MANILA, Philippines — Makati is on full merry mode as four Ayala Malls within the central business district—Ayala Malls Circuit, One Ayala, Greenbelt and Glorietta—deck their halls and illuminate the city with dazzling lights and awe-inspiring Christmas décor.
Ayala Land Inc. Senior Vice President and Leasing and Hospitality Group Head Mariana Zobel de Ayala beams, “Creating a spectacular Christmas atmosphere for our patrons to relish the holiday season is a sacred tradition for us at Ayala Malls. From the yesteryears to this day, Ayala Malls has remained constant in Filipinos’ lives among families, friends and significant others, marked by meaningful moments and special memories that truly matter. Ayala Malls stands as the haven for each community we serve, where unforgettable Christmas traditions and new celebrations come to life. With our Makati malls at the heart of it all, we are uniquely positioned to bring people together like never before.”
In line with the theme, “Unwrap the Present, A Season of Giving Your Presence,” Ayala Malls highlights the invaluable gift of time and togetherness as the best way to show affection and express appreciation.
Zobel continues, “Together with some of the country’s best decorators and creative trailblazers, we bring to life the spirit of the yuletide season by transforming our malls into enchanting wonderlands so our mallgoers may have the best possible backdrop with which to create their own special memories. Also, through our various Christmas activities across our malls, we aim to create extraordinary experiences that bring people closer together…making their time together even more magical and unforgettable.”
The Ayala Malls Makati holiday trail
To officially kick off the festivities, Ayala Malls partnered with the Department of Transportation in a fun-filled and unique hop-on, hop-off traveling party where in guests are whisked from mall to mall for a succession of Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies.
Zobel is joined in this tree-lighting chain by Ayala Malls President Chris Maglanoc, Ayala Malls Deputy Area Head for Makati Malls Hamm Katipunan, Ayala Malls Vice President and Head of Leasing AC Legarda, Ayala Malls Head of Operations Clavel Tongco, Ayala Malls Vice President for Strategic Leasing Mark Sablan, Group Marketing and Communications Head for Ayala Land Estates, Corporate, and Ayala Malls Chrissy Roa, Ayala Malls Brand Strategy and Leasing Director Mitch Suarez, and Ayala Malls Marketing Director Lisa Yang.
Commencing at Ayala Malls Circuit, this is the first of the four tree lighting ceremonies. Made even more festive, the glittering showcase also featured captivating and playful performances from the beguiling ballerinas of the Steps Dance Studio and musical marvels from the Trumpets Playshop.
The celebration continued to the newly completed One Ayala mall. As the tree was lit, the inspiring performances by the Acapellago Singers and the Manila String Machine heightened the mood, evoking a bit of nostalgia from their solemn renderings.
Then on to the country’s fashion and luxury capital, Greenbelt. As the tree began twinkling, so did the spellbindingly beautiful chorale music interpreted by the UST Singers.
World-class singer Christian Bautista then delivered a heartwarming performance that perfectly set the mood for the culminating stop of the Holiday Trail.
The Glorietta activity center was packed as the last of the Ayala Malls Makati Christmas tree was lit.
Screaming fans couldn’t contain their excitement as rock band Lola Amour took to stage. And even more so when Felip of the phenom SB19 rocked the stage, turning the Christmas celebration into what seemed like a spontaneous all-out concert.
Christmas concerts, musical shows and dance performances will continue throughout the season in the various Ayala Malls. As staunch advocates of Filipino talent, Ayala Malls has always incorporated Filipino culture and art its in-mall shows.
Additionally, Ayala Malls will also be having designed themed weekends such as shopping fairs, Santa Claus meet-and-greet sessions for the little ones, a dazzling giant lantern fair, expert gift-wrapping services, creative crafts sessions, an exchange-gift program, Christmas sales and so much more.
The Designer Holiday Bazaar and more in Glorietta
This season sees the return of the annual Designer Holiday Bazaar spearheaded and especially curated by Bea Zobel Jr. and Sofia Zobel Elizalde.
Slated from November 30 to December 10 in Glorietta, this year’s showcase features over 30 Filipino brands and artisans including Paloma Urquijo Zobel’s PIOPIO, Kalye Artisano and Alegre just to name a few.
From fashion to home, this much-anticipated event has become a solid platform to spotlight the outstanding arts and crafts of artists from all over the Philippines who help preserve traditional techniques in weaving, sculpting and more.
This celebrated bazaar also contributes to scholars and local communities as 25% of the Designer Holiday Bazaar’s sales are donated to the Steps Scholarship Foundation and children from CENTEX schools under the Ayala Foundation APEC Scholarships.
