Giant lanterns once again lit up the City of San Fernando as thousands gathered at Robinsons Starmills to witness the 117th Giant Lantern Festival (GLF), a historic and world-renowned annual tradition that celebrates Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Known as the Ligligan Parul, this year’s competition featured 10 barangays showcasing intricately designed giant lanterns measuring approximately 20 feet in diameter; each brought to life through synchronized lights, music, and movement. The competition was held at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, home of the Giant Lantern Festival for 17 years, with Barangay Bulaon emerging as this year’s Grand Champion.
Following the competition night, the City of San Fernando Tourism Office announced a series of Giant Lantern Festival exhibitions running from December 14, 2025 to January 1, 2026, bringing the iconic lanterns closer to the public through displays across key locations in Pampanga. These exhibitions allow more visitors to experience the artistry and symbolism of the lanterns, which represent hope, joy, love, and the enduring Filipino sense of community.
The exhibition series opens at Robinsons Starmills from December 14 to 23, with the lanterns lighting up the mall daily starting 6:00 PM. The mall transforms into a festive holiday destination, perfect for families, shoppers, and tourists to enjoy alongside shopping, dining, and leisure experiences.
On Christmas Eve, December 24, the lanterns will illuminate the area between San Fernando City Hall and the Metropolitan Cathedral at 9:00 PM, creating a memorable backdrop for the holiday celebration.
From December 25 to 30, the giant lanterns return to Robinsons Starmills Pampanga from 6:00 PM onwards, extending the festive celebrations beyond Christmas. The season concludes with a grand finale on January 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM, marking the final chance to experience the Giant Lantern Festival.
“For 17 years, our partnership with the City of San Fernando and the Giant Lantern Festival Foundation has honored Pampanga’s proud heritage as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. This year, we warmly invite Pampangueños and visitors alike to create lasting holiday memories with their loved ones here at Robinsons Starmills,” said Joel Lumanlan, Vice President for Marketing and Operations of Robinsons Malls.
A true expression of Pampanga’s creativity and heritage, the Giant Lantern Festival continues to captivate audiences through its sparkling and colorful exhibitions across the province. Don’t miss one of the country’s most cherished Christmas Traditions at Robinsons Starmills.
The Peninsula Manila has been named to Condé Nast Traveler’sThe Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2026, one of the most prestigious editorial honors in global luxury travel. This is the first time The Peninsula Manila has received this international accolade. The hotel is one of only two properties in the Philippines to receive this recognition and the only hotel in the national capital included on the list.
“It is a tremendous honor for The Peninsula Manila to be named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Gold List as we approach our 50th anniversary next year,” said Kevin Tsang, Managing Director of The Peninsula Manila. “This recognition reflects the timeless elegance, history, and hospitality that has made our hotel a cherished part of life in Manila for almost 50 years.”
The Condé Nast TravelerGold List is a highly selective annual compilation of the world’s top hotels and resorts personally curated by the magazine’s editors. Hotels and resorts included on the Gold List are distinguished by exceptional service and staff dedication, a strong sense of character and history, memorable experiences across dining, wellness, and family hospitality, and an enduring emotional resonance.
“The Gold List represents places the editors genuinely love and confidently recommend,” Mr. Tsang added. “To be included is deeply meaningful, as it affirms the kind of experiences we strive to create every day. Experiences that are authentic, gracious, thoughtful, and grounded in a genuine sense of belonging.”
In his review of The Peninsula Manila, Condé Nast Traveler Associate Editor Matt Ortile highlights the personal connection that many Filipinos have with the property: “Almost every Manileño I know has a story to tell about Manila Pen, as we call it. The Peninsula Manila belongs to everyone, I know that. Perhaps what I feel is that I belong only to Manila Pen.”
Mr. Tsang noted, “That sense of belonging speaks to the heart of who we are. It reflects the powerful emotional connection The Peninsula has forged with generations of guests and with the city itself.
This recognition belongs entirely to our hotel team. It is a direct reflection of the professionalism, warmth, and unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by every member of our Manila team. I could not be prouder of what they have achieved together.”
The full list of winners will be published in the January/February 2026 print issue of Condé Nast Traveler and is live online as of Monday, December 15, on the of Condé Nast Traveler website: The Best Hotels and Resorts in Asia: The Gold List 2026.
