Delegates to see Manila in new light

Metro Manila will be one festive eye candy of sparkling lights and glamorous holiday displays for many of the foreign delegates arriving for the upcoming 31st Asean Summit and Related Summits.

Representatives and leaders from the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and their biggest trading partners can easily sneak in a breather from their hectic schedules without having to go out of the metro, as malls and entertainment complexes in the area have simultaneously lit up their colossal holiday installations and exquisite accents earlier this week.

Towering indoor Christmas trees, larger-than-life figures, the iconic Nutcracker dolls, and Santa’s log cabin and sleigh—all impeccably accented by bright, colorful lights—were among the many installations unveiled this week. Top that with some familiar Christmas carols and symphonies that added a dash of cheer to the Yuletide celebration in the Philippines.

Here are some of those malls and entertainment complexes that have already started to spread the holiday cheer.

SM SUPERMALLS

SM Supermalls has started to unveil larger-than-life Christmas mall displays and pop-up stores.

SM Supermalls has begun rolling out its “magical” festivities in 65 malls across the country.

Nearest to the venues of the Asean summits and meetings would be the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), which unveiled Thursday night a stunning 50-foot Christmas tree bedecked with the traditional glittery ornaments, fancy lights, and whimsical characters.

Santa Claus’ magical friends namely Hanna the Panda, Hailey the Hippo, Leo the Lion, Macky the Monkey, Gerry the Giraffe, Benny the Bunny, and Cyril the Squirrel all graced the unveiling, along with London’s acrobat troupe, who treated guests and mall goers with spectacular cirque displays.

Santa Claus’ magical friends graced the unveiling of the 50-foot Christmas tree at the SM MOA.

Over the next several weeks leading up to December 25, SM Supermalls will further get you in the mood as it will feature in its malls a grand parade, a fireworks and laser spectacle, Santa’s Station, and the SM Bears of Joy, wherein shoppers can get a pair of cute, cuddly bears and share one with a child in need.

CITY OF DREAMS MANILA

A 32-foot Christmas tree and two 22-foot nutcracker dolls will greet guests at the main entrance of City of Dreams Manila.

City of Dreams Manila has brought the classic European Christmas celebration to the country as it kicked off its Yuletide festivities on Wednesday.

Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, along with other local government officials, joined City of Dreams Manila in the lighting of a 32-foot Christmas tree, replete with two towering 22-foot nutcracker dolls, life-size Santa’s log cabin and sleigh at the main entrance.

Near the Nobu pool deck meanwhile stands a 22-foot giant teddy bear wrapped in LED lights, while The Shops are festooned with five golden Christmas trees and a troupe of golden fairies in flight.

City of Dreams Manila attributes its Christmas décor concept to the Danish designer Creation Group, which has designed amusement parks, malls, family entertainment spaces and hotels and restaurants, and Tema Design Philippines which executed the displays and various fiberglass installations.

A wide array of activities will mark the holiday celebrations, including a meet and greet with Santa; choir performances at The Shops; a Christmas bazaar exclusive for Dream Rewards members; staycation packages at Hyatt, Nobu or Crown Towers Manila; special holiday menu in the more than 20 restaurants within the entertainment complex; and a Shrek-style Christmas at DreamPlay.

Near the Nobu pool deck stands a 22-foot giant teddy bear wrapped in LED lights.

CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and OMNI (Yatai International Corp.) unveiled last week “Habi ng Pagkakaisa,” the winning entry of the Holiday Light Installation Competition 2017.

This 50-foot Christmas installation now stands proudly gleaming at the CCP Liwasang Asean Park.

A statement posted on the website of OMNI Philippines said the competition had put the spotlight on the Philippine lantern-making technology. The winning proposal was submitted by young architects Rochelle Ong and Louie Suico of WTA Architecture & Design Studio.

The 50-foot Christmas installation called “Habi ng Pagkakaisa”. Source: https://sa.kapamilya.com

“The Habi ng Pagkakaisa is based on the different traditional weaving patterns in the country, inspiring hope and unity in a diverse and multi-cultural society such as ours. It is also inspired by the Parol, one of the most common ornaments found in many Filipino households and establishments come Christmas time—ornaments that signal the start of the holiday season and symbolize the hope and goodwill that Filipinos share during this time,” the statement further read.

AYALA TRIANGLE GARDENS

On Nov. 14, the Asean 2017 National Organizing Council will be hosting The Asean Music Festival in commemoration of the regional bloc’s 50th founding anniversary and the Philippine chairmanship of this year’s summits.

To be featured in this free concert are local artists such as Franco, Silent Sanctuary, Sandwich, The Ransom Collective, Parokya ni Edgar and Ben&Ben, as well as music acts from the nine other Asean member countries.

And while you’re at it, you might as well enjoy the mesmerizing Festival of Lights that will run every night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. until January 7 next year.