Coke-Araneta Christmas Tree Lighting 2012

Nothing lights up a festive season than the yuletide sparkles of a Christmas tree. But when you can't be satisfied with an average sized one, where do you run to? Simple, make a beeline at the Smart Araneta. Every year, Coca-Cola rouses the refreshing occasion with a Christmas tree lighting, but wait, it's no ordinary tree, make it 100 feet tall and you've got yourself 100 more reasons to cheer, just like how long Coca-Cola has been sharing happiness in the Philippines.

Last November 9, I came across this cheerful gathering and was filled, not only with festive glee, but with servings of the most delicious Pinoy food fares as well, sum it up with a cold glass of Coke and you're all set to open happiness! And as varieties may have it, there are food, drinks, freebies, and some of the hottest and youngest stars of today, from both ABS-CBN (Coke Ambassador Joseph Marco, Enrique Gil, Matteo Guidicelli & Jessy Mendiola) and GMA 7 (Jeric Gonzales, Thea Tolentino, Louise delos Reyes & Alden Richards), not to mention the dolled up beauties from the Bb. Pilipinas (2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Universe Janine Mari R. Tugonon, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Tourism Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas, International & 2012 Ms. International Semifinalist Nicole Schmitz, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Supranational & 2012 Miss Supranational 3rd Runner Up Elaine Kay Moll, and 2012 Bb. Pilipinas 2nd Runner Up Annalie M. Forbes). I could clearly say that it was an early Christmas treat for everyone!

Coke bottle mockups welcomed the guests!

Different booths were available at the venue.

Coke Happiness Bus

Loving the fiesta set up! Perfect for salu-salo! Kainan na!

A ribbon cutting ceremony welcomed everyone to the joyous occasion.

Salu-salo treat with Kapuso stars: Jeric Gonzales, Thea Tolentino, Louise delos Reyes & Alden Richards

And the Kapamilyas: Enrique Gil, Joseph Marco, Matteo Guidicelli & Jessy Mendiola 

2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Universe Janine Mari Tugonon, 2012 Miss Supranational 3rd Runner Up Elaine Kay Moll, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas – International Nicole Schmitz, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas 2nd Runner Up Annalie Forbes, 2012 Bb. Pilipinas, Tourism Katrina Jayne Dimaranan

From Coke Philippines team: Jaideep Kibe, Franz Decloedt, Nikki Lee at the Coke Happiness Truck

Hosts Robi Domingo & Megan Young

Protégé male winner Jeric Gonzales

Protégé female winner Thea Tolentino

Louise delos Reyes

Alden Richards

Matteo Guidicelli

Jessy Mendiola with Coke Philippines' Franz Decloedt.

Coca-Cola Ambassador Joseph Marco

Enrique Gil

Light up the happiness: 2011 Ms. Universe 3rd Runner-up Shamcey Supsup, Philippine Pizza Inc. COO Lars Peterson, Q.C. Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Araneta Center Inc. COO & EVP Rene dela Cruz, Congressman Bolet Banal, Coca-Cola Philippines President & General Manager Guillermo Aponte, Marketing Director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe, Happiness President Caloy, and Councilor Pinggoy Lagumbay

All stars on stage!

X-Factor Philippines grand winner KZ Tandingan and the Mandaluyong Children's Choir singing "Ako," the Christmas anthem of Coke.