Get ready for the first major showdown of 2026! The 31st Critics’ Choice Awards are coming to you LIVE and exclusive on ROCK Entertainment on 5 January, 08:00 (GMT+8), same day encore at 18:45 (GMT+8). Hosted by the hilarious Chelsea Handler, this star-studded gala from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica is the only night that honours the very best in both film and television.
Witness history in the making with the introduction of four brand-new categories—including Best Stunt Design and Best Variety Series—recognising even more of the incredible talent behind the year’s most acclaimed hits.
Don’t miss a single moment of the glamour, the speeches, and the surprises that define the year in entertainment!
Looking for Christmas gifts that aren’t boring—or mass-produced? Giftville, a new holiday pop-up village by Studio Bighani, is now open at Ayala Malls Manila Bay as part of Christmas #AtTheBay.
Running from November 27, 2025, until January 18, 2026, Giftville features rotating local brands every weekend—so there’s always something new to discover. Expect indie fashion, accessories, small-batch food, and easy giftables, all set beside the mall’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights light and fireworks show.
Merchants to Watch – Weekend 4
You’ll find brands like Buddy Patches, Russet Accessories, By Essence Fragrances, Hoop Art, Tsukiyo Matcha, Barely Coffee x Bean Co, Crafty Pop MNL, Diego Cookie Studio, Buddy Patches, Kekel, and more—plus plenty of rotating finds worth coming back for.
If your holiday plans involve shopping, hanging out, and taking a few cute photos in between, Giftville is an easy add to your weekend list. Catch Giftville at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay, until January 18, 2026.
It has been a whole year since the release of the first season of Fallout, which I enjoyed a great deal. I never played the game, so I found myself immersed in the show’s world-building – the low-key insanity of the Vault, the indoctrination and rigid structures of the Brotherhood of Steel, and the no-man’s-land aspect of the rest of the world – and how the three main characters, Lucy (Ella Purnell), Maximus (Aaron Moten), and the bounty hunter, The Ghoul (Walton Goggins) lead us into an exploration of this post-apocalyptic narrative. It was kooky and offbeat, but it also showed us a civilization frayed at the edges, which, in many ways, sort of mirrors the fraying of our modern-day society as well.
Surprisingly, it has only been a year, because after watching the first three episodes of the show, even with the recap, I’ve forgotten a lot of things already. Luckily, each episode begins with a recap that features scenes from the previous season, but I still feel somewhat disconnected again from the characters. The major shake-up in Lucy’s life – learning about her father (Kyle MacLachlan) and his involvement in the destruction of Shady Sands – pushes her to team up with The Ghoul to track him and find out the truth about his actions.
Meanwhile, Maximus, now heralded as a hero for killing the New California Republic commander Lee Moldaver (even though he didn’t), returns to the Steel Brotherhood as a true knight and hero, only to discover they may be heading into war.
Lucy and The Ghoul, by all means, should make an interesting pair, as they represent two sides of this world. Lucy is the idealistic one, raised innocently with a clear moral center as she was raised in the safety confines of the Vault. The Ghoul, whose real name is Cooper Howard, has seen the worst of it. On paper, their interactions should make an interesting match, but instead Lucy’s insistence of staying true to her values feels out of sync with everything she has seen in the previous season. She’s doubling down on her values when a person as smart as her, should be reassessing the situation considering what she has discovered about her father and what she has already experienced. While Purnell continues to deliver a wonderfully committed performance, the character feels stagnant and out of place as we move forward into the world of Fallout.
The first two episodes, however, switch into flashbacks of life before the cataclysm that changed everything, showing Cooper Howard struggling to make sense of his own wife’s involvement with Vault-Tec and witnessing the imminent nuclear destruction firsthand. This gives Goggins a lot of range to play with – the tortured Ghoul with an axe to grind and the empathetic Cooper, a father who has a daughter to save. Goggins does a wonderful job of layering his performance across both timelines. It’s the same person, yet one is full of dread, love, and hope while the other is indifferent, callous, and ready to kill.
The Maximus storyline is interesting as it explores the inner workings of the Brotherhood of Steel. Aaron Moten does a splendid job of portraying the conflict that comes to Maximus as he finds the respect and adoration he has always wanted, being a revered knight of the Brotherhood but also remembering the bond of friendship he has formed with Lucy.
This is tested even more as the Elder Cleric Quintus (Michael Cristofer) politicizes the Brotherhood and seeks to expand its power. This storyline deals with the politics of the world above, the government system, and the broader networks at play.
