Mckinley Hill Grand Christmas Parade spectacle like no other
A spectacle like no other, the annual Mckinley Hill Grand Christmas Parade once again regaled hundreds of thousands of spectators lined up along the streets of Megaworld’s 54-hectare township in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Over 2,000 participants joined the third edition of the annual spectacle inspired by the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, which also featured over 50 mascots, 15 colorful floats and six iconic 25-feet giant helium balloons. Bringing more glitter and star power to the festivity, which coincides with Mckinley Hill’s 15th year anniversary, are celebrities Vic Sotto, Sarah Lahbati and Jake Cuenca. Also joining the parade for the first time is PAMI, the official mascot of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where Megaworld is a major partner. “This annual tradition is a concerted effort of the entire Mckinley Hill community and the city of Taguig. We made this year’s parade bigger and better as we look to share the gift of happiness to families, kids and kids-atheart this Holiday season and as we celebrate our 15th year as one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the country,” said Graham Coates, first vice president and head, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. Here are the highlights:
15 Majestic Floats
Giant floats were among the must-see attractions during parade. Each has its own intricate design that captivated parade onlookers as they make their way through the streets of Mckinley Hill. Parade watchers were awed by the classic Christmas Train, Winter Wonderland and Santa House with Chimney floats, the Asiatown Float, Pinoy Christmas Float, Santa’s Toy Factory Float, and several Venetian-inspired Floats.
25-ft Giant Balloons
The grand parade would not be complete without its iconic 25ft character helium balloons that included iconic Christmas characters such as Gingerbread man, Reindeer, Elf, Fifi the Unicorn, Santa Claus, and a new member of the family, Spencer the Dog.
Over 50 Mascots
Over 50 giant mascots joined the parade including children’s favorite characters such as Lego, Pinypon, Playmobil, Leapfrog, Sylvanian, Super Wings, Tcon, Nobita Noci, Shizuka Minamoto, Takeshi Goda, and more!
More than 800 Performers
To add to the stunning runway of all things amazing, over 800 talented performers composed of marching bands, street dancers, mimes and cosplayers joined the parade, entertaining the audience with colorful musical and dance performances.
Special Celebrity Appearance
This year’s parade featured more star power with the blockbuster king himself Vic Sotto gracing the event along with stars Sarah Lahbati and Jake Cuenca.
SEAG PRESENCE
The 30th Southeast Asian Games launched in the Philippines in 2019, so spectators also got the chance to Cheer as One when the SEA Games Women and Men’s Artistic Gymnastics delegates joined the parade. The 2019 SEA Games’ iconic mascot, PAMI, also joined the mascots this year. More Exciting Attractions Capping off the parade in spectacular fashion is the Grand Fireworks Display, while attractions such as Christmas Carousels, character worlds like Doraemon Gadget Park, Barbie Dreamhouse, Lego World, Gundam Galaxy and a 3D Mapping Show Launch at the Venice Piazza also regaled children and mall guests. The 54-hectare Mckinley Hill is Megaworld’s largest township development in Metro Manila located in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The township is one of the most dynamic and diverse communities in the country and is home to 100,000 employees, 15,000 residents, over 180 commercial establishments, 36 residential condominiums, office buildings, international schools, embassies and the Mckinley Hill Stadium. For more details, follow Mckinley Hill on Facebook at www.facebook.com/venicegrandcanal or visit www.megaworld-lifestylemalls.com.