The entry of the -ber months in the Philippines marks the start of the yuletide season and as people start to count down the days before Christmas, the entire country starts to light up. In Makati, the Festival of Lights is one of the most anticipated events in the city. Entire families stop to enjoy a dazzling light show which has grown bigger and better every year.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt on this and forced Ayala Land to hold virtual light shows in the past 2 years as lockdowns disallowed people from enjoying the show onsite. This changed this year as the Festival of Lights can now be seen on-ground at the Ayala Triangle Gardens (ATG).
Bobby Dy, Ayala Land President and CEO, shares, “The Festival of Lights is more than just a visual spectacle and delightful sounds. It is a well-loved annual tradition that has enabled us to connect with the community in a very unique way. It has brought joy to millions as it brings together people from all walks of life and from all over the country.”
The light show will be performed every night, with an hourly performance starting from its first run at 6PM until the last show which starts at 10PM.
In partnership with Kroma and Acid House, Ayala Land begins the affair with a fun and quirky introduction to the actual Light Show. Projected on the canopy faí§ade, everyone gathered at Ayala Triangle Gardens will catch the elves as they prepare the Christmas lights machine to work. As soon as it does, the machine produces lights of various shapes, colors, and sizes. The elves then, pick these up and transport each element from the screen to the trees surrounding ATG. It ends with Santa with a powerful switch that turns everything on, ready for the Light Show.
As Christmas tunes play, visuals will be projected on the trees around ATG. It begins with moving constellations that slowly form colorful indigenous patterns to tell the story of creation. As the scene builds, the screen blacks out then reveal stars, halos, parols, and other festive icons, which then merge to form a kaleidoscope of images. Moving and turning, it will ultimately end with an explosion of colors.
Accompanying the light show are three holiday medleys. The first is an orchestral rendition headed by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, followed by an upbeat TikTok rendition arranged by Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso, in collaboration with Tris Suguitan. The show concludes with a soothing chorale rendition by Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso.
