LOOK! Here are some of the most creative Christmas trees that resourceful Filipinos have put up amid the community quarantine to bring hope and holiday cheer to your homes.
Another big symbol of the Yuletide season in the Philippines aside from the parol (star-shaped Christmas lantern), is the Christmas tree which is a staple in every Filipino household to symbolizes the love, joy, and unity of families who are spending the holiday together.
Filipinos erect their trees and decorate their houses with festive lights as early as September! Undoubtedly, the longest celebration of Christmas in the world belongs to the Philippines.
This year, festivities will inevitably be different due to social distancing protocols. However, Filipinos are still finding ways to give back and inspire others during the most awaited holiday of the year.
These Christmas trees in the Philippines each have their own original theme that truly brings the holiday spirit to life. Some of the Pinoy trees for this season of giving carry messages like environmental awareness and charity.
Here are 5 creative Christmas trees Filipinos you can see only in the Philippines:
Enchanted Kingdom’s Eco-Friendly Tree
Enchanted Kingdom’s (EK) magical Christmas centerpiece, towering at 35 feet, is made of 6,000 empty alcohol bottles to raise awareness for the environment and remind everyone to stay safe during the holidays.
The PET bottles from partner PHILUSA Corporation behind the personal care brand Cleene were upcycled to become the theme park’s main attraction this Christmas. EK’s annual tree lighting ceremony is a long-running December tradition, awaited by visitors and the park’s cast members alike.
Laguna’s Enchanted Kingdom earlier offered virtual rides to Filipinos in the comforts of their homes before eventually reopening to tourists after passing health safety inspections in October.
Guinness Record-Holder “MEGA Christmas Tree Tower for Charity”
A Christmas tree tower of sardine cans, built for a food charity for Filipino families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, has snagged the new Guinness World Record for the “Tallest Tin Can Structure.”
The record-breaking tin can tower resembling a Christmas tree with its red and green colors is found in Valenzuela City, Manila. The tower is made out of 70,638 cans of Mega Sardines and measures 5.905 meters (19 feet and 4.5 inches) high.
The canned goods from the tower were part of the proudly local sardine company’s goal to distribute 100,000 nutritious meals to Filipinos in need under the “Bigay Sustansya sa Pasko” program which also donates 100 pesos to partner food charities with every purchase of their National Sardines Day Bundle through the Mega Online Store on Shopee and Lazada.
Christmas Trees by Filipino Bookworms
These Filipinos have made Instagram-worthy Christmas trees out of books to share the love of reading with netizens on social media. Not only are these trees economical and environmentally friendly, but they can also showcase your favorite authors and stories.
Like traditional trees, they can be strung up in lights and decorated with ornaments. According to Filipino bookworm Solejoy Cariaso, 29, she first started building her bookish tree when her book collection reached 100 in 2019.
This year, she decorated her book tree with Christmas balls and poinsettias and topped it off with a Bible. Another Filipino book lover, Greys Dela Cruz, said her tree took her five hours to complete in preparation for the happiest season of the year.
Christmas Trees at SM Malls
Christmas trees at SM Malls across the country have become a way to showcase the creativity of local designers.
Every year, Filipino families visit SM Malls to take a photo with the gorgeous holiday centerpieces which feature Philippine-made ornaments by artisans and craftsmen in the regions where they are located.
SM City Iloilo
Inspired by the city’s beautiful heritage houses, SM City Iloilo’s 40-foot tree incorporates indigenous fabric from their local communities like hablon, jusi, piña, abaca, and rattan.
SM City Baguio
At SM City Baguio’s Winter Wonderland spectacle is a 35-foot tree complete with pine cones, snowflakes, and garlands surrounded by polar bears built by local craftsmen.
SM City Clark
SM City Clark’s Parul Kapampangan masterpiece is a tribute to Pampanga’s booming lantern-making industry. The 45-foot tree with 1,680 bulbs and spinning lights is proudly designed and assembled by Kapampangan parol makers.
Leyte Electric Cooperative III Christmas Tree
The Leyte Electric Cooperative III launched its Christmas Display 2020 with the theme “Christmas in the Midst of Pandemic” built by linemen who aided in the power restoration and rehabilitation in the Bicol Region which had been hit by a series of typhoons.
One of the attractions included an 80-feet tall Christmas tree made of electric posts damaged by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. It was the country’s tallest Christmas tree in 2014 which towered 155 feet, surpassing Tagum City’s 150 feet tree.
For your Noche Buena, check out this list of traditional Christmas food in the Philippines that complete the “merry” in Christmas.
CHECK OUT these Christmas Lights Shows You Can Watch Online with your loved ones in the safety of your own home.
TELL US in the comments below, which Christmas Tree is the most unique?
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