Local restrictions have eased – just in time for the start of the holiday season. And while we’re all raring to go out and spend time with family and friends, safety should continue to be a key consideration in choosing where to go and what to do.
At Ayala Land Estates, we provide enjoyable activities in safe spaces that usher in the cheer of the holiday season and share a meaningful Christmas. Highlighting well-loved Christmas traditions that have always been special for Filipinos every year, there are events for small get-togethers, holiday shopping, enjoying the outdoors, and celebrating the reason for the season.
Last November 3 and 4, we started with the lighting of the Makati Central Business District (CBD) and all our 31 estates across the country. This signaled the start of our holiday events as one community, sharing wonder, joy, hope, and the light of Christmas.
On November 20, a virtual tour of the estates will be launched so you can enjoy these lights even at the comforts of your home. “Christmas Cities” is a nationwide Christmas celebration featuring lights and decorations of these estates where families can take memorable groufies.
Spark of Wonder
From the latest gastronomic delights to holiday gift finds, experience the wonder of personal connections once again.
At the Makati CBD, The Parklets will be daily starting November 19 at Salcedo and Legaspi Villages. The Makati Parklets are al fresco dining spaces at your favorite restaurants so you can enjoy safe dining with friends and family. A new Rada Promenade will feature unique food concepts and activities such as a kiddie playground, and mini golf starting the first week of December.
For an even more festive vibe, the Makati Street Meet will open from December 10 to January 9. These are pedestrianized, car-free dining areas at Esteban and Leviste Streets, with other outdoor music and activities. Mallgoers are also welcome to enjoy safe al fresco dining at the Riverside Sessions in Circuit Makati, happening daily starting November 20.
In Cebu, enjoy Sugbo Mercado’s Christmas Bazaar located at Cebu Business Park every Thursday to Sunday for the best open-air eats in the city.
Take a breather from the city bustle and shop for fresh produce at the Nuvali Farmers Market which is open every Sunday at the Nuvali Lake Side. Also open on weekends are the Arca South Fieldside Market and the Azuela Kadiwa Market in Davao.
And if you’re still looking to complete your Christmas shopping list, visit the Spectrum Holiday Fair in BGC. Support local by going to Bonifacio High Street this weekend for a safe outdoor shopping event.
Pick holiday gift finds at the Vermosa Food and Lifestyle Market which opens on November 26, and the Alviera Country Club Christmas Bazaar starting December 3. You can also choose from a variety of treats from Alviera Country Club which include trays, platters, Holiday Hampers, Holiday Specials, Cocktails and Frappe.
Spark of Joy
One of the things people also missed most these days is being able to enjoy the outdoors.
Enjoy the fresh air with the 3.2-kilometer Beginners Bike Trails at Vermosa which opened last weekend. You can also learn how to Bike Smart at the Camp N Bike Academy in Nuvali starting November 27.
For a more relaxing evening, try the Drive-in Cinema at Vertis North on December 4. Catch the year’s most anticipated movie, Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart, plus exciting games and prizes – all in the safety and comfort of your own cars.
In the Makati CBD, the Urban Forest and Amphitheater will be open starting the first week of December for more open spaces to enjoy at Ayala Triangle Gardens.
Spark of Hope
Beyond the yuletide merrymaking, we also give importance to the reason of the season with renewed faith and hope.
Last November 12, we launched the much-anticipated Festival of Lights: Virtual Edition 2021 which recreates the light show at Ayala Triangle Gardens designed within the digital space to present a 360-degree animation. This year’s lights show is bigger, better, and brighter. Philippine music icon Mr. Jose Mari Chan collaborates and conducts a heartwarming medley composed of his iconic holiday songs.
The show comes in two parts with enhanced digital technology for an immersive experience of being in Ayala Triangle Gardens. The second part is a beautifully told Filipino family Christmas story and will be out soon.
Kids and kids at heart can await the jolly old Santa Claus all Sundays of December at the Santa Meet & Greet at One Bonifacio.
And on December 15, we welcome families to count down the 9 days until Christmas together by hosting an anticipated Simbang Gabi in various locations in our estates including the Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati, the drive-in Simbang Gabi at Altaraza, and the Christmas Novena at Ayala Center Cebu and AyalaMalls Central Bloc.
On Christmas Day, December 25, Ayala Land and Make It Makati are hosting an Online Christmas Concert with Jose Mari Chan and Manila Symphony Orchestra. Everyone is invited to watch these world-class artists featuring nostalgic Christmas tunes.
With the many events to choose from, you can safely celebrate a festive and meaningful yuletide season with your loved ones. For more updates, visit the Ayala Land Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/officialayalaland.