Bigger, brighter, and more emotional
It was more than 10 years ago when The Festival of Lights first happened at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. It was a magical sight to be sure. Trees bedecked with lights twinkling in unison to holiday-themed music. Everyone went to Ayala Triangle just to see the spectacle. Then, the pandemic happened.
For two years, the Festival of Lights happened virtually, but now, one of the most anticipated Christmas traditions in Metro Manila is back—live and on-ground at Ayala Triangle Garden.
MB Lifestyle Online attended the opening of the now-cherished Makati Christmas event last Nov. 9, 2022. At the opening ceremony, media guests, Ayala Land executives, commuters, and “Makatizens” all waited in anticipation at the re-unveiling of this Makati CBD (Central Business District) holiday celebration.
Guests were not disappointed. Apart from the usual lights and auditory show, a new feature was introduced—videos are projected on the canopy façade (that iconic archway in Makati PSE building) fronting Ayala Triangle Gardens.
Apart from the new video projections, the overall Festival of Lights show was revamped to really re-invigorate and re-energize holiday-goers. It was also to announce that the holidays are here and that the days of lockdown will soon be a thing of the past.
The light shows are bolder, more bright, more emotional. The sounds are crisper, more whimsical, and more vibrant than the shows of past years. Holographic lightworks are also abound in the Ayala Triangle Gardens, as mist machines all over the space create a canvas for light to become three-dimensional artworks.
Accompanying the light show in the opening ceremony are three holiday medleys. The first is an orchestral rendition headed by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, followed by an upbeat TikTok rendition by Tris Suguitan, Jazz Nicolas, and Mikey Amistoso. The show concluded with a soothing chorale rendition by Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso.
After the official ceremony, bystanders and “Makatizens” were all allowed to come into the cordoned-off grounds to experience the spectacle themselves. Couples held hands and families with their kids gaped in wonder at the sensory overload that is the Festival of Lights. Even pets were brought to the spectacle. And despite the light rain that night, people still stayed and enjoyed the holiday spirit shared by all at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
The Festival of Lights 2022 will run 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., one show every hour, daily, until Jan. 8, 2023.
Photos by Noel Pabalate