A fireworks display ends the launch of Arcovia City’s “Magical Holiday Lights,” highlighting the design and grandeur of the Arco de Emperador. —PHOTOS BY JOSEF MERCADO

Arcovia City unveiled its “Magical Holiday Lights” show, right on time for the Christmas season.

The 12.3-hectare Megaworld township on C5 road in Pasig City is famed for its Arco de Emperador in the middle of the development. The arc is 19-meter high, and Megaworld claims it to be the country’s tallest monument.

The archway has a neoclassical design, and atop the structure is a bronze statue of a Filipino conqueror, “an emperor, representing Filipino success and hard work,” says Tefel Pesigan-Valentino, vice president and head of marketing and business development of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

Pesigan-Valentino was present at the unveiling of the Christmas show, along with with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Graham Coates, first vice president and head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

Megaworld’s “Magical Holiday Lights” highlighted the beauty and symbolism of the arc, as the show comprised of a 3D projection mapping spectacle, transforming the 19 m-tall monument into a towering, living canvas of bright colors and animated lights.

“Arco de Emperador remains a remarkable tourist destination in this side of the metro. This holiday season, we are turning this monument into a visual feast where families and friends can come together and create new memories,” said Coates.

Magical

The light show was indeed magical. Moving pictures of elves, lights and other yuletide-theme objects were projected onto the arc. The 3D mapping technology made it possible for even the crevasses and corners of the arc to have moving pictures.

“There are five different versions of Christmas-theme 3D projections in the show,” explained Presigan-Valentino. “Each of the shows uses a variety of visual animations, light displays and thematic music, so our guests can look forward to a different experience whenever they visit.”

The show is open to the public throughout December, 6-9 p.m. daily.

Graham Coates, first vice president and head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto

After the unveiling of the “Magical Holiday Lights” show, guests were then treated to a spectacular fireworks display. The pyrotechnics were launched from behind the Arco de Emperador, highlighting the imposing structure with dazzling, vari-colored lights. With the cool evening breeze, we all felt that Christmas is near.

The township has more activities this Christmas season. Most notable is the JBL Soundfest Manila on Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m., featuring performances by December Avenue, IV of Spades, I Belong to the Zoo, Gloc 9 and more.

The township is already an attraction to locals and tourists alike. Apart from the visual appeal of the Arco de Emperador, visitors can also shop at the Landers supermarket inside the development.

Arcovia City is also the home of the country’s first Popeyes restaurant, and also has a spacious Starbucks for coffee breaks away from the traffic in C5.

Other restaurants are now slowly populating the township as well. We saw a Samgyupsalamat restaurant, as well as a Chachago milk tea shop. A McDonald’s will also open this month.