Ayala Triangle’s Christmas lights and sound show goes virtual
WHILE many of our Christmas celebrations and traditions have to be put on hold, the lights and sounds show at the Ayala Triangle Gardens went in step with the times. As we do almost all things virtually now, the lights and sounds show has also gone online on the social media pages of Ayala Land Inc. (facebook.com/officialayalaland and on Instagram as @ayalaland).
The lights and sound show, an annual tradition at the park in the center of Makati’s major streets Paseo de Roxas, Makati Ave., and Ayala Ave., has moved from the real world to the virtual world this year due to the pandemic.
“The annual lights and sound show has been a family favorite for years. It’s one of the most-awaited Christmas events that brings happiness to people,” said Mel Ignacio, Head of Makati Estate, Ayala Land said on Nov. during an online press conference. “For this reason, Ayala Land and Make It Makati decided to continue the annual tradition by bringing the show through digital channels. We want the event to spark hope among Filipinos — hope that will help them remember that brighter days lie ahead for all of us.”
Ms. Ignacio pointed out that the lights along the avenues have already been displayed: “Although the decorations are simpler, the response has been just as overwhelming. We are happy that we are able to bring a glimmer of hope especially during these challenging times.”
The lights show was brought online by making a 360-degree video superimposed with lights and holograms. Guests during the online press conference were given a preview, spotting a whizzing Santa Claus, fireworks, and fairy lights. This year’s virtual digital lights and sound show was conceptualized in collaboration with Globe Studios. Production was led by filmmaker and director Quark Henares. The video is accompanied by renditions of Christmas songs by singer Reese Lansangan.
Mr. Henares said during the press conference that Ayala Land had approached them as early as June, during the height of the pandemic. “Christmas was a world away from our minds. I guess we also realized that this Ayala Triangle tradition has to continue, especially this year,” said Mr. Henares.
The video was shot from June to August, in the park and surrounding areas. “It took us longer than we thought to shoot everything. It’s basically taking thousands of pictures so that we can all stitch them together. Wherever you look, because it’s VR, you’ll be able to see all around you,” he said. The effects were added in post-production.
A preview of the video made some eyes shine, basing on the reaction of event host Issa Litton. “That feeling of still trying to celebrate the holidays especially on such a difficult year — even if you can’t physically go there — they brought it to us,” said the host.
Now for the fun stuff: One can use the AR Ayala Triangle Garden filters on Facebook and Instagram starting this week, with new filters added every week in December. There’s also a Finders Keepers contest, where one can win prizes from Grab and Shopee. Visit www.makeitmakati.com and follow MakeItMakati on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and Ayala Land Inc. (facebook.com/officialayalaland and on Instagram as @ayalaland) for details. — J.L. Garcia
