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  • LOOK: New York City Red Carpet Screening of Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

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    Director Ryan Coogler and stars Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke and Tenoch Huerta Mejía attended a star-studded red-carpet event tonight at AMC in New York City. Images from the event are now available. 

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    In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.Introducing Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor, ruler of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, opens in Philippine theaters on November 9, 2022.

  • HBO Original Drama Series “The Last of Us” Debuts January

    The Last of Us takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal and heart-breaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.

    The cast includes Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Anna Torv as Tess, Nico Parker as Sarah, Murray Bartlett as Frank, Nick Offerman as Bill, Melanie Lynskey as Kathleen, Storm Reid as Riley, Merle Dandridge as Marlene, Jeffrey Pierce as Perry, Lamar Johnson as Henry, Keivonn Woodard as Sam, Graham Greene as Marlon, and Elaine Miles as Florence. Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker also star.

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    The Last of Us, based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name developed by Naughty Dog exclusively for the PlayStation® platforms, is written and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. The series is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television and is executive produced by Carolyn Strauss, Evan Wells, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Rose Lam. Production companies: PlayStation Productions, Word Games, The Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.

    Stream or download The Last of Us on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV , LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

  • 10 of the Best Japanese Mystery & Thriller Novels Out There

    The Japanese have a lot of interesting stories to tell that truly appeal to audiences worldwide, as anime and manga fans know very well. But Japan also has some very fascinating novels a bookworm could read, and there are Japanese authors who really thrive with mystery and thriller genres– keeping their readers at the edge of their seats at every turn of the page.

    If you enjoy such stories filled with intrigue and mysteries, and if you admire how the Japanese weave such tales with hints of the bizarre and the macabre, then we’ve got you covered with this list. Here are ten mystery and thriller novels from Japan that are worth checking out when you need a good read!

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels Confessions by Kanae Minato

    Confessions by Kanae Minato

    Confessions presents itself as a collection of perspectives detailing the events that surround one shocking incident in a school. The novel opens with the point of view of Yuko Moriguchi, a teacher telling her homeroom class that she is about to resign from her job, after her four-year-old child Manami accidentally drowned in the school’s swimming pool. During this address to her students, however, she reveals that her daughter’s drowning was not really an accident and that some of the students in the class murdered Manami. Knowing that she cannot rely on the justice system to punish minors, Moriguchi takes the matter into her own hands, plotting her own way of revenge towards the guilty party.

    Buy Confessions by Kanae Minato

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels Out by Natsuo Kirino

    Out by Natsuo Kirino

    Set in the late ’90s in Tokyo, the plot of Out kicks off with Yayoi, a young woman making boxed lunches for a living, who finally snaps after multiple beatings from her husband. When Yayoi strangles and kills her husband, she seeks help from her work group to escape punishment. With the cunning Masako as their ringleader, the group of inexperienced criminals gets embroiled in a cat-and-mouse game with seasoned detectives.

    Buy Out by Natsuo Kirino

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels In The Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami

    In The Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami

    A brutal and gory novel by the author of Audition, In The Miso Soup tells the story of Kenji, a Japanese tour guide for “sex tourism” in Japan. Kenji has had a lot of experience with foreign tourists, but his latest client, an American named Frank, is unlike any other. As he spends more time with Frank, Kenji gets more and more unsettled by the man’s odd behavior. It doesn’t help that a brutal murder and dismemberment of a student has just been reported, and Kenji can’t help but imagine that his client was somehow involved.

    Buy In The Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

    The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

    This novel from a mystery book series is considered the most acclaimed title from author Keigo Higashino. The Devotion of Suspect X begins with Yasuko, a divorced single mother trying to make ends meet by working at a bento shop. One day, her ex-husband visits her to extort her money, a confrontation that led to violence and in Yasuko killing the man. With the help of a neighbor– a brilliant Math teacher who is secretly attracted to Yasuko– the single mother tries to cover up the crime. When Detective Kusanagi takes on the case, he soon realizes that it also requires a genius to corner this genius co-conspirator whose talents in problem-solving have been used to make a seemingly flawless murder cover-up.

