Angels descending, churches illuminated

When things go dreary and traffic becomes unbearable, commuters and passersby can turn into the 24-foot, cone-shaped Christmas trees and angels tableau along the stretch of Ayala Avenue.

Abaniko and solihiya patterns are incorporated into the 24-foot cone shaped Christmas trees.

It’s a solemn tribute to the Filipino spiritual psyche as the stretch of Ayala Avenue, walkways and parks turn into images of angels descending and stained-glass windows of centuries-old churches abound in the country’s premiere business district.

When things go dreary and traffic becomes unbearable, commuters and passersby can turn into the 24-foot, cone-shaped Christmas trees and angels tableau along the stretch of Ayala Avenue.

The bronze trees which feature the Filipino solihiya and abaniko patterns are a sight to behold.

Event stylist and interior designer Zenas Pineda shared that it took several layers of design before she and her team finalized the look and feel of this year’s installations and tableau at the main thoroughfare.

She said she was inspired by a photo of Ayala Avenue in the 1960s where the stretch was lined with cone-shaped trees.

Polygon clouds form a canopy of lights while bright noodle lights light tree trunks.

The dome of the Tower One is lit by images inspired by stained glass windows.

The abaniko finds its way to the business district

And, of course, everyone’s favorite, the Capiz chandeliers, are back once again for the fifth year, adding more light to the already sparkly sight.

Over at the famed Ayala Triangle Gardens, it’s a festival of lights as the trees are adorned with neon noodle lights. Passersby at the adjacent Tower One Exchange Plaza are treated to a 3D videomapping show.

All these are part of the anticipated Gallery of Lights along the parks and walkways of Ayala, its environs and estates.

This year’s Gallery of Lights is more magical than ever, with a combination of new design concepts and classic staples that will surely bring the Christmas spirit to life. Polygon clouds form a canopy of lights, while bright-colored noodle lights line tree trunks and branches designed by lighting directors Voltaire de Jesus and Luther Gumia.

Tivoli and laser lights also dance to festive music composed of three beautiful medleys starting with the techno-inspired number by Tris Suguitan; a Big Band medley by Mel Villena which consists of jazz-inspired tunes that feature brass instruments; and finally, a Filipino medley by Von de Guzman that showcases popular Pinoy Christmas tunes with a mix of cheerful and sentimental melodies.

Spectators in Makati have an extra visual treat as the “Carol of Lights,” a 3D video mapping show made possible by Epson Philippines, with light projections designed by G.A. Fallarme and conceptualized with Henk-Gert Lenten, delight passersby for the first time.

People will be right under where all the magic happens, as the images are projected on the dome of Tower One and Exchange Plaza, which provide the perfect surface for a truly immersive show.

This is inspired by church ceilings and stained glass windows from select Filipino and international churches.

The Gallery of Lights is done in collaboration with HSBC, SunLife, Globe Telecom and Epson Philippines. It is on view from 6 to 10 p.m. every night until 12 January 2020.

For more information, visit www.makeitmakati.com and follow @MakeItMakati on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.