Ayala Triangle at Night

I have been itching to watch the dancing Christmas lights at the Ayala Triangle ever since. A couple of Decembers came but we never set foot with my little girl. It's not far from where we live so it's really strange why we never go there. I'm blaming it to the worst traffic condition we have in Manila every time the holiday season kicks in. So difficult to hail a cab, even taxi apps can't help you during rush hours, so yeah, that could be the main reason why we opt to stay at home at night.

Exactly two weeks ago, my cousin together with hubby and 2 year old boy visited us one evening. Our chikka was bitin when we met during the Hi 5 event and since they were just within the area that night, they chanced upon to visit our place. I love being visited by relatives and friends. The thought of making an extra effort to visit you at home is really something to me since I became a Mom. We invited them to Policarpio Street where the kids had fun at the House of Santa Clause. After checking out the last house, Cha's hubby Ryan suddenly thought of going to Ayala Triangle, and that we still have enough time to watch the final show. It only took him less than 30mins to drive to Makati. Good thing we all fit in in their spanking new Chevy SUV!

The kids were too excited and Daphne kept asking where are we heading to. We arrived just in time for the last two shows as they are open until 10PM. I'm glad we made it without making any plans ahead. The lights were so festive plus the chilly wind made it more perfect to settle down and watch. I'll let the photos speak for now. If you're not convinced, I suggest you see it yourself and tag your kids along because I'm very sure that even kids at heart will enjoy the shows. :)

    
Please excuse my no make-up look. Biglaang lakad talaga, hehe!

     

Policarpio Street

Two nights ago, Mom and I randomly thought of checking out the famous Christmas street in Mandaluyong known as Policarpio Street. We've been waiting for this since we transferred to our new apartment because it is just few blocks away from us. It was on  nationwide news that night that this glittery and extravagant street had just opened for public.
We noticed a lot of people as soon as we stepped out, mostly groups of families. That made me more excited because this time I am finally seeing it not just on TV. I'm funny like that! :-)


It was literally open for public, meaning to fees to be collected. There was a tall gate hovering at the entrance, perhaps it is closed during normal days though I wonder why because it is not even a village.
I noticed how big the lot sizes are on this street, my guess is ranging from 400 to 600 sqm so the owners must be that well off. The first house has this big Belen (a traditional Filipino Christmas symbol) representing the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. I'm not sure if they cover the Belen on regular season. There were about 4 to 5 security people watching over this house, and yelling at those who block the driveway. I recall C.O.D. in Cubao while looking at the Belen. 80's kids in Manila must be so lucky to have had experienced it.


This was the second house that captured our attention. First thing that came into my mind is how much they are paying for the Meralco bill. The house was literally covered with Christmas lights! It was beautifully designed! They must have hired people to organize the colored lights to form each Christmas piece. And there was like a tower behind with a giant parol (Filipino Christmas lantern that is usually star-shaped). I'm assuming it's that big as it is still visible from my standpoint.


Third house is probably the crowd favorite - The House of Santa Clause. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the owner is a known collector of thousands of Santa Clauses? How to keep all of these and how to clean them all? Pinroblema ko talaga ano? :-)



The entire house was very amusing, it almost looked like a theme park. Kids adore taking pictures with the famous huggable white-bearded man in red and white costume.


This house is connected to the first house above. The colorful rope lights exude a modern Christmas feel. These houses are probably using LED lights.


Me and my little one's favorite is the second house. She looked very amazed with the spectacular glittery lights. I keep asking her if she's happy and she gives me nods and smiles in return. We only stayed for less than thirty minutes because the crowd got bigger and I bet you noticed how cold it gets nowadays. That made me realize my girl is running out of jackets.


Update: this is another favorite house, the one next to House of Santa Clause. It was simple but as you see, my daughter's face turned bright as the lanterns!
Sound bites: When you wish upon a star.. (Hi-5 version)


Are you excited for the upcoming season? I am! Not just because of the gifts and reunions but also because we're nearing our second wedding anniversary! *teehee*
Happy Christmas shopping to all! :-)