    Buy The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

    The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

    Inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, this novel also highlights an isolated setting in its mystery. It follows seven Japanese students who are part of a university mystery club. To find inspiration for their own mystery stories, these students decide to stay at the Decagon House, a structure located on a remote island that had been witness to the horrific deaths of the owner of the house, his wife, and his servants. Unbeknownst to these students, somebody outside of their group also lurks in the seemingly empty house, and that this mysterious figure plans to harm them one by one.

    Buy The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

    Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

    Battle Royale is a classic action thriller that begins innocently enough, with a class of high school students on a field trip. However, the bus takes a detour and the students find themselves on a deserted island, where it was revealed that they had been chosen to participate in the government’s Battle Royale program, and they must kill each other until only one student remains. Shuya Nanahara is part of this class, and as the game becomes bloody right off the bat, he tries to save his classmate Noriko, the crush of his best friend who was killed even before the program began. But can he save her in this dystopian game where only one winner can come out alive?

    Buy Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels Malice by Keigo Higashino

    Malice by Keigo Higashino

    Another novel from the author of The Devotion of Suspect X, this book features the locked room murder case of a bestselling novelist. The mystery revolves around the murder of the acclaimed writer Kunihiko Hidaka, who was killed from inside his locked office within his locked home, and was discovered by his wife and best friend who seem to have pretty solid alibis. Detective Kyoichiro Kaga investigates the case, who has known Hidaka’s best friend from his own past, and tries to piece the clues together in a game of cat and mouse between the murderer and the detective.

    Buy Malice by Keigo Higashino

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

    The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

    A Japanese mystery classic from the 1940s, The Honjin Murders kicked off the famous series of detective stories featuring detective Kosuke Kindaichi. In Kindaichi’s debut, he gets summoned to investigate a shocking murder in the rural village of Okamura. The wedding of a son of the wealthy and powerful Ichiyanagi family prompts a huge celebration, but the night of the wedding turns into nightmare when a scream is heard from the room of the newly-wed couple, followed by an eerie music. The household would then discover that the husband and wife were brutally murdered inside their locked room, with no trace from the assailant except for a bloodied samurai thrust into the snow outside of the house.

    Buy The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels Murder in the Crooked House by Soji Shimada

    Murder in the Crooked House by Soji Shimada

    This novel from Soji Shimada features yet another locked room mystery, and dares the reader to solve the case as they follow detective Kiyoshi Mitarai sift through the clues. The story is set in the Crooked House, a home built by the billionaire Kozaburo Hamamoto which, interestingly enough, is placed on a snowbound cliff overlooking icy seas. Even more curious is the interior of the mansion, which feels like a monolithic maze filled with creepy masks and life-sized dolls. After a man is killed inside one of the rooms under baffling circumstances, a string of bizarre deaths begins, and it’s up to Mitarai to solve the case.

    Buy Murder in the Crooked House by Soji Shimada

    Best Japanese Mystery and Thriller Novels Puppet Master by Miyuki Miyabi

    Puppet Master by Miyuki Miyabi

    Puppet Master is a five-volume mystery saga that goes outside the confines of a singular murder case. The novel opens with a gruesome discovery in a Tokyo park, followed by an anonymous call to a TV station. As more surprising events unravel, the authorities begin to suspect that they may be against a group of serial killers who can manipulate their victims, the media, and even the police just for the sake of the public’s entertainment.

    Buy Puppet Master by Miyuki Miyabi (Ebook)

    ALSO READ
    15 of the Best Psychological Thriller Manga & Manhwa Series Out There
    7 Books & Manga to Read If You Loved ‘Alice in Borderland’

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  • mWell sets new standards in digital health apps with the Philippines’ first fully integrated platform

    In an event dubbed as PH1 hosted by no less than beauty queen, TV personality and youth advocate Catriona Gray, mWell celebrated the many firsts in a little over a year of its pilot launch and announced other pioneering efforts that help redefine not only telemedicine but the entire healthcare landscape.

