Maria Virginia Sy

Many watch the spectacular 3D projection on the Lopez Building and the 45-foot Christmas tree—a perfect background for an Instagram post. But for Waltz and his friends, Liwanag Park serves a different purpose: it is a temporary bridge to the homes they left behind to work in the metropolis.

Article (news)

Liwanag Park brightens memories of home this holiday season

Jonathan Cellona

ABS-CBN News

<p>The lights began to dance as early as 6 in the evening at Meralco’s Liwanag Park, where food stalls yielded the usual smoke of traditional delicacies like puto bumbong, bibingka, and hamon. The sound of children in a high-pitched hum of holiday cheer rose as crowds arrived for a stroll in the park.</p><p>Many watch the spectacular 3D projection on the Lopez Building and the 45-foot Christmas tree — a perfect background for an Instagram post. But for Waltz and his circle of friends, these lights serve a different purpose: they are a temporary bridge to the homes they left behind to work in the metropolis.</p><p>In the Philippines, where Christmas is celebrated as early as September, being “absent” from family celebrations carries a quiet sting. For this group of professionals in their 20s, the park serves as a sanctuary for the version of “family” they’ve formed among co-workers.</p><p>Walking through the park, Waltz leads the group with bubbly energy, cracking puns to keep the mood light. But as they stop before a larger-than-life Belen (nativity scene) crafted from industrial copper wires, the laughter softens.</p><p>&quot;As someone from a different province, coming here makes us feel like we are actually with our families,&quot; Waltz explains.</p><p>In a couple of days, the group will part temporarily for the holidays. They take one last photo together under the canopy of colorful lights, knowing that no amount of &quot;spectacular&quot; displays can truly fill the void of a mother’s hug or the taste of a hometown delicacy.</p><p>Yet, for a few hours spent in the park, the longing is eased. They have found a version of home in each other — a temporary family to hold onto until the day they can finally travel back to the places where they are truly complete.</p><div><br/></div><div>[[PHOTO ALBUM]]</div>

<p>Many watch the spectacular 3D projection on the Lopez Building and the 45-foot Christmas tree — a perfect background for an Instagram post. But for Waltz and his friends, Liwanag Park serves a different purpose: <b>it is</b> a temporary bridge to the homes they left behind to work in the metropolis.</p>

Many watch the spectacular 3D projection on the Lopez Building and the 45-foot Christmas tree — a perfect background for an Instagram post. But for Waltz and his friends, Liwanag Park serves a different purpose: it is a temporary bridge to the homes they left behind to work in the metropolis.

Liwanag Park glows with memories of home this holiday season

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Liwanag Park glows with memories of home this holiday season

Jonathan Cellona,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 19, 2025 05:04 PM PHT

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Updated December 19, 2025 05:55 PM PHT

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