Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Ayala Avenue burst into light and color on Thursday night as Ayala Land and Make It Makati unveiled “Makati in Color: Where Christmas Tradition Meets Imagination,” a bold reimagining of the city’s iconic holiday celebration. The launch marked the beginning of a season-long festival that blends heritage, artistry, and community into a textured Filipino Christmas experience.For over five decades, the lighting of Ayala Avenue has signaled the start of the holiday season for many Filipino families. This year, the tradition evolves into a city-wide spectacle inspired by Filipino symbols like the sarimanok and anahaw, representing prosperity and resilience, woven into vibrant installations and performances across Makati.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2025/11/9/newport-world-resorts-launches-christmas-display-1207">Newport World Resorts launches Christmas display</a></div>“It is definitely very Filipino… it is a Filipino Christmas, that’s the theme,” said Hans Lopez-Vito, Head of Brand Experience &amp; Brand Strategy for Corporate, Estates, and Residential at Ayala Land, Inc. “But at the same time, we employ elements such as the ‘sarimanok’ and the ‘anahaw’ just to give it a new twist. The colors especially are very much Filipino.”The celebration spans Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Center, and Circuit Makati, with flagship malls like Greenbelt joining the festivities. From art projections and craft sessions to orchestral concerts and indie music showcases, the entire city becomes a stage for Filipino creativity.“This is really all about showing how Christmas can really uplift our spirits,” Lopez-Vito added. “Especially nowadays with what the Philippines has been going through with the typhoons, all sorts of corruption scandals… I think something like this, the lighting of Makati, can really uplift the hearts and emotions of Filipinos today.” <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2025/11/12/quezon-city-lights-up-the-holidays-with-grand-christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony-2146">Quezon City lights up the holidays with grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony</a></div>The theme “Makati in Color” reflects the city’s evolving identity as a hub of innovation and imagination. “Well, the city of Makati always transforms itself,” Lopez-Vito explained. “We’ve got a lot of big plans for Makati, and I think just to be able to show how we’re also uplifting Christmas… really corresponds nicely with what we’re trying to do in Makati. And there are two ways by which people realize it’s Christmas in the Philippines. Number one, you hear Christmas songs in the shopping malls, but the other one also is you start to see Ayala Avenue being lit up this way.”The festivities continue through January 11, 2026, with performances by the UST Singers, Warner Music Philippines artists, and a New Year’s Eve countdown concert. Simbang Gabi masses, Christmas markets, and outdoor cinema nights round out the celebration, inviting everyone to experience a Filipino Christmas in full color.Follow Make It Makati on social media for updates and schedules.

Ayala Avenue burst into light and color tonight as Ayala Land and Make It Makati unveiled “Makati in Color: Where Christmas Tradition Meets Imagination,” a bold reimagining of the city’s iconic holiday celebration.

Ayala Avenue burst into light and color tonight as Ayala Land and Make It Makati unveiled “Makati in Color: Where Christmas Tradition Meets Imagination,” a bold reimagining of the city’s iconic holiday celebration.

Makati in Color: Transforming the city into a living canvas of Filipino Christmas spirit

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Makati in Color: Transforming the city into a living canvas of Filipino Christmas spirit

Carlos Trazo,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 13, 2025 10:46 PM PHT

Read More:

Filipino Christmas

Paskong Likha

Makati

Ayala Avenue

Makati in Color

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