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| L-R: Several members of the Zobel de Ayala family, Ayala Corporation Chief Sustainability & Risk Officer Jaime Zobel Urquijo, Bea Zobel de Ayala Jr., Ayala Land Creative Director Paloma Urquijo Zobel, Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Makati Mayor Nancy Binay, Ayala Land President & CEO Meean Dy, MACEA Board Chairman Emilio Tumbocon Jr., Ayala Land Estates Group Head Chris Maglanoc (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Ayala Land Inc.) |
For over five decades, Makati has welcomed the holidays by lighting up Ayala Avenue — a tradition that signals the true beginning of the Christmas season in the country for many Filipino families. What began as a simple gesture of festivity has grown into a beloved moment that people look forward to every year, grounding the city’s celebrations in shared history and meaning. This year, Ayala Land and Make It Makati proudly present Makati In Color: Where Christmas Tradition Meets Imagination — a vibrant contemporary take on Filipino symbols expressed through unexpected colors, patterns, and forms.
Inspired by the sarimanok (a symbol of prosperity) and anahaw (a symbol of resilience), the pieces reinterpret heritage in ways that reflect Makati’s character as a thought leader in urban creativity and innovation. According to Ayala Land President and CEO Meean Dy, “This year’s theme reflects that spirit of creativity and renewal. These designs celebrate Filipino heritage expressed in a modern, contemporary way, much like Makati itself.” But Makati In Color is more than just a new visual story. It is a celebration at scale — one that combines the estate-wide Christmas décor with a full season of performances, shows, and community activities. This year’s festivities unfold as one story, weaving design, music, craft, and culture into a uniquely textured Filipino Christmas experience.
A Bigger Christmas, A Brighter Makati
Christmas in Makati expands farther than ever before. The lights now extend beyond Ayala Avenue and Ayala Triangle Gardens, illuminating Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue to create a more connected and immersive holiday experience. And today marks another first: Makati’s flagship malls — starting with Greenbelt — also join the celebration by lighting up their own spaces. From the Makati Central Business District to Circuit Makati, the theme travels across the city, unifying Makati under one contemporary Christmas story.
Makati in Color Presents PASKONG LIKHA: A Textured Filipino Christmas Experience Across Ayala Triangle
As part of this year’s expanded festivities, Ayala Land and Make It Makati introduce Makati In Color: Paskong Likha — a curated lineup of shows, installations, markets, and creative activities brought to life across different corners of Ayala Triangle Gardens. Paskong Likha is a layered celebration of Filipino artistry — bringing together the polish of theater and pop performers with the raw, rhythmic energy of indie Filipino artists. It is a joyful expression of creativity and community, where every detail contributes to the story of who we are. Key features include art projections featuring Filipino weaves and local patterns, craft sessions where the community can adorn trees with decorative fabrics, and performances staged throughout Ayala Triangle to activate multiple spaces and create an immersive experience. Together, these elements turn the Gardens into a living canvas — vibrant, textured, and unmistakably Filipino.
A SEASON-LONG CELEBRATION: All part of a textured Filipino Christmas story at Ayala Avenue
The festivities opened last November 13, 2025 with the lighting of Ayala Avenue — featuring performances by Cris Villonco, Shiela Valderrama, Arman Ferrer, the Chorale Society of Makati, and Mari Dance followed by performances by the UST Singers last November 15-16 and an orchestral ensemble last November 22-23. These continue with a series of weekday and weekend performances all season long including:
• November 26 – Warner Music Philippines concert featuring Lola Amour, Arthur Miguel, Dilaw, Felip, Jan Roberts, Jason Dhakal, Player Two, Stell, and Sugarcane
• First three weekends of December (December 5–7; 12–14; 19–22) – “Pasko na Manam”, string quartet performances presented by Manam
• December 26–28 – Outdoor cinema under the canopy of Tower One (MMFF celebration)
• December 31 – New Year’s Eve countdown at Ayala Avenue featuring the country’s biggest artists
Christmas Markets: Makati Street Meet at Paseo de Roxas
A series of Christmas markets will happen at Paseo de Roxas, highlighting a mix of Filipino artisanal food, local makers, and homegrown art. Even the classic French bazaar is presented as a Franco-Filipino market, celebrating the blend of cultures through food, craft, and design.
• December 6-7 – The Makati Street Meet returns with Holiday Bites by Spectrum Fair. Explore a wide array of local food and retail purveyors at this anticipated lifestyle market, perfect for Christmas shopping
• December 13-14 and 20-21 – Makati Street Meet is also hosting the third installment of Marche de Noel in collaboration with the French Embassy. This annual Christmas market features French and Filipino gastronomy – truly a haven for foodies.
Simbang Gabi
On December 15-23, the annual Simbang Gabi masses at Ayala Triangle bring the community together in reflection, gratitude, and hope.
CHRISTMAS IN COLOR IN MAKATI
This year’s celebrations reflect what Makati does best — creativity, innovation, community, and culture — woven into one unforgettable, textured Filipino Christmas experience. It is bigger, more colorful, and more festive than ever. Be part of your own holiday festivities at Ayala Avenue, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Center Makati, and Circuit Makati from now until January 11, 2026 and immerse yourself in Makati In Color.
