The 12 Days of Christmas - Mangkas Style
Mayor Juliet Marie D. Ferrer declared the official opening of 2011 Christmas Festival of Lights and Music on the night of December 15. City Vice Mayor David T. Baga, Jr. gave the welcome message. The occasion was graced by Provincial Board Member Jose Benito A. Alonso, Mayor Jose Maria A. Alonso of Pontevedra, Sangguniang Panlungsod members Karen L. Aguirre, Rex R. Jalando-on, Luis J. Jalandoni III, Ciriaco D. Sia, Jr., Julian M. Chiang, Jacob E. Liansing, Jaime Manuel H. Mariño, Annabelle Q. Bermudo, Amalia D. Aguirre, Francisco D. Oplas, and Richard Sebastian S. Benedicto. The opening night was highlighted by Christmas song numbers, a live Santa Claus who gave away candies for children, a band and a fireworks display.
On December 17 the La Carlota North Elementary School and the La Carlota South Elementary School I and II relayed the message of Christmas through songs and dances. A similar performance was presented by Doña Hortencia Salas Benedicto National High School on December 18.
The Association of Barangay Captains spearheaded the “Liga Night” with Mayor Juliet Marie D. Ferrer as special guest on the evening of December 19. Vocal solos and caroling contest, door prizes, and parlor games were featured. Christmas movies were shown on the night of December 20.
December 21 was the City Employees Night and Christmas Party. During the occasion, retirable employees in 2011 and employees having served the city government for thirty years and beyond were given recognition. The annual raffle for cash and door prizes lasted the whole evening. Mayor Juliet Marie D. Ferrer announced the news on cash bonuses to the delight of the employees and workers.
December 22 was the DepEd Night. It started with the Christmas message from Dr. Juliet A. Jeruta, City Schools Division Superintendent which challenged the teachers to be like the Savior in their fields of influence. The search for Santa Hunk and Santa Babe 2011 judged by their Santa- like costumes and by their talents and wits was also part of the presentation. The night was capped by exchanging gifts and a whole-night disco.
The Community Bible Church echoed the meaning of Christmas through preaching and songs on December 23. Children’s choir conveyed the message, “For Unto Us a Child is Born.”, interpretative dance, “At the Cross” was performed by the young people. Pastor Randolf Bayo said that Christmas without Christ is not complete and therefore, the presentation was intended to introduce Christ to the community.
On December 24 the La Carlota Evangelical Church presented Jesus Christ as the Promised Joy. Proclaiming Christ through songs such as “Joy to the World”, “Immanuel”, “Joy Came to the World”, and. “Gloria in excelsis Deo”. The presentation gave a message of joy and faith.
December 25 was brightened by a fireworks display and disco at the park.
December 26 was the Sangguniang Kabataan Night. With its theme, SK Night: Sending Precious Gifts of Hope”, the SK Federation from the 14 barangays offered different presentations: a caroling contest, and the giving away of door prizes to cap the program.