A Christmas in Nature
Rediscover the wonders of Christmas at Mt. Camisong’s Marahuyong Pasko.
Words Rica Mae Labbao
Photos courtesy of Mt. Camisong
December 26, 2025
At Mt. Camisong Forest Park and Events, guests are greeted with a unique phrase:‘Marahuyong Pasko.’ It resounds as a warm invitation to redefine Christmas celebration and be captivated by the wondrous spectacle nature parks can offer
‘Marahuyong Pasko’ is the theme for Mt. Camisong’s first-ever Christmas event since its inaugural public opening last February—a month-long celebration full of festivities that integrates Cordilleran culture, community craftsmanship, and environmentally friendly holiday experiences.
“Marahuyo is an old Filipino word meaning 'to be enchanted or captivated’,” explains Ludette Y. Querubin, Chairman of Mt. Camisong Property Management, Inc.
Living Christmas Tree at Marahuyo Viewing Deck
“It serves as the heart of our first-ever Christmas celebration. It's an invitation to rediscover the wonder of Christmas through old and new traditions that are simple, meaningful, and rooted in nature.”
Camisong’s Christmas specials
This yuletide festival showcases various events to anticipate inside the park. First on the list is a special light show accompanied by classic Filipino carols, running from December 17 to December 31 at Samyo Gardens and Luntian Garden Venue.
The Frosty Cabin
“We are very excited to share our first-ever light show with everyone,” announces Oliver A. Samala, Mt. Camisong Property Management Inc. President. “We did our best to create a light and sound masterpiece that will wow our guests, but, at the same time, will cause the least impact to our natural environment.”
Another highlight to be thrilled about is Mt. Camisong’s hosting of the melodious chorale and rondalla group competitions—Cantata and Rondalla sa Dagitab. This event will feature talents from Baguio and beyond on December 13 and 21, filling the Benguet air with holiday tunes.
Mandeko Kito stalls at Dagitab Viewing Deck
The bazaar experience is also specially curated, showcasing diverse local artisans, creative crafts, and holiday goods that spotlight unique communities and products. The Christmas market runs every day and features the following shops and products:
Mandeko Kito - artisan collective
Danum Wines - small-batch winery
Tawid - Cordilleran heritage jewelry brand
Narda's Handwoven Arts & Crafts - Filipino heritage handicrafts brand
Abiakak - handcrafted crochet maker
Nectar Knights - local beekeeper
Reset Athleisure - homegrown Baguio athleisure brand
Knitting Expedition - a social enterprise, offering hand-knitted products
Red Dot Collective - specialty gift studio
Philippine Treasures - handcrafted Christmas and home décor maker
The Frosty Cabin - a stationary and handmade crafts shop
3Dprintify - a customized 3D-printed trinkets and collectibles shop
Anticipated park activities
To cater to all guests, including early birds or night owls, Mt. Camisong adjusted its park hours, “So those who want to experience the sea of clouds at Alapaap as early as 6:00 AM may do so. Those who want to witness the twinkling lights of the park and the night sky may do so, too.”
Kalupi Gift Shop
This adjustment created more time for visitors to enjoy all park recreations, including a visit to the Alapaap View Deck, the iconic cantilevered glass walk, and exploring Samyo Gardens, home to the 50-meter tree walk.
Kahilom Trails is also an option for those who want a little adventure, with its beginner-friendly and intermediate routes. Some activities include playing RC model cars with crawler tracks, a life-size chessboard and chess pieces, and other board games. These are available at the clearing right before the trails start. For those who need some hiking essentials, items may be purchased at the Kalupi Gift Shop.
Binhi is another popular spot for guests seeking a quiet corner. It’s the park book nook that also features Mt. Camisong’s environmental efforts and advocacies. An underrated spot to watch the sunset is the Dagitab Amphitheater, while Silakbo—a two-level structure with world-class toilet facilities—is also near here.
When the stomach grumbles, a variety of food options are available. Alapaap Dining offers an intimate sit-down experience with elevated Filipino cuisine, including the park's festive holiday set menu. Marahuyo Cafe offers grab-and-go rice bowls and other comfort food.
Meanwhile, Muni-muni Food Hall offers snacks and beverages from local concessionaires such as Hatch Coffee (specialty coffee), Kettle Pop (ice cream and popcorn), Scrambled (egg drop sandwiches), Big Boy Birria (birria tacos), Pica-pica (build-your-own snack bowls), and Samalamig (specialty beverages).
Snacks from local merchants are also available at the Luntian Garden Venue, including bibingka, puto bumbong, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, other drinks, and grilled skewers from Alab. Live buskers also perform in the area on weekend afternoons.
Mt. Camisong serves as a beautiful intersection of nature conservation, relaxation, and daily recreation where both humans and other living species interact—an excellent example of sustainable tourism in the country.
“We will continue to spread awareness to our guests through this area and ensure that Mt Camisong's message goes beyond ecotourism,” Querubin says. “Hopefully, we can be a seed of change in the hearts and minds of every person who visits this park to realize that we can only continue to enjoy the beauty of nature if we take care of it.”
Marahuyong Pasko runs from December 4, 2025 to January 4, 2026 at Mt. Camisong Forest Park and Events, Itogon, Benguet.
