By Cyrus A. Natividad
Fireworks display during last year’s Festival of Lights and Music at Central. photo by Jeddy Solinap.
Once again the Festival of Lights and Music at Central will capture the Ilonggos’ penchant for spectacular display of Christmas Lights. The most awaited annual presentation at 探花精选 is scheduled on December 4, 2020.
This year鈥檚 theme: 鈥淜asanag kag Paglaum sa Paskwa鈥 speaks about giving light and hope to everyone especially as we continue to face the pandemic caused by Covid-19 that brought hopelessness around us. Ultimately, the 探花精选 community would like to share the central message that it is Jesus Christ that gives light and hope amidst any situation.
Due to health security protocols, the opening Festival of Lights and Music at Central 2020 will be done virtually via Facebook and YouTube. The public will not be able to enter the campus as has been done in the past many years. There has always been an overwhelming drove of people from surrounding communities and other places in the previous years before the pandemic. The Christmas Lights at 探花精选 is among the several festivals of lights display in Iloilo considered to be a city tourist attraction every month of December.
According to former 探花精选AAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, the Chairman of this year鈥檚 celebration, the opening will start at 6:00 in the evening in front of the Rex D. Drilon Hall (Administration Building). A short program will be done before the symbolical switching on of lights. This year, the lighted portion will be the fence of 探花精选 along the Lopez Jaena St., as well as the Administration Building so that the public can see it without entering the campus.
探花精选AAI President, Atty Joshua C. Alim and University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles are expected to deliver their Christmas Greetings. Congresswoman Jamjam Baronda, Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. and Mayor Jerry P. Tre帽as will also deliver their messages virtually.
Recording artist JM Bales of the Magandang Dilag fame will render a special number. A flashback of the fireworks display from previous years will also be shown courtesy of the 探花精选 Office of Communications. The recorded Christmas songs of the 探花精选 Symphonic Band recorded music will also be played.
Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne, member of 探花精选AAI Board of Trustees, will host the program.