Ayala Street Christmas Traditions Light Up the City

This year, revel in the beauty of the light installations by Zenas Pineda, showcasing Philippines’ rich history and culture through light and capiz installations inspired by different church altars giving a bright Christmas feel along Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, and Paseo de Roxas. To capture the symbols that make the Filipino Christmas memorable and meaningful, Ayala Land light up the heart of Makati once more with beautiful light installations depicting the altars of the Philippines’ most iconic churches. Building on a yuletide tradition it has started several decades ago, Ayala Landmarks its 30^th anniversary by once again bringing the Filipino community together for a joyous event where well-loved and new traditions intersect. 

Crafted by the masterful hands of Zenas Pineda, a seasoned interior designer specializing in visual merchandising and who has been designing the street lights of Ayala Land for 7 years now, the light installations are sure to capture the historic and cultural richness of the altars of selected Philippine churches across the archipelago. Capiz installations are likewise wrapped around the trees that line the main street to complement the altars. To lend more color and whimsical elements to the overall design, totem poles symbolizing the 12 days of Christmas will be installed between the altars.

For Filipinos, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the time when people come together in friendship, celebration, and worship. Festivities and traditions such as the much-awaited Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo highlight the importance of the church and the community.  As Christmas draws near, Philippine churches come alive, their altars covered in magnificent lights that proclaim the birth of Christ.

In celebration of Ayala Land Inc.'s 30th Anniversary, the leaders of Ayala Land Inc., along with the local government officials of Makati, made extraordinary traditions shine in the city with installations inspired by church altars across the country namely:

• The San Sebastian Altar from Manila
• The Santuario de San Antonio from Makati
• The San Miguel Archangel Parish Altar from Argao, Cebu
• The Molo Church Altar from Iloilo
• Immaculate Conception Church of Jasaan, Northern Mindanao

Among the altars to be featured are those of the iconic San Sebastian in Manila; the San Miguel Archangel Parish, Cebu and Molo Church, Iloilo in the Visayas; the Immaculate Conception Church of Jasaan, Northern Mindanao; and the Santuario de San Antonio of Makati.

“Christmas is always special for Filipinos because it’s about bonding with family and loved ones. We realize that for many Filipinos, experiencing Makati’s holiday displays have become part of their Christmas celebrations, alongside revered Filipino Christmas traditions such as the simbang gabi, family reunions, and Noche Buena. This is why Ayala Land ensures that our Christmas celebrations in Makati are truly inspiring and memorable. We’d like to bring the community together and give them all the opportunities to create new and wonderful memories.” ~Shiella Aguilar, Makati Project Development Head for Ayala Land

Makati’s streets will bring Christmas cheer through its dazzling lights from November 5 to January 8.

The Makati Christmas Street Lighting is a toast to Filipino traditions. It will also usher in a spectacular Christmas celebration by Ayala Land, including Reimagine the Magic: Festival of Lights, anticipated novena masses at Ayala Triangle Gardens, holiday bazaars, and a whole range of cultural events that Filipinos have come to look forward to.

Together, let us pay homage to the Philippines’ rich history and culture, and celebrate a truly Filipino Christmas.

Ayala Land is the Philippines’ leading developer of sustainable estates, offering a diverse mix of properties such as residential, retail, office, hotels, and leisure developments, that support local economic growth and nation-building. The company was established in 1988 as the real estate arm of Ayala Corporation, a pioneer conglomerate, and builder of the country’s premier financial and commercial district, now known as Makati Central Business District and Ayala Center.

Today, Ayala Land has a total of 25 sustainable estates and is present in 55 growth areas nationwide. It has five residential brands, namely Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, Avida, Amaia, and BellaVita, which deliver quality homes to a broad segment of the housing market. Its commercial development and leasing portfolio is comprised of Ayala Malls, Ayala Land Offices, and Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation.