The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) ushers in the Christmas season by illuminating the iconic facade of its Main Building with a striking Lubenas parol from Pampanga alongside a belen logo, forming a centerpiece that embodies the enduring spirit of the Christmas season for Filipinos.
Titled “GABAY,” the display also highlights the building’s ongoing construction, making it a major component of the display.
The façade lighting will be on display from 6pm to 5am, from December 16, 2025 to January 6, 2026.
This year’s Christmas facade lighting references the early Filipino belief that a star-shaped lantern (parol) guides churchgoers to the dawn masses (Simbang Gabi).
The light display is directed by CCP Trustee and Gawad CCP Awardee for Lighting Design Felix “Monino” Duque. It was conceptualized and designed in collaboration with culture and arts officer and lighting designer Jericho Pagana.
“I wanted to have one clear element, which is the logo of the belen. It serves as the heart of that big parol,” said Pagana. “Lit in warm colors of red and orange, the CCP Main Building lights the way for our churchgoers to the CCP Annex where we hold our Simbang Gabi.”
For Duque, who wishes to highlight National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin’s brutalist structure, the approach to lighting the building was to light it as a major piece, not as a canvas: “We light the building the way it is now, and not the way we thought it was. We light it with all the elements of the construction. So, we don’t just use the building as a surface to project on – we highlight the building.”
Even with its temporary closure in January 2023, the CCP continues its long-standing tradition of lighting the iconic facade during special events and occasions, honoring its rich heritage while delivering a powerful message about Filipino creativity and cultural identity.
“What I want for people to see is the CCP from a different point of view, with elements that are not supposed to be there. I believe that that may never happen again, at least in my lifetime,” added Duque, whose career in lighting design and theater spans over 50 years. “So, it is a special moment when the CCP takes a different face, a different character. Para sa akin, mahalaga na mailawan ko siya para lumabas ‘yung character na yun.”
Tying the elements of the parol, belen, and construction together are the warm colors of red and orange, inspired by the Genesis artwork by National Artist for Visual Arts HR Ocampo, the iconic stage tapestry of the CCP Main Theater. The CCP logo is also included in the display, placed over the metals and scaffolding.
“Kahit under renovation pa rin ang CCP, hindi nagkulang ang institution sa pagpapatuloy ng mga projects, productions, at outreach programs,” explained Pagana. “In essence, the CCP logo truly continues to shine despite everything. Behind every metal, every scaffold, every debris falling from the CCP main building due to renovations – it highlights that we’re still here, we’re still standing, and we’re still shining.”
The installation comes to life with technical assistance from the CCP Tech Team, composed of technical director Danilo Villanueva, Shantie De Roca, with execution by Lucio Tapiru, Earl Barrera, Mary Grace Budol, Benjamin Lim, Joefel Alas, and Jovel Bensurto, and with supervision from CCP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan and Production Design and Technical Services Division head Ricardo Eric Cruz.
This holiday season, Taal Vista Hotel invites guests to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Tagaytay with festive stays, delicious dining, and heartwarming experiences. Whether it’s a cozy family getaway, a romantic escape, or a fun-filled celebration with friends, Taal Vista promises a memorable holiday for everyone.
The hotel’s Stay, Eat, Be Merry! package is the perfect way to savor the season. Guests can enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner buffet, starting at Php 12,000 for a Superior Room — an ideal option for those looking to experience the holidays in comfort and style.
Holiday dining is also available without room bookings. Taza Fresh Table is open daily from 12 NN to 10 PM with a special seasonal menu to complement the celebrations. The Festive Christmas Eve Dinner at the Grand Ballroom offers a sumptuous holiday feast accompanied by performances from Gemini Band and Harmonic Choir, starting at Php 4,180 per person. Sparkling Nights, the New Year’s Eve celebration, features a buffet, live entertainment, a sparkling wine toast, and a spectacular fireworks display, starting at Php 5,180 per person.
Guests can also enjoy a variety of seasonal activities. Meet Tudor, the Santa Bear, from December 21–25 during breakfast and lunch, join a Night of Carols on select evenings, or attend Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Mass at 10:15 AM. Festive beverages are available at the Lobby Lounge, holiday spa packages start at Php 2,000, and Christmas goodies for pasalubong are on offer. Exclusive SkyRanch access is also available through the hotel gate.
