Greeting 2013 Mardi Gras style

WHO could resist greeting the New Year with the balmy mountain air, overlooking the glittering lights of Davao City among the splendor of nature?

The yearend tradition lives on at Eden Nature Park & Resort as they greeted 2013 Mardi Gras style in a party dubbed Beat and Vibes!

There sure was plenty of beat and vibes as astonishing entertainment numbers came one after the other, in a whole night of singing, dancing, fun and prizes.

On the last day of 2012, December 31, an enthusiastic flock gathered at the registration booth. Several adults tried out the henna tattoo while euphoric kids eagerly raised their chins and put their faces forward for the face painting. A photo booth was also open until late in the evening for those who wished to have their souvenir shots taken.

A New Year's Eve Mass at the Garden Hall was celebrated, followed by the sumptous dinner at the Vista Restaurant.

The stage was set and the long buffet tables laden with gastronomic treats were laid out.

Guests eagerly savored their meals while the upbeat music of Flight 99 Band serenaded the crowd. Things started rockin' and rollin' as Rovic Cuasito played host to his Trivia and other parlor games.

The last hours of 2012 was celebrated with never-before-witnessed performances, like Nas Villa's aerial dance and hip dance numbers from the Powercast Dancers.

The jovial air was infectious. Everyone got up to dance as the countdown to midnight began at 11:30 p.m. The crowd went even wilder as the clock struck 12 midnight.

Balloons, confetti, cheers and horns rained down across the mountain top. What a grand way to greet New Year!

Dancing and music continued until the wee hours of the early morning, nobody seemed eager to retire for the night.

But then the next New Year countdown at Eden is just around the corner, a party everyone looks forward to.