Fil-Am Shelby Miguel Performs at the 23rd SF Tree Lighting Ceremony

Last Friday November 23, 2012, I attended the 23^rd Macy’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Union Square, San Francisco.The Union Square Shopping District was packed as people swarmed to the area hours before the ceremony to take advantage of Black Friday sales and also in anticipation of the show.   By 4 pm, San Franciscans and tourists alike started taking their places in the square itself; and by the time the show was about to start,it was difficult to find a spot to stand on.

The Glide Ensemble opened the show at exactly 6 pm with two upbeat songs, followed by a Walnut Creek performance group.

Featured artist Make-A-Wish Ambassador and Filipino-American Shelby Miguel sang “All I Want for Christmas is You”and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”. Her powerful voice and radiant beauty truly captivated the crowd.  While she was singing, I couldn’t help but admire Shelby.  Apart from her incredible talent and her tenacity to perfect her craft and perform well in front of thousands, Shelby, as Wish Ambassador, selflessly helps spread hope and cheer through her music to children battling life – threatening diseases. Unknown to many, Shelby is a cancer survivor having been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 4. Being a Wish Ambassador is one of the ways that she is giving back to the community that helped her when she was fighting the disease.  Watching Shelby sing is always a proud Pinoy moment.

The San Francisco School of Arts Choir followed Shelby’s performance with two songs and then special guest Chris Mann of ABC’s The Voice sang two songs from his upcoming album, Home for Christmas.

After all the performances, Santa Claus was brought on stageto lead the countdown to the lighting of the giant Christmas tree.  At the count of one, the 83 foottree lit up,and everyone gasped in awe at how beautiful the lighted tree was. Families and friends rejoiced and embraced one another. The Christmas season in San Francisco had officially begun.

(RiaRecinto is a segment host of Power ngPinoy TV and is also its New York correspondent.  She is currently a Freshman at Fordham University in New York. Ria was a Philippine national champion in rhythmic gymnastics and has represented the Philippines in various international meets. She can be reached at ria@powerngpinoy.tv)

[Show slideshow]