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    Beauty queen, TV personality and youth advocate Catriona Gray joined MPIC leaders (L-R) Jose Ma. K. Lim – Director of MPIC, Marisa V. Conde – Vice President for Technical Finance and Data Privacy Officer, Atty Ricardo M. Pilares III – Vice President – Legal, Corporate Governance Officer, Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, MPIC, Stanley H. Yang – Executive Vice President, Group Corporate Development, First Pacific, Gary Dujali – Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, mWell PH, Augusto P. Palisoc, Jr. – Vice Chairman & President, MPHTC,Michael Muin – Chief Technical Officer, mWell PH, Ms. Chaye Cabal – MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer, MPIC and Mr. Manny V. Pangilian – MPIC President, Chairman and CEO in celebrating mWell’s groundbreaking firsts in digital healthcare as the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app.

    PH1 witnessed the full display of mWell app features that showcase its holistic approach to telemedicine—from doctor consultation, e-pharmacy, emergency services and home care— to fitness and nutrition programs. Beyond patient care, it has also designed a cutting edge Electronic Medical Records and clinic management system for partner-doctors.

    MPIC President, Chairman and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan says, “Metro Pacific Group’s mWell is the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app which brings together experts in technology, medicine, wellness, and healthcare in one sustainable living ecosystem. This high- performing platform gives access to quality healthcare and empowers our countrymen to be in control of their health as they rebuild their lives coming out of the pandemic. We shall continue to set the standards in digital healthcare as we build a healthier nation and be recognized as the flag carrier for innovative digital healthcare in the Philippines.”

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    mWell’s many firsts include:

    ·       First health app available globally to migrant workers/OFWs

    ·      First to offer the most affordable telemedicine with free accident insurance package via the Healthsavers Plan

    ·      First to launch the biggest nationwide digital medical mission with hundreds of volunteer doctors simultaneously providing free consultation all over the country through the National mWellness Day

    ·      First to offer a wellness score developed by data scientists–the mWellness Score which measures physical activity, steps, and sleep

    ·      First to provide a cutting-edge, full suite clinic management system designed by doctors for doctors—mWellMD

    ·      First to provide a portable mobile digital clinic to remote communities in the country—mWell OnTheGo

    “We are celebrating so many firsts through sheer dedication, passion and purpose. We were able to come up with these firsts in terms of product features, innovations not only for patients but also for doctors. We believe that uplifting the lives of Filipinos is a prerequisite to national

    progress. That’s why mWell helps uplift lives by providing access to better health, which after all is a basic right. It is both a digital health service and an advocacy because at the heart of mWell firsts is our mission to bring healthcare closer to more Filipinos as we make health and wellness available and accessible to anyone, anytime, anywhere,” says MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

    The culture of innovation continues for mWell—not just as a super app but as a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem that truly responds to the needs of Filipinos. Another first to be launched soon is the mWell Wellness Wearable. This is designed to democratize and empower more Filipinos by making wellness wearables more affordable especially in regional areas. Using the mWell Wellness Wearable, anyone can easily and more accurately track steps, physical activity, and sleep time through the mWellness Score on their watch. Soon they can even monitor temperature, oxygen level, heart rate and other vital signs that will make teleconsultation easier on the app. Another telemedicine innovation in the pipeline is the mWell kiosk to be used by local government units for their medical missions.

    mWell is supported by top names in technology, wellness and healthcare including Microsoft, Highly Succeed, Telus, Maya, Bayad, Aktivo, Active8me, Smart, PLDT Home, PLDT Enterprise, PLDT SME, PLDT Global, PSG Global Solutions, The Solution, Department of Migrant Workers Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Metro Pacific Health, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Gabay Guro, Gabay Kalusugan, Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, PCCSC, MedExpress, Healthlink, Lifeline 16-911, PhilCare and Generali.

    Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Follow mWell on Facebook and mwellph on Instagram for more updates 

  • WATCH: Neil Gaiman Confirms ‘The Sandman’ Season 2 on Netflix

    Neil Gaiman, the creator of The Sandman which has become an instant hit on Netflix after it was adapted into a live-action series, has officially confirmed that the show will return for a second season.

