By Nimfa L. Estrellado Residents gather at Perez Park as the Quezon Provincial Capitol lights up for the opening of “Paskong Quezonian 2025...
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| Residents gather at Perez Park as the Quezon Provincial Capitol lights up for the opening of “Paskong Quezonian 2025” on Wednesday night. (Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - What is often a peaceful government space turned lively on Thursday night as residents gathered around the newly illuminated Christmas installations at the Provincial Capitol. Holiday spirit filled the grounds early on a clear, rain-free night, signaling the beginning of Quezon’s long and cherished Christmas season.
Families walked through Perez Park well before dusk, eager for a first look at this year’s expanded displays. When darkness finally settled, the entire park burst into color, turning the Capitol grounds into a festive scene filled with music, laughter, and groups stopping for photos at every corner.
Unlike previous years, the 2025 edition highlights highly immersive and fully interactive installations an 80-foot Christmas tree anchors the park. While a walk-through Christmas Village showcases miniature Quezon towns and a companion contest won by Lucban, with Pagbilao and Lucena City close behind.
Vivid illuminated motifs and intricate decorative scenes line the wide lawns, making the area one of the busiest holiday spots in the province, with festive lights open nightly until January 6, 2026. The moment also marked the official opening of “Paskong Quezonian 2025,” which drew thousands for an evening of performances and community celebration.
Since its introduction in 2022, Paskong Quezonian has grown into the province’s signature holiday celebration, bringing together local communities through installations, performances, and shared traditions. The celebration has become a defining part of the province’s cultural identity, embraced by local governments and communities alike.
In her address Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan emphasized hope and unity, noting that Quezon has faced several calamities in recent years. She said the theme “Love is the Magic of Christmas” reflects the provincial government’s desire to bring comfort and togetherness to residents. Her message was grounded in faith and delivered warmly:
“Love is the magic of Christmas, at alam natin na ang Diyos ay pag-ibig.
Ang tunay na pagpapakita ng pagmamahal ay ang pagtubos Niya sa ating kasalanan.
Kaya ang hangad namin ay maramdaman ng bawat Quezonian ang pag-ibig ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng serbisyong tapat at makabuluhan.”
The governor also said that the season carries a deeper meaning for a province that has weathered hardship together. Her follow-up words served as a reminder that the spirit of Christmas is not just celebration, but collective resilience.
“Mahalaga ang pag-asa at pagkakaisa para malampasan natin ang mga pagsubok na pinagdaanan ng ating lalawigan. Nais kong maramdaman ng bawat Quezonian ang tunay na ‘magic ng Pasko’ kahit sa gitna ng hirap.”
Local leaders and municipal mayors filled the front rows, showing how widely the event is supported across the province. PNP Quezon Provincial Director Bong Albacea was also present to oversee safety throughout the celebration.
The night featured musical and dance performances, including a lively number from Philippine Idol winner Mau Marcelo. Another highlight was the debut of the 2025 Provincial Christmas ID, a tradition that continues to tell real stories of faith, gratitude, and family from Quezonians.
The program culminated with a countdown as the final number dropped, lights across Perez Park switched on simultaneously. The Capitol façade glowed against a brilliant fireworks display that signaled the beginning of Quezon’s long Christmas season.
From the glow of the Capitol to the laughter echoing through the park, Quezon stepped fully into the Christmas season—vibrant, hopeful, and united in spirit. With the celebrations now underway, residents can look forward to a month filled with festive attractions and provincial pride.
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