A festive, joyous gift for a growing community

We are the nation known to celebrate the longest Christmas season. As soon as the “-ber” months set in, count on Filipinos to start putting up those Christmas lights and playing those Yuletide anthems. And we refuse to let this vicious, long-standing pandemic dampen our Christmas spirit.

Ayala Land is bringing together two Christmas icons to bring joy to families come the holidays—Jose Mari Chan and the annual Festival of Lights.

The property developer has tapped the award-winning musician to produce the Christmas medley for Ayala Land. As one of the Philippines’ most respected music icons, Chan is sure to hit the notes as always with a new Christmas track that will definitely make our hearts swoon.

To formalize their newest collaboration, an intimate signing ceremony was held at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. Present during the occasion were Chan; ALI head of marketing and communications Chrissy Roa; Ayala Land head of Makati estate Mel Ignacio; ALI project development Head for Makati estate Shiella Aguilar; ALI project development manager Misha Quimpo; ALI marketing manager Sharon Vital; and ALI senior marketing associate April Ylagan.

The acclaimed singer and songwriter’s upcoming Christmas medley composition is set to be the musical accompaniment for the digital version of the Festival of Lights.

“The Festival of Lights is an event that people look forward to every year,” Chan said. “I remember around three years ago when I was invited to perform right here at Ayala Triangle Gardens. I am glad that I was invited to be part of this festival that everyone looks forward to.”

In 2020, due to the pandemic, the Festival of Lights was held virtually via Facebook and You

Tube, a first for the yearly spectacle. Instead of its usual venue at Ayala Triangle Gardens, the lights and sounds show was recreated and designed within the digital space to present a 360-degree animation with laser lights, string lights, meteor lights, holograms and helix lights dancing to modernized renditions of traditional songs.

Come November, Ayala Land will be hosting the nighttime spectacle virtually once again in partnership with Globe Studios led by filmmaker and director, Quark Henares.

Swing by the Facebook and Instagram pages of Make it Makati and Ayala Land for exciting updates leading to the Festival of Lights.

* * *

On another note, property giant Ayala Land is also all geared up to expand and cater to the growing needs of the communities surrounding its masterplanned Vermosa estate.

That prime commercial land fronting the Daang Hari Road is currently being developed to welcome more establishments in its 6,000 sqm land lease block. Residents in the area will not have to drive far just to have a fix of their favorite Jollibee, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken. To cater to the changing preferences of diners and to ensure safe, convenient dining options, all restaurants and cafés will feature a drive-thru option and an outdoor seating area.

Driving through Daang Hari, you would see that existing store locators such as Starbucks, McDonald’s and Petron managed to thrive despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Aside from adapting new normal dining options, the vibrant community surrounding Vermosa played an important role in keeping these businesses going. This only proves that being in a strategic and accessible location truly bodes well for business.

Upon full development, Vermosa is expected to bring together residential, retail and business spots in one destination, with the addition of sports and fitness attractions to suit those with active lifestyles. Twenty four percent of the entire development will be devoted to parks and gardens. A 14-kilometer stretch called the Vermosa Greenway is designed to encourage people to walk, jog or explore their neighborhood on foot, while dedicated bike lanes make it easier to take bikes to work.

Let’s not forget the 8-ha Vermosa Sports Hub, a complete, one-stop training and lifestyle destination for triathletes and sports enthusiasts. Here, the public can have access to professionally-managed sports facilities that adhere to international standards.

As the country seeks to get back on its feet, we’re sure there’s more in store for everyone in a dynamic community like Vermosa.