Angeles City, Pampanga – Continuing its tradition of lighting up Angeles City’s Central Business and Retail District for the yuletide season, real estate conglomerate JDN Realty kicked off the holidays with the bright and merry celebration of its first-ever “Sala Ning Pasku.”
Translated as “Radiance of Christmas,” Sala Ning Pasku is a unique offering that brings together lights, sounds, and festivities throughout Nepo Center, captivating both locals and tourists. This occasion further enhances Pampanga’s reputation as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.
“This is our heartfelt gift to our community and to Filipinos,” said Trixie N. Valdes, representative of the Nepomuceno family and JDN Environment, Health, and Safety Manager. “This represents the light we aspire to shine on our beloved Angeles City, the brightness and colors that are iconic of the Kapampangan Christmas.”
More than just a celebration, Sala Ning Pasku serves as a platform to showcase the rich talent of the Kapampangan culture. The event highlights the music and visual arts of local artists, adding a unique touch to the festivities.
Colorful hexagonal parols adorn Nepo Center in anticipation of the holidays, with the 24-foot Christmas tree inside Newpoint Mall serving as the centerpiece of the celebration, set alight to launch Sala Ning Pasku. The parols on the tree and around the area are the creation of Most Outstanding Kapampangan awardees, veteran lantern-maker Roland Quiambao and award-winning sculptor/painter Nick Tayag Reyes.
The Hexagon shape and vibrant colors were chosen as a nod to the vibrant diversity of Kapampangan culture, food, and people. Their unique shape and design also hold significance for JDN Realty, set to celebrate six decades of service in Angeles. “These one-of-a-kind parols are meant to emphasize our continued commitment to support and uphold our legacy of playing a key role in the growth and future of Angeles as a thriving center of commerce and culture,” said Valdes.
To further commemorate the celebration, the award-winning Kapampangan director, writer, composer, choreographer and founder of the musical group Arti Sta. Rita, Andy Alviz composed a special, original Christmas Carol entitled “Kasaya Ning Pasko Ne Po?”. The song was performed live by Arti Sta. Rita at the launch, along with a medley of their famous Kapampangan songs for mall goers.
The song title, “Kasaya Ning Pasku Ne Po”, can have a dual meaning due to its wordplay. It can mean, “It’s a joyful Christmas, isn’t it?” or “It’s a joyful Christmas at Nepo.” This is because “neh po?” means “right?” in Kapampangan, and “Nepo” can refer to a specific location, Nepo Center.
“This Christmas, we wanted Nepo Center to become more than just a place—we wanted it to become a testament to community, tradition, and the creativity of Kapampangans, coming together in the spirit of Christmas,” Valdes concluded, inviting everyone to experience this unique celebration.
