A grandmother of two young girls visited the park on a cold Thursday night, hoping to catch the lights still on after failing to see them last time. Vilma, who lives a few streets away from Ortigas, felt like a kid at heart as she took her granddaughters to Liwanag Park—a Christmas tradition set by Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to bring a festive atmosphere amid the urban life.

Nestled in a busy corner of Pasig City within the Meralco compound lies a light attraction, filled with glowing installations and interactive displays that draw families, students dropping by after finals week, and employees heading home after their nine-to-five. It provides a pause, giving the business district a chance to slow down and bask in the holiday spirit.

What started as a way to cheer up Meralco employees in 1998 eventually drew in more passersby, prompting the gates to open to the public and the attraction to expand to welcome visitors from all walks of life.

Now in 2025, the park has grown beyond just Christmas decor. It features nativity statues, displays made from recyclable materials, LED and solar-powered lights, and a newly integrated three-dimensional (3D) mapping projection that wraps the entire Lopez building facade.

Upon entering the premises, visitors are greeted by a tunnel of string lights that leads to the main garden, split into two displays on either side. Beyond the “Instagrammable” decorations, guests can explore Meralco’s light maze, pedal a bike that powers a Christmas tree, or ride a train—symbolizing Meralco’s origins as an electric tram company in the early 1900s. The installations carry three displays: past, present, and future.

“Each year, the designs are reimagined while keeping the same message of hope and unity. This year’s theme is ‘A Brighter Christmas For All’,” said Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco’s spokesperson.

“The park is designed by Meralco’s in-house teams of engineers, creatives, and facilities personnel, sometimes with external partners,” he told Manila Bulletin.

The park isn’t just for kids, either. Joggers can be seen finishing their runs by taking a lap around the complex or squeezing in a few stretches along the way. The park is also a popular spot for date nights, with couples snapping photos of each other, sitting on benches, and wandering among the lights. Many consider it a charming and budget-friendly date destination.

As night falls, the scent of roasted barbecues wafts from the other side of the complex, inviting guests to sit down, have dinner, and be surrounded by the festive glow.

While the country lack on winter feel, it makes up for its dazzling lights. But the question is: how does the park balance its electricity use without disrupting the load of the nearby communities?

“Liwanag Park operates without affecting neighboring communities by using energy-efficient LED and solar lights and running on a dedicated substation,” Zaldarriaga explained.

Apart from concerns about the electrical load, Meralco assured visitors that the park remains safe from hazards, even during the onset of the rainy season and persistent downpours.

“Challenges have been minimal, aside from the occasional rains in the evening since our display is outdoors. With careful planning and safety protocols, the park remains safe and enjoyable for visitors,” he said.

The best part of Liwanag Park? Admission is free. Guests can wander through the lights from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the park staying open until midnight from Dec. 24 to 31.

If Pasig is too far of a trip, the distribution utility (DU) has brought these attractions closer to other cities. It has recently switched on two areas: the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian in Batangas, and a second Liwanag Park in Intramuros Plaza Roma in Manila.

“The second location [of Liwanag Park] was chosen for its historical and cultural significance,” Zaldarriaga shared. “These initiatives allow Meralco to bring light as the symbol of hope and cheer to places that matter to local communities.”