As the Christmas season reaches its peak in Ormoc City, the city is celebrating with something far more extraordinary than the familiar sight of tinsel and baubles—a Christmas tree unlike any the city has ever seen.

World-renowned Filipino designer Kenneth Cobonpue has brought his signature artistry to Ormoc, creating a festive centerpiece that challenges convention and celebrates Filipino craftsmanship in equal measure. It’s bold. It’s unexpected. And it’s exactly what the city needed to mark this season as truly unforgettable.

When Innovation Meets Tradition

Cobonpue is no stranger to pushing boundaries. His furniture designs—woven from rattan, bamboo, and abaca—have graced luxury hotels, celebrity homes, and design museums around the world. He transforms humble materials into objects of desire, turning what might be dismissed as traditional into something decidedly contemporary.

This Christmas tree follows that same philosophy.

Rather than replicating the standard evergreen silhouette draped in predictable ornaments, Cobonpue has crafted something that speaks to both the season’s spirit and the region’s identity. The design honors Filipino materials and methods while presenting them in a form that feels fresh and daring. It takes courage to create something this innovative, especially for a celebration as tradition-bound as Christmas.

But that’s precisely what makes it remarkable.

A Warm Welcome from Ormoc’s Leaders

The unveiling was a moment of civic pride. Congressman Richard Gomez and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez were on hand to welcome Cobonpue as he presented his creation to the city. Their enthusiasm was palpable, and understandably so—this isn’t just a Christmas decoration. It’s a statement about Ormoc’s willingness to embrace artistry, to celebrate creativity, and to position itself as a city where culture and innovation thrive.

For a designer of Cobonpue’s international stature to choose Ormoc for such a project speaks volumes. It signals that the city is ready to be seen not just as a place on the map, but as a destination where meaningful art happens.

“Skybound Sparkles and Seaborne Tales”

The Christmas tree wasn’t the only highlight of Ormoc’s festive season. Earlier this month, on December 1, the city hosted its 2025 Parade of Lights, themed “Skybound Sparkles and Seaborne Tales.” Streets came alive with illuminated floats inspired by celestial skies and maritime wonders—a fitting tribute to a coastal city that looks both to the heavens and the sea for inspiration.

The floats were stunning, no question. But residents later shared that what truly made the event special wasn’t the spectacle itself. It was the unity and joy felt throughout the community. The parade became less about watching and more about belonging—a collective celebration that reminded everyone why these traditions matter.

That sense of togetherness is the real magic of the season. The lights may fade, but the connection remains.

A New Milestone for Ormoc

Cobonpue’s Christmas tree marks a new artistic milestone for the city. It shows that Ormoc is willing to take risks, to invite bold voices, and to celebrate its heritage in ways that feel both rooted and forward-looking. This isn’t just about decorating for the holidays. It’s about declaring that Ormoc belongs in conversations about design, culture, and creativity.

And in a world where so many places look the same, that matters.

Christmas trees will come and go, but this one—this first-of-its-kind creation—will be remembered. Not just for its design, but for what it represents: a city unafraid to shine in its own unique way.

Photos courtesy of JERtography / Facebook and Ronald Ervenich / The City of Ormoc