Christmas remains as the most celebrated festival, if not the most important holiday, in the world without much of the cultural, regional, and religious barriers to date. No wonder, all roads lead home at Christmas.
To herald the yuletide just around the corner, we should put some Christmas adornments particularly colorful lights on our trees, buildings, and homes. Besides, Christmas is also known as the “feast of lights”. This compelled me to reminisce the times I and my family partake in this kind of handiwork this time of the year, and, of course, share the story I have for the now most anticipated annual lights show in the Philippines: the Ayala Symphony of Lights. I was able to witness the show at the Ayala Triangle Garden in the Philippines’ finest business district, Makati City, last 18 December 2011.
The show starts at 6:00 PM but I can vividly remember setting foot on the place as early as 5:15 PM. There were just a few people roaming around. Nevertheless, when the digital countdown timer appeared on the ceiling of the Philippine Stock Exchange‘s arched walkway a few minutes before 6:00 PM, people were already flocking around the esplanade adjacent to the garden where these special trees are standing. The trees give form to more than 800,000 colored LED bulbs that are connected to 45,000 meters of cabling and with almost 500,000 digital channels synchronically moving to Christmas medleys, which are composed to orchestral and native tunes.
Let there be light!
At exactly 6:00 PM, the Ayala Triangle Garden transmogrified. The motley of lights dancing in unison took over.
The lights always have this exquisite beauty that provides a festive illumination after dark. The inspiring and colorful sight they emit is just amazing. Like flaming stars they bustle in the murky night, sparkling brightly–giving such a spectacle for sightseers. Each person turned aphonic–in awe of such. The night looked so alive with these thousands of scintillating, diminutive lights. No one who has witnessed this scene in the triangle garden will ever forget it.
Using Christmas lights (a.k.a. holiday lights, ferry lights, or twinkle lights) to decorate trees, homes, and buildings during the holidays has already become generic. This tradition did arise out of a variety of winter traditions; therefore, making use of Christmas lights to celebrate the winter holidays is no longer about a particular religion.
The Ayala Symphony of Lights is now on its fourth year and it still baits applauses from the public. As we celebrate the holiday season, let’s set down that Christmas lights are not only for drawing the public into a festive celebration nor a show. They give a deeper meaning. They remind us about the good tidings that Christmas brings. They provide spirit-lifting light and opportunity for gathering and socialization in our rustic and citified communities. Above all, they remind us that Christmas is a perfect occasion for gift giving, that we really have all the reasons to be joyful, kind, and forgiving, and the best time to spend quality time with people close to our hearts.
So now I say, “Let there be lights! Christmas lights. Because at Christmas, all roads lead home.”
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STORIES OF THE WANDERING FEET & MIND 
Gorgeous photos! What a magical experience it must be, seeing those in person..
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It was certainly an experience to treasure.
Thanks a lot for the kind words!
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last Friday I watched also, I stayed there for almost 2hrs and perfect for family bonding and I love colorful lights 🙂
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I wish I were there. Lalo na sa ganitong pagkakataon.
Salamat sa pagdalaw, Ren.
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A thrilling example in each photograph of the enchantment that all of the lights can bring.
It is indeed a wonderful time of year to catch up with family and friends.
Hope your holidays are filled with all of the blessings Christmas brings.
Isadora
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Thanks a lot , Issy. But you should know that we don’t celebrate the holidays here in the Middle East.
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Oh, I didn’t know that. Is there other things that are celebrated? Actually, I thought you were in the Phillipines.
UMMMmmm … so they celebrate in the Phillipines … right??? according to yoru light post.Okay .. so i’m confused. I must admit that. Do they celebrate Hanukah ??
~~~ : – O
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They don’t celebrate Hanukah. Christmas here is, for lack of a better way to describe it, out of the place.
Thanks, Issy, for the time and kind words.
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You said it best Sony. We must be reminded to go back to the root of all of it. The story that the kings used a star to locate the manger so they can give their material offerings. Lights are symbolic for gift-giving. Great photos by the way. I probably do terribly taking pictures with all those lights. Although, if other people see it solely for a show or festivity, then let it be it.
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On the flip side, this post makes me extremely nostalgic as the 25th is approaching. Christmas here is literally COLD!
Many thanks, Rom, for your insightful comment.
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