Makati, the heart of the Philippines, 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 -- last 13 November. At the lighting ceremony were performances by Cris Villonco, Shiela Valderrama, Arman Ferrer, the Chorale Society of Makati and Mari Dance.

This year, Ayala Land and Make It Makati present Makati in Color: Where Christmas Tradition Meets Imagination. The Yuletide theme is 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.