Mallgoers and spectators over the week were in awe after SM City Pampanga’s Biggest Lantern of Hope lit up the skies through a 10-minute pyro technic musical show at the mall’s Skyranch.
The lighting of the Pampanga Eye or the Biggest Lantern of Hope was led by the SM City Pampanga officials, Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang, City of San Fernando Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan and DFA Regional Director Edmundo Mangubat.
The Biggest Lantern of Hope is on its 4th year, brightening the sky in a grand magical fireworks display, colorful dancing lights in sync with all-time favorite Christmas carols.
–Photos by Marna D. Del Rosario
The lighting also showcased video images to cap off SM’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.
The 65 meter or 213 feet tall ferris wheel sparkled with 12,232 dancing lights as well an on ground and aerial fireworks.
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 Holiday season.
“Every Yuletide season, we aim to give our mall goers, both young and young at heart, 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.
SM City Pampanga also distributed Bears of Joy and toys to 50 beneficiaries from the Autism Society of the Philippines – Pampanga Chapter.
Mayor Tumang, for his part, expressed gratitude to SM for 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 said.