Tunnel of Love, Peace, and Joy

TUNNEL OF LOVE PEACE & JOY

BY ANDREA NICOLLE ASPA

Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year and for Filipinos this special day is a way for family gatherings and reunion of hearts, bringing light and warmth to cold Amihan nights.

As the ‘ber’ months enter the calendar; most of the Filipino home, buildings, and spaces are starting to be filled with decorations, lights and sounds. It is also a sign that Christmas is coming as Jose Mari Chan’s classic tune of “Christmas in our Hearts”, Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” and as well as the other Filipino & foreign songs dominates every speakers of various establishments. Moreover, different cities and municipalities are also doing their own contribution as they have an annual “Pa-ilaw ni Mayor” in their own plazas and landmarks.

But, did you know that this joyous festivity can also be seen and feel in schools and universities? Yes, you’ve heard it right. Various campus and universities are holding their own celebration of “Pasko”. And while they do their annual “pa-ilaw”, the Laguna State Polytechnic University- San Pablo City Campus also joins and launches its 1st ever version of Tunnel of Lights and Christmas Tree Lighting.

Bright multi-colored LED lights, various Christmas décorations, a Belen and bunches of well-loved Christmas songs give way to façade of LSPU-San Pablo City as it ushers the holiday season with a theme of “PEACE. LOVE. JOY.”

Some of the decors that you can see as you go are following:

Giant Christmas Tree- It is an approximately 10- foot high decorated synthetic tree that is covered with various Christmas balls, glittery snowflakes and accented with golden angels.

Christmas Belen- Beside the front gate, you will see a hand-painted version of Belen lighted with various LED sparkles.

PEACE.LOVE.JOY- The banners say it all, this wooden standee is comprised of red LED lights alongside with the mixed winter and Filipino colors on the background.

Tunnel Of Lights-The highlight of the installation, this approximately 7-8 meters tunnel is filled with various colors of Christmas lights that illuminate the entrance of the university.

The light installation becomes an instant attraction as many locals come and post for a picture and uploaded it on Facebook garnering an instant “boom!”. Most of them are from nearby barangays and while others come from the neighboring town. But always remember that no matter how colorful and festive our celebration would be, how simple or extravagant the décor we have. Let us not forget that Christmas is not just a major commercial enterprise but, a free expression of love to our self, friends, and family and most especially to the star and real reason of it- Jesus Christ. After all it is CHRIST-mas, happy holiday folks!****