TWENTY children under the care of the City Social Welfare Department of the City of San Fernando were the guests of honor during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at SM City Downtown San Fernando on Sunday, November 11.

SM City Downtown public relations manager Rain Cervantes said the lighting is part of the opening of Christmas centerpieces in all SM malls in Pampanga to usher in the celebration of the Yuletide season.

The children were invited and presented with gifts by SM North Luzon IV assistant vice-president Junias Eusebio, SM City Downtown mall manager Lana Erroba, Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin and Santo Tomas Mayor John Sambo.

Lazatin said SM's yearly Christmas tradition never fails to give joy to children of the city through its centerpiece lighting and programs.

"SM's presence here has contributed a great deal to the city's commercial development," Lazatin said.

The event was capped with dance performances and songs to celebrate the onset of the Yuletide celebration inside the mall.