    Gaiman announced the news on social media with the caption: “The rumours are true. Netflix is thrilled that so many of you have been watching Sandman, and the thing we were all hoping would happen… has indeed happened…”

    The post also includes a clip to tease the next season, featuring Dream’s helmet surfacing from the sand, before stating that “The Dream continues.”

    Released back in August, Netflix’s The Sandman tells the story of Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams and one of the seven Endless. When a man uses an occult ritual and traps Morpheus, the Endless was held captive for over a hundred years. Without the King of Dreams, chaos ensued in both the dreaming world and the waking world. After his escape, Morpheus finds his kingdom in ruins, and he goes on a journey to restore his powers and his kingdom.

    The show’s source material, Neil Gaiman’s comic book series of the same name, first debuted in 1989. The critically-acclaimed title was among the first graphic novels to be part of The New York Times Best Seller list.

    More details about the second season of The Sandman are yet to be revealed. You can stream the first season exclusively on Netflix. Follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!

  • WATCH: ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Releases New Trailer & Poster

    20th Century Studios has released a new trailer and poster for Avatar: The Way of Water, James Cameron’s highly anticipated, first follow-up to his Academy Award-winning Avatar, the highest-grossing film of all time. Avatar: The Way of Water opens in Philippine theaters on December 14.

    In celebration of the trailer and poster launch for Avatar: The Way of Water, a stunning light show of massive proportions featuring highlights from the film will be projected tonight over Niagara Falls.

    With Avatar: The Way of Water,  the cinematic experience reaches new heights as Cameron transports audiences back to the magnificent world of Pandora in a spectacular and stirring action-packed adventure.

    Avatar The Way of Water Payoff Poster

    Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. 

    Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the Lightstorm Entertainment Production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet. Screenplay by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver. Story by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver & Josh Friedman & Shane Salerno. David Valdes and Richard Baneham serve as the film’s executive producers.

  • Backstreet’s Back! The Backstreet Boys to Return in Manila This 2023

    The Backstreet Boys are officially returning to Manila for their DNA World Tour 2023! Happening on February 24, 2023, the ’90s boy band is set to perform on a one-night show at the Mall of Asia Arena, concert promoter Live Nation Philippines confirmed.

    The ticket prices, seat map, and ticket sale dates are yet to be announced. Meanwhile, the fan club pre-sale runs from November 7, 10 AM to 11:59 PM, while the pre-sale for the general public begins on November 9, 10 AM. To avail the fan club pre-sale, register here.

    The Backstreet Boys last performed in Manila back in 2019. Some of the boy band’s biggest hits include I Want It That Way, Quit Playing Games with My Heart, Everybody, and As Long As You Love Me. For more updates on their upcoming concert, visit the concert page at the Live Nation Philippines website, or follow Live Nation Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • Alipay+ to offer special packages on GCash featuring Disney+ in the Philippines on November 17

    Ahead of the official launch of Disney+ in the Philippines on November 17, Alipay+ together with its e-wallet partner GCash today announced that it will offer Disney+ as part of a special package to users of the Philippines’ No.1 e-wallet, GCash.

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    As part of an early bird deal from November 4 until November 16, GCash users in the Philippines with Alipay+ Rewards can sign up for the special package that includes Disney+ annual subscriptions, when they pay with their GCash e-wallet via Alipay+ Rewards on the GCash app. 

    Subscribers will be able to start streaming Disney+ from November 17, to watch exciting general entertainment content from iconic brands including Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic and Star.

    “We’re delighted that consumers in the Philippines will very soon be able to access our vast library of entertainment content on Disney+ and connect with their favorite characters and stories anytime they want,” said David Shin, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, The Walt Disney Company. “Consumers will be able to stream exclusive originals, blockbuster films, series, documentaries, and incredible content from Disney’s iconic suite of brands and franchises.”

    Disney+ is the exclusive streaming home of an ever-growing library of global, regional and Asian language content such as blockbuster films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to award-winning Pixar animation, to Korean content featuring BTS and other top Asian stars, under the Star brand.

    Star also offers renowned movies and shows such as Emmy-award winning Grey’s Anatomy, Only Murders in The Building, The Bear, The Simpsons and The Kardashians. In addition, Star delivers exclusive originals produced in collaboration with producers and directors in the Asia Pacific region.

