farmers Garden; get your fill of fresh-cooked puto bumbong and bibingka, plus other mouth-watering treats at the Christmas food fair in Quadrant C (Giant Christmas Tree area); and be dazzled with the showcase of brightly-lit electric capiz floats also in Quadrant C. Get great bargains as well during the Araneta Center Pre-Christmas Sale on November 23 to December 2.

Be serenaded by the different chorale groups as they sing your favorite Christmas carols every weekend from November 17 to December 23 during the Chorale Competition; marvel at the fireworks display every Friday and Saturday all throughout the holidays; and get your kids to meet Santa at Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and farmers Plaza every Friday to Sunday from December 1 to 25.

The British are coming to Manila, as well as your favorite Disney Princesses and Heroes, this December! Catch Sir Elton John and Sting as they stage back-to-back concerts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 8 and 9. And on December 25 to January 3, see your favorite Disney princesses Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Aurora, Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Tiana, and their equally dashing princes in Disney on Ice: Princesses and Heroes! 

Log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911 5555 for tickets.