As the holiday celebrations are over, Mabalaquenians expressed delight over the Mabalacat Christmas Village, which made them feel the festive spirit over the past eight weeks.
Bigger and better, it opened to the public on November 10, 2023 along MacArthur Highway, beside the St. Rafael Parish in Brgy. Mabiga.
The village had musical presentations, concerts and nightly programs, beauty pageant, a giant lantern, a 30-foot Christmas tree, Food & Non-Food Bazaar, Christmas decorations which are good for photo-ops, an Inflatable Playground and a Carnival with rides.
It was one of the most attended Christmas-themed family fun destinations in Pampanga.
The project is the brainchild of Mayor Crisostomo Garbo and local executives. It was implemented by June Magbalot, head of the General Services Office who is widely credited for its MaGARBOng CRISmas theme.
Magbalot is the person behind the success of many events and festivals such as the Aliw Awardee Caragan Fiesta and Miss Mabalacat pageant.
Even with failing health, Magbalot led efforts of the City Government to bring total fun and entertainment during the holiday season.
Here are some of the comments about the village:
“Ang ganda mgpicture picture at free entrace po ang Christmas village dito at higit sa lahat may pfree jamming sila.“
— Herlyn Caburog Agas
“Absolutely an amazing place.”
— Aquino Blume
“Wow ganda nman Po Jan… Nakaka relax nga Po tlaga🫰🫰🫰🫰”
— Jen Ra
“Ang ganda Ganda talaga ng mga Christmas lights nila,💚❤️💖❤️🩹💛🎄🌲🎄🌲🎄🌲”
— Azucena de Jesus Bangcayao
“…sarap maging bata 😅”
— Lemon Sareya
