CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- More extravagant and awe-inspiring than ever, the biggest and tallest ferris wheel in the country once again proved that Pampanga is indeed the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines" as it transformed into the Biggest Lantern of Hope over the weekend.
Thousands of spectators gather to witness Skyranch’s Pampanga Eye as it brightens the sky and signal the start of holidays through a spectacular 10-minute pyro musical show that wowed everyone with its grand fireworks display -- both aerial and on-ground -- and over 12,232 dancing LED lights synced with classic Pinoy Christmas carols. Another unique highlight of the magical show is the preview of video images to cap off SM’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.
The annual event, described as the kaleidoscope of light, music, and color is now on its fourth year and has become one of the most-anticipated events and an iconic symbol of hope for the holiday season.
According to SM City Pampanga Mall Manager Aaron Montenegro, the Biggest Lantern of Hope is one of SM’s many ways of spreading joy and cheer this Christmas.
“Every Yuletide season, we aim to give our mall goers, both young and young at hearts, something to look forward to. And this pyro musical show is one of the many exciting holiday attractions that we’re proud of,” he said.
He added that with its growing number of audiences coming from all over Central Luzon, the event also aims to contribute to the tourism of the province, as it also pays tribute to Pampanga’s vibrant lantern industry.
“When Skyranch Pampanga opened the Pampanga Eye in November 2014, it has been an iconic landmark here in the province. To date, it continues to thrill everyone, especially every December when it transforms into a dazzling giant parol that pays homage to the province, known as the birthplace of the giant lantern,” he shared.
Moreover, to make the season merrier, SM City Pampanga also gave away Bears of Joy and toys to a total of 50 beneficiaries from the Autism Society of the Philippines - Pampanga Chapter.
Municipality of Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang expressed gratitude to SM for always extending its helping hands to Kapampangans and for bringing one of a kind and world-class attractions to Pampanga.
“We thank the SM management not only for organizing this event, but for also conducting year-round activities and not to mention, wonderful entertainment for our kabalens. We are really lucky here in Pampanga, specifically San Fernando and Mexico, that we have one of the biggest ferris wheels in Asia,” he shared.
Nineteen-year-old Rommel Alberio from Floridablanca said he was amazed by the well-executed fireworks display. He furthered that he and his family look forward to another extravagant pyro-technic musical show in 2019.
“My family and I really enjoyed watching SM’s fireworks display. We hope to see another big and grand event next Christmas season,” he noted.