On its 100th year, Coca-Cola pays tribute to the Filipinos for believing in happiness. The magical season of Christmas is the perfect backdrop to rally the Filipinos to continue believing in happiness. Coca-Cola sparks among us this season that it is not about the big gifts nor the big gestures that make Christmas special, but rather the small and meaningful things that we express and share with one another – the warm and welcoming spirit, the acts of generosity and even shared meals – to make someone happy.
The Coca-Cola Tree Lighting Event on November 9, 2012 at the Araneta Center is a towering reminder to the Filipinos to let happiness live on. Now on its 5th year, families and friends gather around the biggest tree in the country to collectively open happiness. This is an annual ceremony by Coca-Cola in keeping true to fulfilling its tradition of bringing everybody together to usher in a magical Christmas.
The Coca-Cola Christmas Tree Lighting event at the Araneta Center is a celebration of the unique Filipino way of celebrating Christmas. As Filipinos we believe in simple and meaningful ways of celebrating. When we go to Araneta Center, it doesn’t usually take much to enjoy – from walking around this landmark area, shopping with family, dining with friends and just about any kind of bonding. And whenever there’s a Coca-Cola the simple moments of barkadahan becomes an all-out bonding moment.
It’s this simple happiness that gives us lasting happiness. And it is in these moments that when we share we experience more happiness. The tree and this unique partnership between Coca-Cola and Araneta Center are testament and reminder to this iconic happiness that both brands give during Christmas. It’s not about the biggest trinkets, or shiniest ornaments – but it’s about the simple joy, optimism and inspiration that the tree brings to all of us. And every year, we are reminded that happiness is something best shared. Whenever we see it, it reminds us about the simple moments that become special because we share it with someone. The annual lighting of the Giant Christmas Tree situated at the heart of Araneta Center is a celebrated custom since 1981. The tree stands at 100 feet and with over 10,000 lights.
It was very well attended by Coca-Cola Executives, Bb. Pilipinas Winners, Kapuso and Kapamilya Stars, Press and Media people and shoppers of Araneta center. A Grand Christmas Salu-Salo was prepared and shared among the attendees. The salu-salo table was joined by Coca-Cola and Araneta Center officials, media and a roster of Kapuso and Kapamilya stars like Enrique Gil, Jessy Mendiola, Matteo Guidicelli, Joseph Marco, Alden Richards, Louise delos Reyes, Jeric Gonzales and Thea Tolentino. And what better way to enjoy all of these yummy treats but be complimented by no more than the Filipino family’s meal partner for 100 years—Coca-Cola. First X-Factor Philippines Grand Winner KZ Tandingan sang this year’s Coca-Cola theme song titled “Ako” with the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir.
Like the carolers who sing from the heart, or families wanting to share their Noche Buena to the community, Coca-Cola is a reminder that happiness comes in shapes and sizes – regardless of the price, it’s the intentions that count. Real happiness does not mean big, expensive things but rather about the little intentions to make someone happy. This year will be about meaningful moments and heartwarming gestures that make someone happy. Embarked on drawing Coca-Cola’s first 100 years in the Philippines to a close, This is truly a part of our meaningful celebration.