Through Maximus’s eyes, it is interesting to watch, as he, in his own way, is an innocent as well, much like Lucy. These challenges are poised to shake him to the core.
Walton Goggins, Frances Turner
The second season has a rougher pace than the first. Most of the world-building was already established in season one, so the first three episodes have to both remind us what happened while pushing the individual stories further along. It doesn’t help that we keep returning to the past to show how the nuclear fallout started in the first place, as if it is leading to something bigger for its finale. I’m hoping the pacing picks up and that Lucy begins to evolve into someone more suited for the world, because it’s always difficult to root for characters in a post-apocalyptic world who doesn’t adapt.
The effects are incredible, and the tone remains flippant and kooky, which is much appreciated. There’s enough action to keep the story from getting too slow. I think Fallout Season 2 may be starting off slow, but once it picks up the pace and leans on its strengths, as it did in the first season, it will be just as enjoyable as the first. Especially since the third season has already been greenlit. This is a show you know is gonna be there next year.
My Rating:
Catch all the action, kooky twists, and post-apocalyptic drama of Fallout Season 2, now streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
Santa Claus is making a special stop at Brickman® Wonders of the World! Families can enjoy the exhibit at The Space at Solaire all the way through February 8, with Santa spreading holiday cheer for a limited time, from December 15 to January 4, 1:00 to 6:00 PM daily. Celebrate an unforgettable Christmas with Santa and a walk through remarkable LEGO® brick creations that turn the world’s most iconic landmarks into a playground of imagination, creativity, and play.
Visitors can journey through the world-famous Brickman® Wonders of the World, discovering jaw-dropping LEGO® recreations of iconic landmarks from across the globe. With over 45 breathtaking builds, like the Taj Mahal and the Arc de Triomphe, each piece was crafted by Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught, the only LEGO® Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere, together with his team of expert LEGO model builders.
Kids can also unleash their creativity at the exhibit’s interactive LEGO build areas where they can design their own mini-masterpieces inspired by the landmarks they’ve just seen. It’s a hands-on experience that sparks curiosity, imagination, and hours of fun, perfect for busy parents looking to treat their kids to something meaningful and engaging during the holidays.
With Santa making special appearances throughout the season, families can capture magical Christmas moments and enjoy a thoughtful, exciting experience that brings together holiday magic, creativity, connection, and memories that last long after the holidays.
“Christmas at Wonders of the World is all about creativity, imagination, and togetherness,” said Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions. “Santa’s visit brings the festive spirit to life, givingfamilies the chance to celebrate the season in a setting that inspires creativity and curiosity.“
Brickman® Wonders of the World runs from December 13, 2025, to February 8, 2026, at The Space at Solaire. Tickets are officially on sale exclusively via TicketWorld. Stay updated on upcoming productions by visiting www.gmg-productions.com or following @gmg.productions on Facebook and @gmgp.exhibits on Instagram.
Belmont Hotel Manila officially unveiled the third Pamana collaboration, a culinary advocacy that honors Filipino food heritage through heirloom recipes, regional flavors, and stories passed down through generations, during an intimate media gathering at Café Belmont.
Pamana reflects the hotel’s commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable dining experience through dishes crafted with passion and inspired by the diverse culinary heritage of the Philippines. In this most recent collaboration, Belmont Hotel Manila featured the rich flavors of Panay Island, particularly the Ilonggo cuisine prepared by the Executive Chef of Belmont Hotel Manila, Chef Dan Jason Acido and guest chef, Chef Rey Parreno II.
An advocate of traditional and contemporary Ilonggo cuisine, Chef Rey delighted guests with some of the beloved Ilonggo dishes such as Bordon Mechado, a slow-cooked beef dish rich in heritage flavors; Piangang Manok, a traditional Mindanaoan chicken dish infused with burnt coconut and spices; and Inadobadong Apahap, a refined take on the classic adobo featuring locally sourced Asian sea bass.
“These dishes represent different regions, memories, and cooking traditions from across the Philippines,” saidChef Rey Parreño II. “By sharing Bordon Mechado, Piangang Manok, and Inadobadong Apahap, we hope to honor the people and stories behind these recipes and keep them alive for the next generation.”
Guests can continueto enjoy Chef Rey Parreño II’s featured dishes through thePamana Weekend Dinner BuffetatCafé Belmont, available everyFriday and Saturday, from6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, forPHP 1,700.
