The Hitachi Group of Companies in the Philippines launched the Hitachi Earth-Friendly Christmas with the Christmas Tree Light Up Ceremony on 2 December 2011 at the South Arcade of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Manila.

The Christmas Tree Light Up Ceremony highlighted the synergy among the Hitachi Group Companies in the Philippines to create an atmosphere of hope and joy during this festive period. In line with Hitachi’s commitment to contribute to environmental sustainability through our business, the event also provided a platform for Hitachi to create greater awareness for the conservation of natural resources.

This year, the Hitachi Christmas tree was made up of hundreds of pots of tree saplings and adorned with Christmas handicrafts made from indigenous and earth-friendly materials, topped by a beautiful three-foot angel crafted from native capiz. To encourage young students to care more about the environment, Hitachi donated the pots of tree saplings after the event to five selected schools (Rosario Elementary School in Cavite, Bauan Central East Elementary School in Batangas, Inosluban-Marawoy Elementary School in Lipa City, Sinag of Kalalake Elementary School in Subic, and Payatas C Elementary School in Quezon City). Hitachi also sponsored about 1,000 books to these five schools through the National Bookstore Foundation, Inc.

The Christmas Tree Light Up Ceremony was hosted by Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Ms Venus Raj and included exciting performances by The Voice of Manila Choir and Myxx Dancers. The highlight of the event was the official lighting of the Hitachi Christmas Tree led by Mr Hitoshi Goto, General Manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippine Branch, Mr Yukihiro Isono, Vice-President of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Philippines Corp., and Mr Jun Ishihara, Chairman of Manila International Freight Forwarders, Inc.

The Hitachi Earth-Friendly Christmas continued with chorale performances by the St. John Bosco Chorale, PLM Hiyas ng Maynilad Dance Company and the Philippine National School for the Blind Rondalla Ensemble on 3, 10 and 17 December respectively at the Hitachi Christmas Tree, which was displayed at the SM Mall of Asia from 2 December 2011 to 4 January 2012.