This meaningful initiative underscores Glorietta’s commitment to supporting education and local communities during the festive season.
Aside from the Designer Holiday Bazaar, Glorietta will also have daily surprises from the Glorietta Advent Calendar, a special Santa’s World event via LED in the activity center, and a mall wide sale from November 30 to December 10, perfect for everyone’s Christmas holiday shopping.
This year, Glorietta also introduces the Christmas Bespoke Market from December 8 to 10, and the Gift-It-Forward activity throughout December.
This initiative is aimed at providing opportunities to discover bespoke treasures from local merchants while making meaningful contributions to worthwhile causes.
The magic of Wish
As Disney Animation Studio celebrates its 100th anniversary, Ayala Malls Cinemas partnered with Disney Philippines in the Philippine premiere of its latest animation film Wish, last November 18 in Glorietta.
The event featured a special performance of Aking Hiling, the Filipino rendition of the movie’s main soundtrack by Zephanie Dimaranan. Zephanie is also set to perform the song on the Wish 107.5 Bus this November 25 and at an upcoming meet and greet at Ayala Malls Central Bloc.
Wish tells the captivating tale of Asha, a quick-witted idealist, whose powerful wish is answered by the cosmic force, Star.
Together, they embark on a magical—and at times perilous—adventure to conquer their most formidable foe, the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico.
Wish’s grand public opened last November 25 and 26.
The best of the world meets the best of the Philippines
The country’s fashion capital, Greenbelt, unfolds a rich tapestry of stylish events this holiday season. Known for housing the very best luxury brands in the world, this premier style hub also continues to advocate outstanding Philippine designers and creatives.
Greenbelt’s holiday season begins with the official unveiling of the the Dior Tree of Life along the Greenbelt Fashion Walk—a significant installation marking a first in the country.
At its heart, the spellbinding installation takes the form of a luxuriant tree of life and majestic butterflies. These dreamlike creatures—an essential motif conceived by Pietro Ruffo for the Dior cruise 2024 collection—seem to soar into the sky in a mesmerizing choreography.
This holiday landmark is perfectly situated in the most fashionable haven in Makati City, following Louis Vuitton’s Christmas display last year in Greenbelt.
Greenbelt was also home to renowned designer Randy Ortiz as he unveiled his 35th-anniversary collection at The Gallery.
Known for his classic silhouettes, the collection displayed Ortiz’s love for the traditional Filipino terno, whimsical use of color and shade, as well as his trademark tailoring modeled by some of the country’s most celebrated actors and actresses.
Greenbelt also played host to the recent PHx Fashion Conference, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Philippines that aims to inspire fledgling Filipino fashion brands to elevate their operations to global standards.
PHx was founded by a group of designers and creatives led by Seph Bagasao and Esme Palaganas, with the support of art advocate Trickie Lopa.
Aligned with the core mission of Ayala Malls’ BRAVO! Filipino project, this conference was aimed at honoring emerging and seasoned artists, as well as providing enriching sessions and workshops on fashion business strategies.
The PHx Fashion Conference follows BRAVO! Filipino’s recent efforts in celebrating the artistic excellence of Filipinos that includes the hosting of the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in Ayala Malls Cinemas.
Graced by Dolly De Leon, the first Filipina actress to be nominated for BAFTA and Golden Globes, the initiative aimed to inspire industry professionals and students alike to excel in the world of film.
Other BRAVO! Filipino initiatives this year were the Ternocon III exhibit, the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company performances with renowned pianist Cecile Licad helmed by Steps Executive Director Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, and a forthcoming premiere in Greenbelt of Jhett Tolention’s Asian Persuasion.
From November 18 to December 22, Greenbelt will be having Christmas shows every Saturday.
Greenbelt will also be having a special Taste of Holidays Menu available throughout December; while exclusive promotions through the Holiday Shopping Promo, partnered with HSBC from December 2 to 31, enhance the joy of shopping.
Elevate holiday celebrations with Greenbelt’s Holiday Indulgence Hotel Promo from December 1 to 23, offering a touch of luxury in this stylish haven.
As Ayala Malls continues to be the destination for memorable experiences and joyful celebrations this season, the various Ayala Malls in Makati are truly making the presence of the Christmas spirit felt.
Join Ayala Malls as it unwraps the magic of Christmas, where the spirit of togetherness comes alive. For more information, visit www.ayalamalls.com or follow @AyalaMalls360 on Facebook and @iloveayalamalls on Instagram.
Editor's Note: This press release is paid for by Ayala Malls.