To “Make Christmas Happen,” Ayala Land kicks off the holiday season with the ceremonial lighting of Pinoy-inspired Yuletide décor along Ayala Avenue on November 3. It will be followed by a series of events, including the return of the Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens on November 10 and the opening of the very first Pinoy-French Christmas market on December 2.
Christmas, as we’ve know it celebrated in the country’s premier business district, is back!
For decades now, Makati has been the home of various creative and out-of-the-box Christmas initiatives that have become annual traditions for Filipinos to witness and experience. Before the pandemic disrupted our lives, friends and families used to troop together to witness the brightly lit Ayala Avenue with festive decorations that fascinate adults and children alike. This yearly event would always be followed by the Festival of Lights, which is a brilliant, family-oriented show at Ayala Triangle Gardens.
Mel Ignacio, senior estate head of Makati; Chrissy Roa, head of marketing and communications, Ayala Land Estates; Shiella Aguilar, estate head for Makati
Ohm David, Festival of Lights 2022 show director
Sueyen Austero, Festival of Lights 2022 lighting designer
In 2020 and 2021, in keeping with the times, Ayala Land held its traditional events either virtually or physically, albeit on a very limited scale. But now, after a two-year hiatus, Makati will once again “make Christmas happen.” This 2022, Ayala Land invites everyone to celebrate the kind of Christmas that they love and miss, as it launches a series of bigger and brighter displays and events running from November to December.
November 3: Ayala Avenue ceremonial lighting of Christmas decor
Ayala Land is lighting up Ayala Avenue tomorrow, November 3, to officially welcome the Christmas season. The ceremony will put local heritage on the forefront, as holiday ornaments commonly found in Filipino homes—like the parol or Christmas lantern, stars and capiz lights—adorn the Makati Central Business District. In the spirit of keeping cherished traditions and in line with Ayala Land’s advocacy for sustainability, the giant parol, a universal symbol of hope, from last year’s decorations will still be the main elements.
This year, to show that the Christmas spirit is truly alive in Makati, additional stretches of Ayala Avenue will be lit up. In addition to the decorations in front of Tower One, each bay along the whole stretch of Ayala Avenue will now have more ornaments. A gigantic parol installation by the courtyard of Ayala Triangle Gardens will also be added to make it easier for those who would like to have their photo taken close to the decorations.
Drive down with your family and witness the magic as your littles ones gleam with joy at the sight of dazzling, giant parols.
(From left, seated) Shiella Aguilar, estate head for Makati; Mel Ignacio, senior estate head of Makati; Chrissy Roa, head of marketing and communications, Ayala Land Estates (From left, standing) Sharon Vital, marketing manager for Makati; Sueyen Austero, Festival of Lights 2022 lighting designer; Misha Quimpo, project development manager for Makati; Ohm David, Festival of Lights 2022 show director; Alex Jamisola, senior marketing associate for Makati
November 10: Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens
After two years of doing virtual shows, the Festival of Lights is finally going back to Ayala Triangle Gardens live starting November 10.
This year’s show will be a live 360-degree experience. The light show that people have come to love through the years will still be there. Conceptualized by director Ohm David and lighting designer Sueyen Austero, the familiar dancing string lights and magical laser lights with floating shapes will remain. In addition to these staples, a gigantic 3-D animated video will be projected on the canopy façade at the Ayala Triangle Gardens courtyard. The 3-D projection, created in collaboration with Kroma and Acid House, will begin the show with a fun and magical introduction to the actual light show.
Three musical medleys with fresh, new takes on the songs they were derived from have been composed to accompany the show. The first is an orchestral rendition by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, followed by a TikTok-inspired rendition–a collaboration among composers Tris Suguitan, Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso, and finally a chorale rendition by musical composer Jazz Nicolas. The chorale medley features the angelic voices of the Pembo Elementary School children’s choir.
December 2 to 31: Christmas market at Ayala Triangle Gardens
Looking for something new this season? Ayala Land has partnered with the French Embassy to put up a one-of-a-kind Christmas Market at Ayala Triangle Gardens. Inspired by the Marche de Noele Christmas market in Paris, Lille and Starsboug, visitors will be transported to a new kind of atmosphere that merges two cultures: French and Filipino. The Christmas market will feature French restaurants and products, as well as Filipino artisanal goods.
Be there on launch date, December 2, to catch attractions you wouldn’t want to miss, including performances by French and Philippine children’s choirs and Carnivale acrobats.
December 15 to 23: Simbang Gabi at Ayala Triangle Gardens
Pinoy Christmas traditions won’t be complete without Simbang Gabi. Ayala Land is hosting the gathering of devout Makatizens from December 15 to 23 at Ayala Triangle Gardens. All visitors are also invited to watch the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band perform live on opening night, December 15, as they reflect on the meaning and purpose of the season through music.
December 20 to 22: Christmas Holiday Concert at Circuit Makati
What’s more, Ayala Land makes Christmas happen at the Makati-based destination known for entertainment and the arts—Circuit Makati. The Samsung Performing Arts Theater is hosting the Christmas Holiday Concert at Circuit Makati featuring performances by the Manila Symphony Orchestra and Steps Dance Studio, among others.
For more updates visit Ayala Land at www.ayalaland.com.ph and via social media on Facebook @officialayalaland and Instagram @ayalaland; as well as Make It Makati on Facebook and Instagram @makeitmakati. #MakeItMakati
