The Davao Global Township (DGT), famously known as the “Address of Amazing,” officially ushered in the Christmas season with the dazzling lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree on November 28, 2024, along McArthur Highway in Matina, Davao City.
Celebrating the Filipino Spirit
Titled “The Amazing Filipino Christmas,” the event delivered an enchanting evening filled with timeless Filipino Christmas carols performed by The Jericho Project, captivating dances, and a mini-musical play by homegrown artists. The festive atmosphere delighted attendees, many of whom came dressed in elegant Filipiniana outfits.
Among the notable guests were executives from Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) and YHEST Realty and Development Corporation ((representing Yuson, Huang, Excellence, Soberano, and Tan), along with their families. Adding to the glitz were the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2024 winners, who graced the celebration with their presence.
Guests and VIPs enjoyed a sumptuous buffet before the program began, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Exciting developments
YHEST president Frederick H. Yuson highlighted DGT’s transformative impact, comparing it to the bustling Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig.
“DGT is making waves as the first major township project in this region,” Yuson said, proudly sharing milestones such as hosting the country’s largest Seattle’s Best Coffee branch and McDonald’s.
Yuson also teased future developments. "During the Araw ng Davao in March next year, we plan to break ground for the De La Salle University campus," Yuson shared. "Following that, we’ll begin work on an indoor mall and a five-story, two-tower complex. These are exciting times—proudly Dabawenyo, proudly Filipino, and proudly sharing our vision with the world."
Generosity in action
CLI COO and YHEST director Jose Franco Soberano spoke of the township’s emphasis on generosity.
"Generous kaayo ni pagkahimo, wider roads, daghang tanum (This was made with great generosity—wider roads, plenty of greenery). The costs were secondary because what’s important is making Dabawenyos happy),” Soberano shared.
Soberano highlighted DGT’s beautiful central park, bustling tenant activity, and fully sold residential units, calling the project the best township in the Visayas-Mindanao region.
"If you are generous and help others, it will return to you tenfold," Soberano said, emphasizing DGT’s efforts to give back, including gifting children from the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc., who performed a lively Christmas number.
Messages of hope and love
Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s written message captured the essence of Christmas, urging the community to embrace hope, joy, and peace. “As you light the DGT Christmas tree, may it remind you to embody these values,” the mayor wrote. He encouraged gratitude, reflection, and spreading kindness, noting that even during challenges, brighter days lie ahead.
Vice President Sara Duterte, in a separate message, also emphasized the deeper meaning of Christmas, describing it as a celebration of love, faith, and togetherness. She called on Dabawenyos to reconnect with loved ones and embrace the spirit of giving by volunteering and helping those in need.
Preparing and giving back
YHEST chairman and CLI CEO Jose R. Soberano III reflected on the season’s significance as a time for preparation and gratitude.
Jose R. Soberano III, YHEST chairman and CLI chairman and CEO, described the evening's festivities as DGT’s way of welcoming Christmas and embracing the Advent season, a time for preparing for Jesus Christ's coming.
“Amid this celebration, the joy we experience, the blessings we’ve received, and everything we see in DGT reflects the outcome of that preparation. We are overjoyed by the collective efforts, prayers, and thanksgiving that brought this to life,” the elder Soberano shared.
He emphasized the importance of giving back as an expression of gratitude.
“For us, thanksgiving means giving back. It’s important to include charity in what we do. I’m glad the CLI Foundation could share blessings with the children of the House of Hope. I hope this continues as we look for more ways to contribute to the community,” he said.
Soberano also highlighted DGT’s contributions to the Davao community through government taxes and by fostering stronger family connections. He pointed to the township’s welcoming environment, where families and couples can be seen strolling with their children in the early morning or evening.
“This is the kind of impact we aim to create with this project,” he added.
Adding to the festivities, Mercado de Davao, a night market open from 3 p.m. to midnight every Thursday to Sunday this December, offers yet another reason to visit DGT.
As the holiday lights shine brightly, the Davao Global Township continues to spread cheer, embodying the true spirit of an Amazing Filipino Christmas.