WELCOMING two momentous events in one, the City of Valenzuela commenced the 'Tree of Hope' lighting ceremony at the Valenzuela City People's Park. It was graced by special guests: Jose Mari Chan, Patrick Quiroz and Itchyworms. The ceremony marked the beginning of a three-monthslong celebration of the city's 400th founding anniversary.

The lighting ceremony of the 50-foot 'tree of hope' had been a yearly tradition since 2004, setting the Christmas spirit early for Valenzuelanos. This year, the city's founding anniversary featured a modern Filipino Christmas theme, bridging the past and future as a herald to 400 years of its history and progress.