Ortigas Land lights up the holidays

No hardship has ever given Filipinos a strong enough reason to forego the Christmas revelries.

If anything, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our lives helped many of us rediscover the deeper meanings of this festive season that we may have lost in the repetitiveness of the tradition.

Premier real estate developer Ortigas Land, however, is recapturing the true essence of Christmas as it decides to adorn and embellish its developments in celebration of the Filipino values that were proudly on display as the country weathered the pandemic.

Ortigas Land proudly displayed the Christmas Street Musical Tunnel in Ortigas East to pay homage to front-line workers.

Spirit of solidarity

Capitol Commons is marking the holiday season with its annual “Lights at The Park” as a monument to the spirit of solidarity that has kept many individuals and communities motivated to fight even in these unprecedented times. Over the past months, through the lockdowns, economic recession and various calamities, kindhearted Filipinos have mounted various goodwill missions to aid hard-hit populations.

The generosity and selflessness inspire Capitol Commons’ well-loved lights installation for 2020. While past themes for the yearly tradition brought us all over the world, this year’s concept embraces elements of Filipino culture: the parol and the kapit-bisig ideal.

Zenas Events and Floral Stylist came up with the design this year. The installation showcases Philippine diversity with fabric sourced from Ilocos—the inabel—and the T’boli in Mindanao. Stars, inspired by the traditional Filipino lanterns most popularly attributed to Pampanga province, symbolize the hope for a brighter future. Viewers will appreciate the message that comes with the light-and-shadow play of people holding hands.

The installation showcases Philippine diversity with fabric sourced from Ilocos—the inabel—and the T’boli in Mindanao.

Homage to front-liners

Ortigas Land also proudly displayed the Christmas Street Musical Tunnel in Ortigas East to pay homage to front-line workers who have become modern-day heroes because of the courage, tirelessness and altruism they displayed throughout the battle against COVID-19.

The seasonal attraction, spread along Central Avenue near Tiendesitas, carries the theme “Light Up for Our Heroes” this year, a recognition of the invaluable contribution of the country’s front-liners and first responders. Past experiences show that whenever infectious diseases emerge, those who work in the front-lines are disproportionately infected because of extended exposure to people, and weakened defenses due to great stress and overwork. They brave the risks to keep the greater population safe.

The Christmas Street Musical Light Tunnel features bright and colorful stars, a spectacular view accompanied by the uplifting beats of familiar Christmas jingles. For Ortigas Land, the bright stars represent the frontline workers who stepped up and shone brightly in these dark and challenging times. Every time spectators look at the display, the company hopes that they are all reminded that the goodness of workers at the front-lines, often away from coverage and fanfare, enable us to hope for a day of triumph against COVID-19.

The Christmas Street Musical Light Tunnel features bright and colorful stars, a spectacular view accompanied by the uplifting beats of familiar Christmas jingles.

Observing protocols

Visitors may begin shooting with the picture-worthy, meaningful Lights at the Park installation starting Nov. 21. The display lights up from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The open space provides better security against COVID-19, but on ground personnel will ensure protocols are observed. The location also gives people the option to take a relaxing stroll at the park or to find a restaurant where they can eat a nice meal together, safely. The installation stays on until Jan. 17. More activities will mark Christmastime at the Capitol Commons estate so stay tuned for announcements.

In Ortigas East, the Christmas Street Musical Light Tunnel has begun captivating pedestrians. It was first lit up on Nov. 18 and will continue to awe until Jan. 3. The lights show also starts at 6 p.m. The stretch of road will remain open for those who would like to safely and quickly pass through.

To keep viewers safe, social distancing guidelines and other safety protocols will be observed. Ortigas East has identified spots across the estate where guests can get the best views of the lights. Those spots will be assigned teams to strictly monitor COVID-19 protocols. People who want to take extra precautions may view the lights spectacle from the comforts of their home through a special recording available on Ortigas East’s Facebook page.

With such a beautiful tribute to the Filipino value of solidarity and the heroism of front-line workers and first responders this Christmas, Ortigas Land reminds us that, while this year made our nation kneel, we still have a lot of reasons to smile, celebrate and be grateful.