BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week issued Administrative Order 185 extending the suspension of the number coding scheme for private vehicles, from December 13 until January 7 next year.

                As stated in the AO, the traffic suspension shall provide tourists free access to our roads to attend various Christmas activities and visit tourist spots around the city and suburbs.

                The activities for the yuletide celebration are “expected to attract the influx of thousands of foreign and domestic visitors  wanting to spend their Christmas and New Year break in the country’s Summer Capital,” the AO further states.

                Meanwhile the activities shall go on with the commencement of the traditional Simbang Gabi Wednesday last week. This will go on for 9 days, or nights for some, until its culmination with the Christmas Eve mass in most churches.

                Last night, Saturday, the Maryknoll choir lit up the Cathedral with its rendition of Christmas carols.

                Today, Sunday, at the United Church of Christ of the Philippines, Westside Burnham Park, the youth and adult Christmas cantata goes on during the regular services.

                For sports enthusiasts, Sumo soccer at Melvin Jones, Burnham, goes on after last week’s Sunday competition. Parol on wheels shall roll down Session road, still today.

                On Dec. 20, a Photowalk goes on at the Igorot bandstand.

                Sm City Events Center shall be the venue of Share-A-Toy on Dec. 22. The occasion benefits needy children with benevolent patrons around the city.

At Melvin Jones Grandstand, still on Dec. 22, the awarding of the Drum and Lyre and Christmas Light competition shall be done, as with the Christmas Rhythm grand finale. According to Tourism and Special Events committee chair Councilor Elmer Datuin, the Christmas Rhythm will be paired with a snow show at Melvin Jones, Burnham Park.

On December 26, the Baguio Lucky Balikbayan shall be awarded at Sunshine Park along Harrison road.

An Ecumenical concert dubbed as “Worship Explosion,” will be presented on Dec. 31 at 8 PM to 1 AM at the Baguio Convention Center

Dec. 24 and 27 are non-working holidays in lieu of Dec. 25 which falls on a Saturday and the Dec. 30 which was moved for holiday economics. Dec. 31 is a holiday in lieu of Jan 1, New Year’s Day which falls on a Saturday.

New Year’s eve in Baguio shall be celebrated with a grand fireworks display at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. –juliegfianza