Makati Marks The Beginning of The Season Of Sharing

It is one of those very rare moments when Makati, the nation’s leading city for business, lifestyle, entertainment, and culture, stands still like an admired spectacle. For a moment, stakeholders from all walks of life pause and hold their breath as they anticipate the unfolding of the much awaited Christmas tradition in the city: the ceremonial switching on of the Christmas lights along Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, and Paseo de Roxas. 

At exactly 6 o’clock, the major thoroughfares of Makati Central Business District lights up with a unique and dazzling display of almost a million LED lights, which bring joyous childlike wonder to all Makati denizens and visitors alike.

“We wanted our Christmas installations this year to be really different and much more special from the previous years,” says Mel Ignacio, Assistant Vice President of Ayala Land. 

Zenas Pineda, who designed the streetlight installations shares that “this year’s Christmas installations along the streets employ a creative twist on a very Filipino tradition of using arches during festivities. We had to make sure to introduce again something that is another first in the country.” 

Gracefully hoisted above the streets are grandiose stylized ribbons covered with white garlands and decorated with amber lighting that elegantly traverse the city’s major thoroughfares. The shimmering ribbons with colorful rings, meant to evoke memories of gifts and presents being unwrapped, embodying the essence of what the season is all about: sharing our blessings with others. Something that is very evident in the city.

This year’s Christmas celebration in Makati goes beyond the spectacle and pleasure derived from streets all aglow. The city that makes it all happen is also a city with a heart.

Christmas is a time of sharing. And with the recent earthquake that hit the Visayas region, Christmas celebration in Makati, being the leading city for business, lifestyle, entertainment, and culture, will not be complete if we are not able to share our blessings. The Ayala Group of Companies initiated the ‘Tugon sa Bohol’ project that aims to reach out to the victims of the earthquake and raise funds for the restoration of one of the Churches in Bohol. Makati denizens and visitors alike are enjoined to contribute for this good cause through cash donations. 

There will be a Christmas benefit concert entitled “Songs of Hope” on November 8 at the Tower One Fountain area featuring the award-winning Loboc Children’s Choir. On November 11-14, a photo exhibition entitled “Kisame” will display some of the most notable ceiling paintings found in Bohol at the Glorietta 5 lobby. Photographs featured in the exhibition were taken from the churches in the dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon in 2008. Merchandise will be on sale, such as postcards, shopping bags, and the Kisame catalogue from which all proceeds will be donated to the victims of the earthquake.

As with the tradition, Makati has also prepared many festivities that would still make anyone’s dream Christmas celebrations come true. Everyone is invited to watch the most anticipated and well-lauded premiere of the Enchanting Lights and Sound show on November 15, followed by the lighting up of the tallest Christmas tree in the National Capital Region at Circuit Makati on November 21. 

The full-packed Christmas celebration in Makati extends all the way to December, starting with the 4th Christmas Caroling Competition among Makati High Schools on December 2, followed by Christmas Around the World at ATG (Ayala Triangle Gardens) by TLC on December 6, and the Christmas Concierto with 2nd Avenue on December 13. Lending a more solemn feel to the most anticipated season of the year are Thanksgiving Masses at Ayala Triangle Gardens from December 15-23. 

The spirit of sharing, giving back, and generosity, as exemplified by Makati, is never more evident and alive than during Christmas time. Let’s all have a more meaningful Christmas celebration with friends and family by helping our kababayans who are in need and show the world the true Filipino spirit.

Come and celebrate the holidays in Makati and find out why a Makati Christmas is like no other. 

Christmas celebration in Makati is brought to you by Make It Makati, Ayala Land, Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, Avida, Amaia, Ayala Malls, MasterCard, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, TLC, 2nd Avenue, Canon Philippines, Pixma, and PowerMac Center.

For more information, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@MakeItMakati) or visit our website at www.makeitmakati.com to learn about the many other reasons why you should come to the city.