M Lhuillier Tree of Hope Lighting Kicked Off Christmas in Cebu City

After Super Typhoon Odette ravaged Cebu City on December 16, 2021, the M Lhuillier Tree of Hope stands once again as a symbol of Christmas and Cebuanos’ resiliency amidst hard times.

The 120-foot Christmas Tree was lit on December 1, 2022, together with the launching of “Pasko sa Sugbo 2022” which marks the official start of Christmas in Cebu City.

It was attended by the Lhullier family which sponsored the construction of the ML Tree of Hope. Also present were Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor of the city Alvin Garcia, city councilors, and other notable persons of the city.

Vice Mayor Alvin Garcia graced the event and described the Tree of Hope as a “symbol” for every Cebuano.

“People always look forward to the installation of the Christmas tree at the Rotunda. It has really become a status symbol of the Cebuano.” Garcia said.

Garcia also recalls the unfortunate events that transpired during the devastation of Super Typhoon Odette on December 2021, where the Christmas tree fell due to strong winds.

“It was very dark during that time, figuratively and literally the dark ages of Cebu City,” Garcia said.

The tree’s presence again in Fuente Circle also represents the resilience of Cebuanos.

“We see the tree standing up again, tall, high, and majestic. Symbolizing again, what the Cebuanos are, truly resilient and able to rise up and stand up after a pandemic and a super typhoon,” Garcia said.

For 22 years, the Lhuillier family has put up a giant Christmas Tree in the heart of Cebu City.

President and CEO of MLhuillier, Michel Lhuillier, talked about why it is named the Tree of Hope.

“It is called Tree of Hope because we still have hope,” Lhuillier said.

Lhuiller recalled what happened in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Odette and also talked about the recovery of Cebu after those unfortunate events.

“The tree was cut into half, it was 100 feet. Everything was devasted after the storm, even my house but we have the resiliency, buhi pa man ta. So let’s keep on going, there’s still life,” Lhuillier said.

Lhuillier also said that he is a proud Cebuano and is willing to help Cebu.

“Anything for Cebu. I am willing to help out because I am a true-blooded Cebuano. My father is French my mother is English, Spanish, Filipino but I chose to be a Filipino, but more than the Filipino, I chose to be Cebuano,” Lhuillier said.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama also gave his speech and thanked the Lhuillier family for their support for the city.

The mayor also said that Cebu becoming a Singapore-like city is not only his mission but the collective mission of Cebuanos.

“I am bringing and articulating it, putting all together our desire, our looking beyond. Winning and losing it wouldn’t matter. What matter is having what we deserve and right in the city of Cebu,” Rama said.

He also mentioned next year’s Sinulog celebration. Rama said that most of the activities will be held at the South Road Properties. (ASC)