THE 'ZOBEL TUNNEL': TUNNEL OF HOPE AND IDENTITY / SM CITIES XMAS LIGHT UPS
[PHOTO - CHRISTMAS TUNNEL Like a giant greeting card, a mural by businessman and philanthropist Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala provides a joyous feeling of Christmas to pedestrians and motorists passing through the Greenbelt Tunnel in Makati City Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011. (Photo by RUDY LIWANAG)]
MANILA, NOVEMBER 21, 2011 (BULLETIN) (AP) — What was once a short stretch of asphalt that takes one from Makati Avenue into the heart of Ayala Center's Greenbelt complex has long acquired a curious monicker for itself.
The "Zobel Tunnel," called such by the jeepney drivers that have no doubt passed through its lighted confines thousands of times through the years.
Curiously, the tunnel has become a destination in itself. Mallers and pedestrians stop at the curb to admire its walls and, inevitably, take a picture of themselves in the foreground.
What gives? The jeepney drivers got it right. The tunnel has become sort of a personal gallery (though he hesitates to call it so) for Ayala Corporation Chairman Emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala. Shunning air-conditioned, sterile indoor confines, Zobel has chosen to share his creations with the world at large through the highly traversed artery.
One needn't go into a museum to admire art. One needn't even disembark from his vehicle.
Through the years, the Greenbelt Tunnel that now informally and popularly bears Zobel's name has showcased the beauty of nature through the lens of the Zobel patriarch. First came a rendering of leaves, butterflies in midflight then a summer interaction in the beach of Mindoro.
"It all started years back when I kept passing by a rather dull, gray tunnel in Makati which busy cars used to traverse, going from one mall to another," Zobel shares. "Since then, the tunnel has sort of taken a life of its own... a venue which, hopefully, cheers up the passersby. Nothing more, nothing less."
Cheering up the passersby is something ingrained in the famous "Ayala way." Through the years, open spaces are looked at as opportunities not just to afford a breath of fresh air, but to inspire, to move, to drink in beauty – whether through natural elements or man-made aesthetics.
PHL CITIES READY FOR CHRISTMAS
[PHOTO - Life-sized stuffed toys of animals in a wintry landscape are a center attraction at a mall in Baguio City, much to the delight of shoppers and children on a weekend stroll Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011. (BULLETIN Photo by TOOTS SOBERANO)]
BAGUIO CITY - First pine tree fest opens December 17, 2011
The first ever Regional Cordillera Pine Tree Festival will be held on December 17-18 at La Trinidad, Benguet, with a theme: "A celebration of the ecological, cultural, economic and social contribution of the pine tree to the region and its people."
The festival is being sponsored mainly by a Facebook group called A Tree A Day and Cordillera Ecological Center as the implementer.
Some of the major activities of the festival are: tree planting, pine tree street parade, eco-woodecuation guided walks, pine tree concert, forum on environmental/ecological studies, ethnobotanical, economic forest resource, socio-cultural relevance of pine trees, and contest, among others. (Robin A. Dizon/Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)
PASCUA NA ZAMBOANGA
It's "all systems go" for the city initiated festivity dubbed "Pascua na Zamboanga 20011" (Christmas in Zamboanga), a two week festival aimed to spread Christmas cheers and spirit in the merry month of December.
City Information Officer (IO) Sheila Covarrubias said "the festival will kick off December 2 with the traditional lantern parade and the opening program that will be highlighted by the ceremonial switch on of lights in City Hall and Plaza Pershing and the Paseo del Mar Christmas landmarks."
Covarrubias shared, "City Mayor Celso Lobregat will spearhead the over 2000 city officials and employees in the lantern parade that will reel off 5:30 pm of Dec. 2."
The active lady IO said other activities during the two-week festivity include the best dressed Santa Clause competition set on Dec. 8; Canciones de Zamboanga , a chorale competition set on December 9; while December 15-17 is set for Christmas Food Festival, an exhibit of all specialties and delicacies saved during Christmas season .
Covarrubias added "the entry evaluation of the best Christmas landmark competition will be held Dec. 12-16."
"The Pascua na Zamboanga is one of the most celebrated festivals and celebrations in the city that makes the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ even more meaningful," Covarrubias was quoted as saying. (JPA/PIA-ZBST)
SM City Bacoor's Christmas Carousel Playland! 5:39 PM SM ChriSMs
Oh, how fun it is riding on a Carousel! going 'round in circles, hearing yuletide cheers the glorious sight, just when I hear the bells lights are shinning, all is clear. let's play all day; everything's still round and round, feelin' the Christmas chill!
Boasting a glittery and whimsical Christmas Carousel Playland with eight pearlized carousel horses and unicorns wearing multi-coloured tapestry in playful colors of red, purple, green and gold to fuel the Christmas spirit, SM City Bacoor recently launched its Christmas attraction for 2011 simultaneously across all SM Supermalls last November 12 with a Christmas Carnival theme.
Looming around the Playland are oversized gifts, yoyos, dices and candy canes highlighted with three giant Christmas trees adorned with red berries and poinsettia flowers for shoppers to feast their eyes on in the merriest season of all!
SM Cities Magical Light Up Ceremonies
SM City Cebu
SM City Cebu (Official) Catch the MAGICAL CHRISTMAS LIGHT UP CEREMONY at 5PM today, November 12 at the Northwing Atrium. Featuring Voice of Cebu, Jake Gacang and Monique de los Santos. With magicians, stilt walkers, jugglers and balloon twisters. Hope to see you all there!!!
SM CITY DAVAO
SM City Davao Don't forget to witness our Christmas ChriSMs launch later at 5PM! =) See you all there! Merry ChriSMs!
SM CITY ILOILO
SM City Iloilo Don't forget to take part of our Christmas ChriSMs launch later at 5PM! =) See you all there! Merry ChriSMs!
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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