MAKATI, Philippines—Many Christmas initiatives that originated in Makati are now a yearly tradition. Families have been swarming for years to see the brightly lit Ayala Avenue and its holiday decorations, which captivate both adults and children. The Festival of Lights, a fantastic, family-friendly performance at Ayala Triangle Gardens, would traditionally come after this annual event. Traditions were tested and face-to-face gatherings were discontinued, but only temporarily, after the recent pandemic that rocked the country.
Ayala Land held its customary events either digitally or on-site in a very small-scale setting in 2020 and 2021. But this 2022, Ayala Land welcomes everyone to celebrate the kind of Christmas that they love and miss by launching a series of BIGGER and BRIGHTER displays and events running from November to December. This marks the return of Christmas to Makati after a two-year absence.
In preparation for the Holiday Season, Check out these events that are taking place in Makati, a thriving and innovative city.
(L – R) Mel Ignacio, Senior Estate Head of Makati; Chrissy Roa, Head of Marketing and Communications, Ayala Land Estates; Shiella Aguilar, Estate Head for Makati. Photo Courtesy of Ayala Land.
November 3: Ayala Avenue Ceremonial Lighting of Christmas Decors
Ayala Land is lighting up Ayala Avenue to officially welcome the Christmas season. The ceremony is putting local heritage on the forefront as ornaments commonly found in holiday-decorated Filipino homes—like parols, 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 parols from last year’s decorations will remain to be the main element. The parol, after all, is the best way to symbolize the Filipino Christmas and is also a symbol of hope.
More sections of Ayala Avenue will be lit up this year to demonstrate that Makati is fully in the Christmas spirit. Each bay along the entire stretch of Ayala Avenue will now have extra decorations in addition to those in front of Tower One. To make it simpler for visitors who want to have their photo taken close to the decorations, a huge parol installation was also constructed by the Ayala Triangle Gardens courtyard.
As you travel there with your family, watch as your children light up with delight at the sight of the brilliant, giant parols.
Ayala Avenue’s Giant Parols. Photo Courtesy of Ayala Land.
November 10: Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens
Starting on November 10, the Festival of Lights will return to Ayala Triangle Gardens LIVE after two years of virtual performances.
This year’s show will be a LIVE 360-degree event. The beloved light spectacle that the public has grown accustomed to will still be present. The familiar dancing string lights and enchanted laser lights with floating shapes will still be present in this concept by director Ohm David and lighting designer Sueyen Austero, but there will also be a massive 3D animated video projected on the canopy façade at the Ayala Triangle Gardens courtyard.
The 3D projection, which was produced in association with Acid House and Krroma, will open the show with a delightful and enchanted prelude to the Light Show. Three musical medleys with a fresh, new take were 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 children’s choir from Pembo Elementary School lends its angelic voices to the chorale medley.
The Festival of Lights 2022 medley was orchestrated by the Manila Symphony Orchestra. Photo Courtesy of Ayala Land.
December 2 to 31: Christmas market at Ayala Triangle Gardens
Looking for something new this season? Ayala Land 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.
Come by on the 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 roaming around ATG!
December 15 to 23: Simbang Gabi at Ayala Triangle Gardens
Christmas traditions can’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 at the opening night, December 15, as they commemorate the meaning and purpose of the season.
To further spread the joy of the holidays, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati will be decked out with vibrant Christmas decorations. Photo Courtesy of Ayala Land.
December 20 to 22: Christmas Holiday Concert at Circuit Makati
Ayala Land also organizes Christmas at Circuit Makati, a popular entertainment and arts venue in Makati. The Christmas Holiday Concert at Circuit Makati is being held in the Samsung Performing Arts Theater and will feature performances by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Steps Dance Studio, and many more.
A bigger and brighter Christmas is here. As Ayala Land brings Christmas in 2022 and beyond, feel the warmth and the love firsthand.
For more updates visit Ayala Land at www.ayalaland.com.ph or head to their social media on Facebook and Instagram also visit, Make it Makati on Facebook and Instagram.