SM Supermalls inaugurated the holiday season at SM Aura by hosting the first of 84 Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies with "Ilaw at Ligaya," a contemporary Filipino extravaganza that included a Pinoy-themed fashion show accompanied by Pinoy carols and music from Pinoypela, ROFG, and Prestige Band.
The event's grand illumination featured Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr. at the helm, lighting a magnificent Capiz parol and a 33-foot bedecked Christmas tree.
“Ngayong taon, inaanyayahan namin kayong lahat na mahal naming pamilyang Pilipino na ipagdiwang ang pagbibigayan at saya ng tunay na Pasko dito sa SM. Hihintayin naming kayo at ang mga mahal ninyo ngayong nga araw ng ilaw at liwanag!” Tan shared.
This year's holiday display at SM Aura is truly special and one-of-a-kind, with a focus on sustainability and local craftsmanship. From environmentally-friendly ornaments crafted from rattan, raffia, abaca, and buri that embellish both the tree and the mall's decorations, to the radiant curtain of LED lights that illuminates the corridors, it's a display with a profound meaning.
At the heart of the display stands a 33-foot Christmas tree adorned with handcrafted ornaments made from locally sourced materials, such as Christmas balls wrapped in rattan and abaca, iridescent orchid blooms made from capiz, and traditional bamboo parols. A breathtaking 3-foot capiz shell star, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem, crowns the tree, radiating light, hope, and joy to all mallgoers during this festive season.
The evening's highlight was a captivating fashion runway show featuring the participation of mall tenants such as Rhett Eala, Kultura, Dona Lim, Frankie General Store, Plains & Prints, and Zarah Juan. The show, expertly directed by Joey Espino of Runway Productions, brought sheer delight to the audience. It showcased a delightful blend of Pinoy streetwear and formal attire, accessorized with a touch of whimsy and fun.
Looking ahead, SM Supermalls has exciting plans to unveil their highly anticipated Christmas centerpieces all across the country. This unveiling will take place from this week through the end of October and into early November. Each of SM's 84 malls will feature uniquely designed and themed trees, along with holiday installations that are sure to bring joy to kids of all ages.