Festival of Lights

Celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, Ayala Center Cebu formally launched its spectacle of Disney-themed Christmas illuminations on November 10 at the Terraces.

For the very first time, Ayala Land Inc. partnered with The Walt Disney Company Philippines for “Reimagine the Magic: A Festival of Lights,” an audiovisual display featuring illuminations twinkling and dancing to Disney songs. Award-winning lights-and-sounds director Voltaire de Jesus once again crafted the display`s lighting effects while composer and former musical director of Hongkong Disneyland Rony Fortich arranged the medleys of loved Disney tunes.

“This year`s Festival of Lights, a part of our Awaken Amazing Christmas campaign, aims to awaken everyone`s inner child and bring forth the magic of Christmas across generations,” Ayala Center Cebu General Manager Bong Dy said.

Jose Mari Chan, affectionately dubbed as the “Father of Philippine Christmas Music” led the celebration, serenading mallgoers with his songs such as “A Perfect Christmas,” “Christmas in Our Hearts,” and “Be Careful with my Heart” among others.

But before the Festival of Lights, Ayala Center Cebu marked the beginning of the Christmas season with the ceremonial lighting of their Christmas tree at The Gallery a week before.

To mark a truly Filipino Christmas, the holiday decorations were decked in local and indigenous materials inspired by the designs of Manuel Baldemor and Bambi Mañosa, two influencers of local arts and design. The decorations incorporated traditional Filipino elements such as parol, sig-id, sipa balls, banig, and puso. The materials used in the ornaments are also recyclable and eco-friendly, a step towards sustainability. The tree was lit by Lorna Alvarez and Pepet Macachor of Rustan`s Cebu; Bong Dy, GM of Ayala Center Cebu; Mutya Desamito of Toys R`Us; and Pinky Chang, Ayala Center Cebu creative consultant.

The evening`s festivities also included a parol-making contest for guests and members of media, while Los Cantantes de Cebu serenaded mall goers with Christmas songs.