    “As a company committed to delivering more value and choice to our customers, we are thrilled to be bringing Disney+ to consumers to offer access to a great selection of global, regional and Asian language entertainment to consumers across the Philippines,” said Jing Yin, General Manager of Global Strategic Accounts of International Business Group at Ant Group. “With innovative payment and marketing solutions, Alipay+ serves as a cross-border economic connector enabling consumers to make payments on global platforms to enjoy more rewards including world-class entertainment experiences through their preferred digital wallets.”

    “Through GCash and Alipay+, Disney fans can enjoy their favorite movies and shows in just a few taps. We recognize this significant opportunity in the entertainment and streaming space and have high hopes for Disney+ in the Philippines market,” said Winsley Bangit, Chief Customer Officer of Mynt – operator of GCash.

    After the debut of Disney+ on November 17, consumers in the Philippines can continue to use their GCash e-wallets via Alipay+ to subscribe for the popular global streaming service.

  • Taylor Swift Announces ‘The Eras Tour’, International Dates to Be Revealed

    Global star Taylor Swift has announced The Eras Tour, her upcoming tour this 2023 where she will perform her songs from past and present. Swift made the announcement on her social media with a poster for the tour, with the caption: “I’m enchanted to announce my next tour: Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour, a journey through the musical eras of my career (past and present!) The first leg of the tour will be in stadiums across the US, with international dates to be announced as soon as we can!”

    Moreover, the singer-songwriter announced that the following artists will join her on her tour: Paramore, Beabadobee, Phoebe Bridgers, Girl in Red, Muna, HAIM, Gracie Abrams, and Owenn.

    As Swift announced, the tour will first arrive in US stadiums from March 18 to August 5, 2023, while the international dates– hopefully with Manila joining the lineup– are yet to be announced. Tickets for her US tour will be available for presale registration from November 9, 11:59 PM ET, with the tickets being available for purchase starting November 15, 10 AM local venue time. Meanwhile, tickets will be available to the general public starting on November 18, 10 AM local venue time.

    The announcement for Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour comes right after Taylor Swift broke chart records, dominating the Top 10 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 list, thanks to her new album, Midnights.

    For more information about Swift’s latest tour, visit www.taylorswift.com. For the latest updates, follow Taylor Swift’s official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • Makati Makes Christmas Happen: Witness a Bigger and Brighter Celebration with Ayala Land

    Makati is the home of various Christmas initiatives that have become annual traditions. For decades, families have been flocking together to witness the brightly-lit Ayala Avenue with festive decorations that fascinate adults and children alike. This yearly event would always be followed by the Festival of Lights, which is a brilliant, family-oriented show at Ayala Triangle Gardens. However, with the recent pandemic that quaked the nation, traditions were challenged and face-to-face gatherings stopped…but only for a while.

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    (L – R, seated) Shiella Aguilar, Estate Head for Makati; Mel Ignacio, Senior Estate Head of Makati; Chrissy Roa, Head of Marketing and Communications, Ayala Land Estates (L – R, standing) Sharon Vital, Marketing Manager for Makati; Sueyen Austero, Festival of Lights 2022 lighting designer; Misha Quimpo, Project Development Manager for Makati; Ohm David, Festival of Lights 2022 show director; Alex Jamisola, Senior Marketing Associate for Makati 

    In 2020 and 2021, Ayala Land held its traditional events either virtually or on a very intimate scale on site. But now, after a two-year hiatus, Makati will once again MAKE CHRISTMAS HAPPEN. This 2022, Ayala Land invites everyone to celebrate the kind of Christmas that they love and miss by launching a series of BIGGER and BRIGHTER displays and events running from November to December.

    Ready to ignite your spirit this holly-jolly season? Check out these events happening in none other than the vibrant and trailblazing city of Makati.

