BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THE 30-foot tall Christmas tree of Silay City in Negros Occidental is a towering reflection of the thriving artistry in the city, dubbed as the “Little Paris of Negros”.
Lit up on December 8 via the annual and traditional Christmas switch-on ceremony, the giant Christmas tree spelled uniqueness. It is made of a mosaic painting, a vivid representation of Silay’s rich history, culture, arts, and heritage.
The mixing of vibrant colors, the harmony of subjects, and the astonishing creativity lumped into one that made such a huge Christmas tree pleasing to the eyes of the many.
The craftsmanship is truly worthy of salutation.
Conceptualized and designed by city government employees, this year’s Christmas tree is no ordinary.
But beyond its beauty, Mayor Joedith Gallego stressed that the giant Christmas tree with a multitude of colors truly represents Silaynons’ pag-unungay (care for each other).
Amid issues and challenges, the mayor believes it is better to focus on the real spirit of Christmas – loving and thanksgiving.
He wants every Silaynon to look up to their giant Christmas tree at the plaza for them to see how the colors support each other and how its harmony is making a great image even from afar.
“It is truly magical,” the mayor said, adding that the mixture of colors on a giant canvass, wrapping the giant Christmas tree with different and unconventional figures as subjects made this premier Christmas symbol an “art standout”.
Gallego thanked all resident artists at the city hall for coming up with this non-conventional Christmas tree, a manifestation that art is already part of the Silaynons’ life.
From the world-renowned heritage house known as Balay Negrense to Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble to its delicious local delicacies to historic Al Cinco de Noviembre, Silay stands tall still with its pool of artists from music, dance, painting, etcetera.
Hence, the giant Christmas tree plays an important role – a real symbol of Silaynons’ love for the art. It is a beacon of hope for every Silaynon./PN
