White Christmas in La Carlota City

City Hall Facade

Believe it or not. Everyone who happens to visit La Carlota City this year, particularly in December, may be in awe to see for himself that though Philippines belongs to a tropical zone, but there white Christmas in the small city of La Carlota.

White Christmas is the motif for this annual month-long celebration of La Carlota City, which has become now a tradition among the Mangkasanon, ancient native of La Carlota.

Yuletide seasons could bring so many worthwhile happenings in everyone's life especially the family, the kids, the parents and even those in-laws.

In our country Philippines, Filipino are used to observe Christmas with a lot of traditional practices like Simbang Gabi, caroling, party.

Mayor Ferrer and her Daughters

Most-Awaited Memorable Event

In La Carlota, the festival of lights and music is considered as "one of the most-awaited events", which features a nightly showcase of songs, dances, and merrymaking participated in by several groups representing the sector of youths, senior citizens, education, religious, business, and even the local government units.

"In Everything Give Thanks"

Mayor of La Carlota Juliet Marie D. Ferrer considers this year's festival as the best opportunity to  thank God for the blessings the city received.

Mayor's Christmas message (in full text):

"As we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ with the Festival of Lights of La Carlota, we thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. We thank God for all He's guiding us, taking care of us, and protecting us. We thank God for sparing us from the wrath of the typhoon and other calamities.

But of course, we also pray for those who are affected by the typhoon. I hope that the spirit of Christmas, the true spirit of Christmas which is love for one another will be in our hearts not only today, during the harvest but throughout the year.

Let us all love one another and thank God for all our blessings.

Together with my family and the city government of La Carlota, Cong. Jeff, Jason, Julius, and my daughters here, Julian and Julia, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God bless us all and may God bless La Carlota."

Vice Mayor Jalandoni III

Gifts of the City

Vice Mayor Luis "Jacky" Jalandoni III shares his welcome message in this year's opening of the festival. His message runs as follows (in full text):

"The Christmas Festival of Lights and Music is one the most significant and most-awaited events for many years. Tonight we converge once again at the city plaza to witness the opening ceremony in celebrating the Yuletide season which will feature nightly presentation from several groups in the community of La Carlota City.

But on top of these celebrations, We are reminded of the real essence of Christmas which is salvation, peace and goodwill to all. 

For the city government, Christmas is celebrated as we provide services to the city constituents and their needs are quickly addressed. Christmas is also implementing government projects for the marginalized sector of our community.

Mayor Julie Marie D. Ferrer has already has gifted us so many remarkable projects, all for the welfare of La Carlotenos. Tonight comes another gift from her the month-long celebration of the Christmas Festival of Lights and Music. With so many gifts in store, I welcome you all to opening of Christmas Festival of Lights and Music, Have a Merry Christmas and peace to all of you."

Fireworks Display

After the Vice Mayor and Mayor have given their messages, a colorful fireworks enhance the sky of the city of La Carlota. The city plaza is overflowed with people who come from the nearby towns and cities to witness the White Christmas inspired this year festival of lights and music of La Carlota City.

As the city mayor completed her declaration for the opening of the festival, the blast of fire truck siren and the drum-beating for several minutes deafen  everyone's ears. Simultaneously a colorful fireworks shooting the sky of La Carlota delight one's eyes to their satisfaction.


Spirit of White Christmas

All standing trees inside the city plaza and the facade of city mayor's and Sangguniang Panglungsod building are decorated with lighted white bulbs to let everyone feel the spirit of "white Christmas". Also found on the ground are candy canes, big snowmen, reindeer.

As a tradition, a giant size of caricature of Joseph, Mary, Child Jesus in a manger, shepherds, cattle, and the three Kings found at the facade of the city hall in an improvised, well-built structure stage.

Congratz! Mayor Ferrer for a job well-done. The residents of La Carlota are overwhelmed by your gifts in the form of various infrastructure projects, education, business opportunity given to them in which they're now enjoying them. More power and God bless!