    Ayala Avenue Ceremonial Lighting of Christmas Decors
    This year, to show that the Christmas spirit is truly alive in Makati, more parts of Ayala Avenue will be decorated with bright festive ornaments that are lit up to dazzle the Central Business District

    November 3: Ayala Avenue Ceremonial Lighting of Christmas Decors

    Ayala Land is lighting up Ayala Avenue to officially welcome the Christmas season. The ceremony is putting local heritage on the forefront as ornaments commonly found in holiday-decorated Filipino homes—like parols, stars, and capiz lights—adorn the Makati Central Business District. In the spirit of keeping cherished traditions and in line with Ayala Land’s advocacy for sustainability, the giant parols from last year’s decorations will remain to be the main element. The parol, after all, is the best way to symbolize the Filipino Christmas and is also a symbol of hope.

    This year, to show that the Christmas spirit is truly alive in Makati, more parts of Ayala Avenue will be lit up. In addition to the decorations in front of Tower One, each bay along the whole stretch of Ayala Avenue will now have more ornaments. A gigantic parol installation by the courtyard of Ayala Triangle Gardens was also added to make it easier for those who would like to have their photo taken close to the decorations.

    Drive down with your family and witness the magic as your littles ones gleam with joy at the sight of dazzling, giant parols.

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    The facade of Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati will be decorated with bright festive ornaments to further spread the holiday spirit

    November 10: Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens

    After two years of virtual shows, the Festival of Lights is finally going back to Ayala Triangle Gardens LIVE starting November 10.

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    This year’s show will be a LIVE 360-degree experience. The light show that people have come to love through the years will still be there. Conceptualized by Director Ohm David and Lighting Designer Sueyen Austero, the familiar dancing string lights and magical laser lights with floating shapes will remain, but in addition, a gigantic 3D animated video will be projected on the canopy façade at the Ayala Triangle Gardens courtyard. The 3D projection, created in collaboration with Kroma and Acid House, will begin the show with a fun and magical introduction to the actual Light Show. 

    Three musical medleys with a fresh, new take were composed to accompany the show. The first is an orchestral rendition by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, followed by a TikTok inspired rendition – a collaboration among composers Tris Suguitan, Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso, and finally a chorale rendition by musical composer Jazz Nicolas. The chorale medley features the angelic voices of the Pembo Elementary School children’s choir.

    December 2 to 31: Christmas market at Ayala Triangle Gardens

    Christmas market at Ayala Triangle Gardens

    Looking for something new this season? Ayala Land partnered with the French Embassy to put up a one-of-a-kind Christmas Market at Ayala Triangle Gardens. Inspired by the Marche de Noele Christmas market in Paris, Lille, and Starsboug, visitors will be transported to a new kind of atmosphere that merges two cultures: French and Filipino. The Christmas market will feature French restaurants and products, as well as Filipino artisanal goods. 

    Come by on the launch date, December 2, to catch attractions you wouldn’t want to miss, including performances by French and Philippine children’s choirs, and Carnivale acrobats roaming around ATG!

    December 15 to 23: Simbang Gabi at Ayala Triangle Gardens

    Christmas traditions can’t be complete without Simbang Gabi. Ayala Land is hosting the gathering of devout Makatizens from December 15 to 23 at Ayala Triangle Gardens. All visitors are also invited to watch the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band perform live at the opening night, December 15, as they commemorate the meaning and purpose of the season.

    MAKATI MAKES CHRISTMAS HAPPEN 11
    The Manila Symphony Orchestra composed an orchestral rendition of the Festival of Lights 2022 medley

    December 20 to 22: Christmas Holiday Concert at Circuit Makati 

    What’s more, Ayala Land makes Christmas happen at the Makati-based destination known for entertainment and arts—Circuit Makati. The Samsung Performing Arts Theater is hosting the  Christmas Holiday Concert at Circuit Makati featuring performances by the Manila Symphony Orchestra and Steps Dance Studio among many others.

    Finally, a bigger and brighter Christmas is here! Feel the warmth, feel the love, on-ground and face-to-face as Ayala Land makes Christmas happen this 2022 and beyond.

    For more updates visit Ayala Land at www.ayalaland.com.ph and via social media on Facebook @officialayalaland and Instagram @ayalaland; as well as Make It Makati on Facebook and Instagram @makeitmakati. #MakeItMakati