A week after the giant Christmas tree lighting at the Araneta Center in Gateway, Cubao, another historical event took place. It was the return of COD or Christmas on Display, which was a dream of Mr. Alex Rosario in 1957. It was a family project that took time in planning since there was not much robotics technology during those early days just simple hydro and mechanical innovations, but that didn’t stop Alex Sr to build the moving animations that tells a story about family, love and most especially the spirit of Christmas.
It was placed at the COD store and was named Christmas on Display or COD as well. This became a family tradition during every Christmas that they will put up a different concept yearly and people were looking upto it since then. Watching the display almost the same place where it started 61 years ago borught back a lot of memories. There was an instant flashback of my childhood where my Dad and Mom would drive all the way from Paranaque going to Araneta Coliseum, park the car near on the street. There weren’t so many cars way back then and there weren’t much malls and parking was FREE.
I can feel the chill, the night was cold and we had to wear jackets as we walk towards the well-known COD mall. My Dad will lift and carry us on his shoulder and let us watch the moving dolls that narrate a play.
Last Friday, November 23, Madam Stella Araneta, with the 2018 Queens of the Binibining Pilipinas and some representatives of the local Government and the Araneta group of companies, held their ribbons as they pulled down to unveil the 2018 Christmas on Display at the new Times Square Food Park after leaving the premise when COD closed in 2002. 16 years later, they go back to where it was born. The event was hosted no other than one of the most beautiful faces of the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Grey.
This is one historical landmark that you and your family shouldn’t miss as this will be onset until the 6th of January and will be open to perform every night. On top of the COD Christmas On Display, is the 100-foot Giant Christmas Tree and the fireworks display. Come and visit them during the Christmas break as Araneta Coliseum brings back the Holiday on Ice. You may also want to visit the Gateway Malls, Ali Mall who recently had a major facelift, and the restaurants and other attractions at the Araneta Center. If you are lucky, you might get to win one of the major prizes like a brand new car.
The Food Exchange at the Novotel Hotel Manila is also offering buffet treats for the whole family and also special perks for room accomodations if you wish to stay.
