THE Manila International Airport and several stakeholders have partnered in a bid to celebrate Christmas by jointly decorating the airport passenger terminals.
Legacy carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has a 24-foot pop-art Christmas tree on Terminal 1 and a shorter tree on Terminal 2. Both trees were lit ablaze Monday night.
Resorts World topped this with a 47-foot Christmas tree at Terminal 3, which is just across the hotel complex. Cebu Pacific added to the glow by contributing several top-of-the-chart Christmas decorations to the huge T3, the low-cost carrier’s hub of operations.
“We decided to ask the stakeholders to jointly participate in decorating the three passenger terminals in the spirit of unity and cooperation,” explained the airport headman, Ed Monreal.
This is the first time that the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) has sought outside help in sprucing the terminals.
The Miaa used to shoulder the P10-million yearly budget for the holiday décor.
Explaining his airline’s contribution, PAL President Jaime J. Bautista said: “We want this Christmas tree to be a beacon of hope and goodwill that illuminates the dreams and wishes of everyone celebrating Christmas with their families this year.”
PAL commissioned a private firm to design and build the pop-art Christmas tree to provide a different twist. “The goal of the designers is to transform the business-like atmosphere in the “streets of Manila,” evoking the sound and colors of the mega-city that extends beyond the confines of the airport.
To bring out this theme, the tree has representations of jeepneys, the calesa (horse-drawn cart) and sorbetes (ice cream) cart.
“The Christmas tree is meant to project a uniquely Filipino spirit, honoring the fun-loving, creative and passionate people who make our capital city such a dynamic and unforgettable place,” Bautista added.
“So, when citizens of faraway lands come to visit our country, they will feel and see that there’s no Christmas like a Pinoy Christmas.”
Popular Manila sounds of the 70s—from bands like Hotdogs, VST & Co. and Boyfriends—play in the background, while disco lights dot the trees.
The Christmas display offers photo opportunities for selfies and groups, offering a fitting pictorial remembrance for passengers departing for distant horizons.
Image credits: PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAA