Metro Manila is colorful and bright as several giant Christmas were mounted and lighted to kick off the merriest season of the year. Christmas tree lighting has been the tradition of many establishments—malls and hotels—as a way to usher in the holidays. Here are some of the lovely, fun, and unique tree lighting and tree lighting ceremonies we saw, and we think you should, too.
Forty-foot Christmas tree and different kinds of Santa
Premier shopping mall Uptown Bonifacio ushered in the “Most Festive Christmas Celebration” in the entire Fort Bonifacio when it switched on the lights of its 40-foot Christmas tree beside the musical fountain that performs a choreographed lights and fire show—highlighting the mall’s diverse and dazzling display.
Leading the ceremonial switch-on were Megaworld chief operating officer Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso and executive vice president and chief strategy officer Kevin L. Tan.
Hundreds of AFP soldiers led the festivities as they serenaded the crowd with their own renditions of timeless Christmas carols. It was followed by LED dancers who performed choreographed and themed light shows.
Santas from different cultures—chubby and slender Santas, Santas of different colors and nationalities, and even Santa dogs—also delighted everyone who witnessed the festive showcase.
During the entire Christmas season, visitors of Uptown will experience the light and fire musical fountain in front of the mall as it comes alive nightly every 30 minutes.
From Dec. 15 to 24, there will be traditional Simbang Gabi Masses at the St. Gabriel the Archangel Chapel at the mall’s open deck area. While on weekends, there will be a Christmas Night Market that runs from 5:00 p.m. to midnight at Uptown Parade, as well as a regular Santa and friends meet-and-greet and an indoor Christmas Fair inside the mall.
Dreamy Christmas tree
Diamond Hotel Philippines officially marked the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year by lighting up its magical and dreamy Christmas tree decked out in festive decorations accentuated by blush, red, and golden hues.
Among the highlights of the event were the remarkable performances of Bayanihan Folk Dance Company, the harmonious musical regale of the Pansol Choir, and the gift of joy of Santa Claus.
As part of the annual tradition of giving back to the community, the hotel has chosen Kanlungan ni Maria to be its official charity beneficiary. Kanlungan ni Maria is a non-stock, non-profit organization with a mission to provide adequate and sufficient home care, basic and medical needs for the abandoned, sick, and homeless elderly.
Barrel tree
The world’s top-selling American whiskey brand, Jack Daniel’s proves that “It’s not what’s under the tree that matters, it’s who’s around it,” when it lighted its iconic Holiday Barrel Tree at C1 Park, 5th Avenue, in High Street Central Square, Bonifacio Global City.
The Holiday Barrel Tree is made from Jack Daniel’s very own oak barrels, mounted in major cosmopolitan areas across the globe. One hundred twenty-two barrels were repurposed into this special structure.
The highly anticipated global tradition marked its debut in the Philippines in 2014 when two Holiday Barrel Trees were raised in two venues in Metro Manila, Fuerte Circle in Eastwood City and at The Fort Plaza in Bonifacio Global City. The structures were touted as the first Holiday Barrel Tree in Southeast Asia, a feat that recognizes the top whiskey company’s growing presence in the country.
VIPs, media personalities, and social media influencers attended the festivity which coincided with the launch of Bar No.7, Jack Daniel’s first pop-up bar in Metro Manila that serves gourmet holiday drinks especially created by Curator’s senior bartender and mixologist, Giann Divino.
Woody, Lightning McQueen, and Sully at BGC
Disney-Pixar characters have come to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig for the “Pixar Playtown” Christmas.
The key centerpiece of the Pixar Playtown yuletide extravaganza is the spectacular 50-foot Christmas tree along 7th Avenue. Here, Sheriff Woody and his frenemy, space ranger Buzz Lightyear, unbox the true magic of Christmas—that realizing family and friends are just the absolute best.
Over at 26th Avenue corner 5th is furry, blue Sulley with little Mike and his single big eyeball.
At 5th Avenue corner McKinley Parkway, as well as other locations, chance upon the eternally optimistic Nemo and his pal Dory. In the middle of Bonifacio High Street, you’ll find a life-size Lightning McQueen, the swaggering but lovable red racing automobile from Cars.
Aside from fun displays, a Sight and Sound Spectacle featuring enchanting Christmas lights dancing to well-loved Disney soundtracks are happening at Bonifacio High Street Park today until Jan. 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Travel to a world of fun and festivities at BGC Passionfest today until Dec. 2. Shop for goods at the Holiday Fair in High Street Central on Dec. 15-16, or join the Disney Quiz Night on Dec. 15, or meet Santa and tell him your wish every Sunday of December at 4:00 p.m. at One Bonifacio High Street.
Nightly Thanksgiving Mass at 6:30 p.m. is happening on Dec. 16-25 at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater.
“‹Whimsical winter wonderland
Marco Polo Ortigas unlocked the doors to Winterland with its ceremonial tree lighting.
This year’s theme comes from the classic Lewis Caroll tale, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. During the event, guests were welcomed by the voices of a choir group with a set of Christmas carols. Afterwards, hotel general manager Frank Reichenbach welcomed corporate clients, in-house guests, and media partners.
“We are pleased to present how the world can and is indeed more vibrant, enchanting, and delightful when viewed through the eyes of innocence. It is by revelling in childlike wonder, like Alice did in the beloved children’s story, that we may begin fully embracing what this season means for all of us,” said Reichenbach.
The children of Riversprings School were gathered to light up the 25-foot Christmas tree together with the owning company, Xin Tian Ti.
The Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award Winner also announced the third year of the Wings of Hope program. This year, guests are encouraged to adopt an eagle stuffed toy for a minimal fee of P650. Proceeds will go to Philippine Eagle Foundation’s efforts in preserving and looking after the national bird.
“‹
Hug under the Christmas tree
A unique, hug-activated Downy scented Christmas tree stands majestically at Eastwood Mall’s open park in Quezon City in a bid to let people discover the power of hugs.
Decked with red LED lights, the sea of red roses inside the 50-foot Scented Christmas Tree lights up when people inside hug each other inside the perfume-scented chamber.
The main inspiration of this Christmas tree takes from the luxurious fragrance of Downy. It takes essence from the smell of an endless field of flowers, to which is exactly what this tree is made of, and the opulent feel of velvet, a fabric which embodies softness, both wonderful elements to inspire a loving, hugging emotion.
Leading the ceremony was Miss Universe 2015 and hug ambassador Pia Wurtzbach.
