ILOILO City – Christmas lights will continue to illuminate Plaza Libertad at night until the celebration of the Dinagyang Festival highlights on Jan. 26 to 27, 2019, according to Mayor Jose Espinosa III.
On mornings, the historic Plaza Libertad looks just like any ordinary plaza with the statue of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal standing tall at the center.
But this Yuletide season when the clock strikes at 5 p.m. the 1.5-hectare plaza transforms into a magical place full of sparkling Christmas lights and several animal figures reminiscent of the American comedy film “Night at the Museum”.
“This is the first time we have introduced a theme and we chose the movie ‘Night at the Museum,’” said Espinosa who thought of the concept.
In the movie, animals and other figures of famous people on display come to life at night.
Plaza Libertad’s transformation was first unveiled on Dec. 10.
Hundreds of Christmas lights breathe life to different animal figures. Espinosa said this is meant to send a strong message, especially to children: show concern to wildlife.
“So while they take photos, they should also be reminded of animals that are now on the verge of extinction,” Espinosa added.
Plaza visitors will also be able to see an imposing 25-foot Christmas tree fronting the seven-story eye-catching city hall.
At the rightmost part of the plaza, the idle remnant of the Steam Locomotive 888 train that used to transport sugar canes when the sugar industry was then one of the major industries in the region becomes magical with the shimmering Christmas lights, while big boxes of colorfully wrapped gifts can be seen placed in front of the train.
The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) also showcased in its design that celebrating Christmas need not be expensive.
The CEO and the General Services Office (GSO) collaborated to gather as many recyclable materials to be used for the Christmas tableau at the plaza.
“GSO provided for free, from garbage pickers, around 20 sacks of recyclable plastic materials,” said CEO head, Engr. Bobby Divinagracia.
The CEO also made use of empty drums painted with Christmas symbols, as place for the children to play hide and seek or simply just take photos and selfies.
“We want this to be interactive where children can play,” he said.
With a modest budget of P1.5 million, the plaza has become a place for family to gather and to bond, especially during nighttime.
“The plaza is where the people gather, it is where family gather, that is why it is always at the center of the community. This is part of my promise that the plaza should be open to all,” Espinosa said. (PNA)