“Pamana is more than a dining experience for us. It is our way of honoring Filipino food heritage by celebrating heirloom recipes, regional flavors, and the stories that have been passed down through generations,” saidMayann Malapote, Hotel Manager of Belmont Hotel Manila. “Through initiatives like this, we hope to create moments that bring people together and deepen appreciation for our culture.”
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City proudly introduces the latest addition to its dining repertoire as Le Bistro unveils its All-Day Breakfast Menu, available from 7AM to 5PM, bringing a vibrant, Paris-inspired twist to the city’s morning and mid-day dining scene. As the first French restaurant in the City of Firsts, Araneta City, Le Bistro marks a significant milestone in the district’s evolving culinary landscape. It stands as a pioneering destination that brings authentic French flavors, techniques, and cultural charm to an area long celebrated for its diversity in entertainment, retail, and lifestyle experiences.
More than a restaurant, Le Bistro serves as Araneta City’s gateway to French gastronomy, introducing locals, travelers, and food enthusiasts to the timeless elegance of Parisian dining. Inspired by the stylish brasseries along Rue de Rivoli, Boulevard Saint-Germain, and the Quartier Latin, the restaurant transforms classic French influences into a refined yet relaxed setting that invites guests to savor French flair while embracing Filipino warmth.
The new breakfast collection at Le Bistro features a thoughtfully curated selection designed to delight every palate. Guests can start their morning with boulangerie and viennoiserie, including freshly baked classics such as the flaky Croissant au Beurre, buttery Pain au Chocolat, and delicate Assiette de Viennoiseries, all crafted in-house to capture the essence of a Parisian morning.
For those craving a sweet or savory indulgence, the crêpes offer playful and flavorful combinations, from fruit-filled sweet crêpes with Nutella or seasonal berries to savory options such as spinach and mushroom or smoked salmon, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
The menu also features hearty breakfast plates, ideal for guests seeking a filling start to the day. Signature options include Homemade Dry-Aged Garlic Longganisa with eggs and seasonal sides, Chicken and Waffle Plate, Fluffy Pancake Stack, and other protein-forward favorites that balance richness with comfort.
For lighter appetites, healthy plates highlight fresh ingredients in dishes such as the Greek yogurt bowl topped with granola and fruits, overnight oats, and seasonal salads, offering a nutritious yet satisfying start to the day.
Rounding out the menu is a creative selection of sandwiches and toasts, featuring combinations like Croque Madame, Pain Perdu, Ricotta Toast, and artisanal sandwiches layered with fresh cheeses, cured meats, and garden-fresh vegetables.
Every dish, from the flaky Croissant au Beurre to the sumptuous Breakfast Crêpe and from classic favorites to contemporary creations, showcases Le Bistro’s seamless blend of French expertise and modern creativity, promising a morning dining experience full of flavor and style.
“At Le Bistro, we want our guests to start their day with dishes that are both comforting and exciting, honoring the best artisanal bread-making while celebrating fresh local ingredients,” said Chef Belle Miranda, Demi Chef de Partie of ibis Styles Manila. “Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a light plate, or a multi-course dinner, every item on our menu is thoughtfully crafted to delight the senses and bring a little Parisian joy to every meal.”
Every dish reflects Le Bistro’s commitment to blending French culinary tradition with modern creativity, ensuring an elegant yet approachable experience from sunrise to sunset.
Nestled on the 5th level of the new Gateway Mall 2, Le Bistro features an intimate black-and-white interior bathed in natural light, making it the perfect setting for a light mid-day meal, a cozy tête-à-tête over wine or coffee, or a delightful multi-course Parisian dinner. Complemented by a curated beverage selection highlighting Italian and French wines, premium spirits, signature cocktails, craft coffee, and fine teas, Le Bistro continues to breathe the joie de vivre of Paris into every dining experience.
Explore our all-day breakfast and dinner menus at bit.ly/LEBISTROMENU or visit ibisstylesmanilaaranetacity.com. For inquiries and table reservations, please call (63 2) 8248 8444 or email HB133@accor.com.
This holiday season, ibis Styles Manila Araneta City invites guests to unwrap the magic of the holidays with a celebration that blends stylish stays, festive flavors, and merry moments. From twinkling lights adorning the lobby to heartwarming aromas wafting from the kitchens, the hotel transforms every corner into a playground of cheer, where families, friends, and loved ones can create lasting memories in an atmosphere of comfort, style, and joy.
