In the humid air of the Philippines, where the festive season lasts longer than almost anywhere else, the lighting of the Christmas tree is far more than a simple tradition; it is a profound act of community, hope, and cultural celebration. And on a recent Monday evening, the city plaza in Ormoc City became the stage for a truly magnificent expression of that spirit as thousands of residents gathered for the highly anticipated annual ceremony.
However, this year’s centrepiece drew global interest and local excitement for a very specific reason: its design was the creation of Kenneth Cobonpue, the internationally acclaimed Filipino industrial designer. Cobonpue’s work, celebrated for its organic forms and exquisite craftsmanship, has graced major exhibitions, luxury interiors, and even Hollywood productions—making his contribution to a provincial city plaza a genuinely remarkable event.
Cobonpue revealed that this towering structure was his first ever Christmas artwork, designed solely for Ormoc City. It is a piece that meticulously captures the city’s identity, weaving together its natural bounty with the designer’s signature contemporary flair and an undeniable Filipino soul.
Kenneth Cobonpue’s Floral Ode to Ormoc City and Its Identity
Kenneth Cobonpue, a Cebuano designer whose creations have won multiple international accolades and been featured in the homes of global celebrities, explained the deep symbolism behind the festive structure. He sought to create something that resonated with the locals, translating the city’s geographical and agricultural wealth into an artistic statement.
‘Many have wondered how the design came about, and I would like to tell everyone, this Christmas tree signifies what is unique in Ormoc, from the sea, earth, and the sun through its colours and the natural bounties that can be found in these,’ Cobonpue said during the opening ceremony.
When illuminated, the design truly came alive. It beamed a symphony of colours—blue, green, gold, and orange blooms—echoing Cobonpue’s signature use of flower-inspired motifs. The layered petals in these radiant shades created a striking visual landmark against the night sky, a breathtaking testament to Filipino creativity. To underscore its local roots, the tree is reverently topped with the ‘calachuchi,’ the signature flower of Ormoc City, cementing the piece’s commitment to civic identity.
But the centrepiece was not the only spectacle. The entire city plaza was transformed by giant pineapple fairies, paying direct homage to the city’s most important produce: the famous Queen Pineapple. These twelve twirling fairies also served as a vibrant tribute to the city’s annual Piña Festivals, celebrated every June, reflecting Ormoc’s strong connection to its vital pineapple industry. This fusion of world-class design with hyper-local symbolism made the installation a powerful expression of pride and identity.
A Symbol of Hope and Community: Ormoc City’s Commitment to Public Art
Leading the ceremony were Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and her husband, Leyte Fourth District Representative Richard Gomez, alongside other local officials. Mayor Torres-Gomez explained that commissioning a piece from an artist of Cobonpue’s stature was a deliberate effort by the city administration to elevate public art and foster truly memorable communal experiences.
‘It’s more than a Christmas tree. It’s a symbol of hope and unity, and it brings people together, which is something we need now more than ever,’ Mayor Lucy stated, encapsulating the profound human consequence of the event. In a world increasingly fragmented, public displays of beauty and shared culture offer a rare moment of collective appreciation and peace.
The celebration itself was a grand affair, amplifying the festive atmosphere. Following the lighting, the much-anticipated Parade of Lights wound its way through the streets, bathing the city in shimmering illumination. The evening concluded with the popular musical act ‘Sessionistas’ serenading the cityfolk, their music providing a perfect soundtrack to the twinkling lights of the magnificent centrepiece.
For many of the city’s residents, the spectacular lighting ceremony signalled the official start of the Christmas season in Ormoc. This tradition, now powerfully enhanced by Cobonpue’s genius, will remain on display throughout the holidays, celebrating not just Filipino creativity, but the enduring community spirit and the bright, persistent hope that accompanies the season.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.