Christmas Traditions Light Up the City

November 6, 2018

For Filipinos, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the time when people come together in friendship, celebration and worship. Festivities and traditions such as the much-awaited Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo highlight the importance of the church and the community. As Christmas draws near, Philippine churches come alive, their altars covered in magnificent lights that proclaim the birth of Christ.

To capture the symbols that make the Filipino Christmas memorable and meaningful, Ayala Land will light up the heart of Makati once more with beautiful light installations depicting the altars of the Philippines’ most iconic churches. Building on a yuletide tradition it has started several decades ago, Ayala Land marks its 30th anniversary by once again bringing the Filipino community together for a joyous event where well-loved and new traditions intersect.

Crafted by the masterful hands of Zenas Pineda, seasoned interior designer specializing in visual merchandising and who has been designing the street lights of Ayala Land for 7 years now, the light installations are sure to capture the historic and cultural richness of the altars of selected Philippine churches across the archipelago. Capiz installations are likewise wrapped around the trees that line the main street to complement the altars. To lend more color and whimsical elements to the overall design, totem poles symbolizing the 12 days of Christmas will be installed between the altars.

Among the altars to be featured are those of the iconic San Sebastian in Manila; the San Miguel Archangel Parish, Cebu and Molo Church, Iloilo in Visayas; the Immaculate Conception Church of Jasaan, Northern Mindanao; and the Santuario de San Antonio of Makati.

“Christmas is always special for Filipinos because it’s about bonding with family and loved ones. We realize that for many Filipinos, experiencing Makati’s holiday displays have become part of their Christmas celebrations, alongside revered Filipino Christmas traditions such as the simbang gabi, family reunions, and Noche Buena. This is why Ayala Land ensures that our Christmas celebrations in Makati are truly inspiring and memorable. We’d like to bring the community together and give them all the opportunities to create new and wonderful memories,” said Shiella Aguilar, Makati Project Development Head for Ayala Land.

Makati’s streets will bring Christmas cheer through its dazzling lights from November 5 to January 8.

The Makati Christmas Street Lighting is a toast to Filipino traditions. It will also usher in a spectacular Christmas celebration by Ayala Land, including Reimagine the Magic: Festival of Lights, anticipated novena masses at Ayala Triangle Gardens, holiday bazaars, and a whole range of cultural events that Filipinos have come to look forward to.

This article was first appeared at www.ayalaland.com.ph