Step into “Stylish Stays, Merry Days,” a thoughtfully curated holiday escape designed to make every morning bright and every evening cozy. Available for booking until January 10, 2026, with stays from December 1 to 23 & 25 to 30, 2025, and January 1 to 11, 2026, guests can unwind in Standard Rooms at PHP 3,799 nett/night or Family Rooms at PHP 7,799 nett/night, complete with hearty breakfast buffets, two frothy Winter Wonder Float drinks, and flexible early check-in at 10AM and late check-out at 2PM (subject to availability). For the peak holiday dates December 24 and 31, 2025, rates are PHP 4,199 nett/night for Standard Rooms and PHP 8,199 nett/night for Family Rooms. Special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve packages, available for booking until December 23 and 30, 2025, include festive dinner buffets for PHP 7,299 nett/night for Standard Rooms & PHP 11,299 nett/night for Family Rooms and for New Year’s Eve, PHP 9,999 nett/night for Standard Rooms & PHP 13,999 nett/night for Family Rooms exclusive access to the Carnival-themed Countdown Party at The Edge Skyview Bar, allowing guests to ring in 2026 with sparkle, style, and a breathtaking view of the city skyline. All are available for purchase at my.novotelmanilaaranetacity.com. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-241855, Series of 2025.
For those whose hearts beat to the rhythm of flavors, strEATs invites guests to experience “A Dash of Style, a Splash of Flavor” with its weekend holiday buffets until December 2025. Guests can indulge in roasted holiday classics, savory seasonal sides, and desserts that sparkle with festive cheer, priced at PHP 1,499 nett/person for lunch and PHP 1,799 nett/person for dinner. Children 9 years old and below eat for free when accompanied by a paying adult, making it the perfect family-friendly experience. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, special lunch and dinner buffets are available from PHP 1,400 to PHP 2,026 nett/person, with New Year’s Eve packages including access to the Cirque du Skyview Carnival Countdown Party for those ready to celebrate in sky-high style with music, lights, and an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Special rate for buffets is available at my.novotelmanilaaranetacity.com.
A cozier and more intimate holiday experience at Le Bistro with “Holly Jolly Grazing” from decadent cheese and charcuterie boards (PHP 2,499 nett for 4 persons), holiday deli gatherings (PHP 1,299 nett/person, minimum 10 persons), and Festivi-Tea experiences (PHP 1,299 nett for 2 persons) featuring an array of festive desserts, seasonal savory bites, and wines, made to evoke the scents and flavors of the season, perfect for cozy conversations and joyful laughter.
Just in time for the season of gatherings, The Edge Skyview Bar turns up the festive heat with its Holiday Sizzle Package, a mouthwatering medley of grilled favorites designed to bring friends and families together over smoky flavors and shared laughter. Available daily until December 31, 2025 from 5PM to 2AM, this hearty bundle features the indulgent Grilltastic Platter, a satisfying spread of German sausage, barbecue ribs, and fried half chicken, served with your choice of complimentary French fries or rice. Perfect for groups, the platter is priced at PHP 2,026 nett (good for 5 persons) and comes with a celebratory choice of one carafe: Margarita, Mojito, Sangria, Mocktail, or alternatively 5 bottles of beer. Guests can also elevate their night with additional carafes at PHP 926 nett, adding a smooth splash of holiday cheer to every bite.
Adding a playful splash of sweetness to the season, strEATs Coworking Café invites guests to cool down with its Winter Wonder Float, a frosty treat, making holiday moments even merrier on every sip. Available daily until December 31, 2025 at PHP 149 nett per float. Guests can choose from five whimsical flavors: the sparkling brightness of Berry Sparkle Float, the rich holiday indulgence of Choco Noel Float, the bold pick-me-up of Caramel Espresso Float, the aromatic comfort of Earl Grey Float, and the refreshing zest of Apple Green Tea Float. Enjoyed between gift shopping sprees or shared with friends during a cozy catch-up, these floats offer a cheerful escape that takes holiday celebrations to a whole new level.
For guests seeking warmth in every cup, Le Bistro stirs up the season with Cupful of Cheers, a festive lineup of holiday lattes crafted to bring comfort, coziness, and creamy joy to every visit. Available daily until December 31, 2025, these indulgent drinks are priced at PHP 150 nett (hot) and PHP 170 nett (cold), offering a delicious companion to holiday gatherings or quiet afternoons. The menu features a parade of seasonal favorites: Saveur Vanille, a velvety Vanilla Tea Latte; Noix Sucrée, a nostalgic Toffee Nut Latte; Pomme en Hiver, a spiced Cinnamon Apple Black Tea Latte; Épices d’Hiver, a warming Spiced Chai Latte; and Noisette Royale, a rich Hazelnust Crunch Mocha. Each cup is thoughtfully crafted to evoke the flavors and feeling of the holidays. For those who love giving as much as celebrating, “STYLESsentials Holiday Bundles” offer carefully curated gifts until December 31, 2025, featuring tote bags, mugs, and notebooks priced PHP 399 to PHP 799 nett, perfect for friends, family, and colleagues who deserve a little extra cheer.
As the year draws to a close, ibis Styles Manila invites guests to step right into the spotlight at “Cirque du Skyview”, a sky-high New Year’s Eve spectacle that transforms The Edge Skyview Bar into a vibrant carnival playground. On December 31, 2025 from 9PM onwards, the rooftop lights up with live entertainment, playful games, exciting raffles, and a burst of festive energy that sets the tone for an unforgettable countdown. Guests can enjoy a carnival cocktail flight, feast on a lively pica-pica buffet that opens at 10PM, and indulge in unlimited cotton candy and popcorn, a whimsical nod to classic carnival treats. Priced at PHP 2,026 ++ per person, this one-night-only celebration creates the perfect alchemy of flavor, fun, and city-skyline magic. With music in the air, family or friends at your side, and the panoramic glow of Araneta City below, the countdown to 2026 becomes a dazzling moment shared in true ibis Styles flair. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-243215, Series of 2025.
“Every guest who celebrates with us becomes part of our ibis Styles Manila family,” shared Felicia Aye Chan Mon, Resident Manager of ibis Styles Manila. “That’s why we’ve poured creativity and care into every detail, from our holiday dishes to our cheerful spaces. We want each visit to spark joy, comfort, and that special feeling of being welcomed with open arms.”
From twinkling lights and frothy holiday floats to cheerful bites, festive drinks, and sky-high celebrations, ibis Styles Manila promises a holiday season that is vibrant, stylish, and overflowing with joy—the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories, sharing laughter, and celebrating in true holiday spirit. Whether it’s gathering around a festive table, savoring a winter-inspired drink, or dancing into the New Year, every detail is designed to make this season magical, merry, and full of style.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and the City Government of Taguig is set to welcome 2026 with another one-of-a-kind festive event that will gather some of the country’s biggest local acts in one venue, NYE at the 5th.
After an exciting year that’s overflowing with milestones and moments that continuously shape the district’s next chapter, BGC is preparing for an all-out celebration to thank everyone who has become a part of its story this year.
This year’s program reflects the momentum that BGC is in right now, and aims to express a feeling of local pride and optimism, rooted in various breakthroughs that were achieved through synergy.
As one of the most international districts in the country, BGC and the City Government of Taguig’s choice to spotlight OPM is deliberate–in a city shaped by global ideas, nothing hits harder than coming home to the sound of our own.
At the core of the celebration is a powerhouse OPM lineup engineered to electrify the city. DJ Mars Miranda, Jay-R, Dionela, G22, Parokya Ni Edgar, TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan, and SB19 lead the night with a succession of performances that reflect the full spectrum of Filipino sound—from nostalgic and comforting to modern and genre-breaking, but all proudly local.
Joining this powerful lineup is apl.de.ap, global Filipino icon and member of The Black Eyed Peas, whose presence bridges the local and international.
As 5th Avenue transforms into a living corridor of music and lights, the night extends into a shared visual journey. With immersive light choreography and LED satellite screens across the district, the entire community is part of the moment.
Capping off the night — and the year — BGC will light up the sky with its dual-zone fireworks display. The tradition has become a familiar part of the city’s New Year’s Eve, but it still carries that collective pause — a moment where everyone looks up, takes it in, and steps into the new year together.
Since its maiden year, NYE at the 5th has become one of Metro Manila’s most anticipated events, and for good reasons. It’s one that’s known for effectively merging artistry, technology, and a shared energy that sets the tone for the year ahead. This year’s celebration takes a moment to honor the now—the victories and breakthroughs of 2025—whilst opening the door to the next chapter, not only of BGC but of the people who live, work, and play in it.
This year’s celebration is made possible with the support of partners who share BGC’s vision to create connection and energy across the district. Globe, MG Motor, Pru Life UK, Vivo, and PepsiCo join BGC in bringing NYE at the 5th to life, shaping a celebration that feels true to the district and the people who call it home.