With breathtaking views of Taal Lake and thoughtfully curated holiday experiences, Taal Vista Hotel offers the perfect setting to create unforgettable Christmas and New Year memories. Guests are encouraged to reserve early and celebrate the season with warmth, joy, and togetherness.
For more information about future events and offerings at Taal Vista Hotel, please visit www.taalvistahotel.com or follow @taalvistahotel on social media. For inquiries, you may call +63 (2) 7917 8225, email reservations@taalvistahotel.com for room reservations, or veranda@taalvistahotel.com for dining inquiries.
In Metro Manila, the holidays take on a unique charm when city lights shimmer like ornaments, streets buzz with festive energy, and local traditions blend seamlessly with the rhythm of urban life. It’s in this vibrant setting that Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel bring together the warmth of Filipino holiday customs and the excitement of city celebrations. This year, both properties present thoughtful stays and heartwarming feasts crafted for guests spending the season in the metro. From stylish commercial hubs to thriving lifestyle districts, each hotel offers a comforting retreat where merrymaking, convenience, and genuine hospitality naturally come together.
Richmonde Hotel Ortigas: Timeless Christmas Charm in the Heart of Ortigas Center
Situated in the bustling Ortigas Center, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas remains a cherished choice for travelers and residents looking for a familiar and dependable place to spend the season. The hotel’s holiday room offerings—starting at PhP 4,500 nett—provide a soothing escape from the rush of December, whether for quick family get-togethers, restful staycations, or festive city celebrations.
Richmonde Ortigas Holiday Stay.
Special stays on December 24 and 31 come with inclusions to make the holiday experience extra ordinary. The Christmas Eve room rate with breakfast buffet is priced from PhP 6,200 nett, and the full package with dinner and breakfast buffet for two starts at PhP 9,000 nett. On New Year’s Eve, rates begin at PhP 6,700 nett for room with breakfast, PhP 8,900 nett for the package with breakfast and countdown party access for two, PhP 9,500 nett for a stay for two with dinner and breakfast, and PhP 11,700 nett for an all-out celebration with accommodations, dinner, party tickets, and breakfast for two.
Richmonde Ortigas Bahay na Bato Gingerbread House.
Richmonde Café becomes a gathering place for memorable dining, serving Fil-Hispanic-inspired Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner buffets at PhP 1,950 nett, along with Christmas and New Year breakfast buffets starting at PhP 1,250 nett. The hotel continues its tradition of fun festivities with its New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (PhP 1,450 nett), complete with a bar chow buffet, select drinks, live entertainment, and party favors for a thrilling welcome event for 2026 at the hotel lobby. To enjoy the ultimate evening affair, the New Year’s Eve Celebration Bundle combining the dinner buffet and countdown experience is available at the discounted rate of PhP 2,850 nett. For children 6 to 12 years old, all buffet and countdown offerings are at half price and free for those 5 years old and below.
Adding to the season’s charm is Richmonde’s selection of hampers and pastries featuring Filipino flavors and signature baked creations, like the ensaymada and chocolate cake, that are delightfully nostalgic whether offered as heartfelt gifts or included in any holiday spread. This year’s collection highlights the beautiful and tasty hampers each filled with thoughtfully curated delicacies: the Best of Richmonde Hamper containing Richmonde’s signature classic ensaymada, pork floss, banana walnut bread, basil nuts, dark & white chocolate cookies, and Sampaguita polvoron is priced at PhP 1,950 nett; the Box of Filipino Flavors with five locally-inspired desserts—cacao & kapeng barako tiramisu, kasuy pili brittle, ube keso & pandan macapuno macarons, mango pinipig bars, and peanut butter cookies goes for only PhP 1,650 nett; and the Sampaguita Hamper consisting of focaccia bread, butterscotch spread, bacon onion marmalade, and polvoron flavored with the delicate essence of the Sampaguita, plus Richmonde’s mascot plushy has a price tag of just PhP 1,450 nett.
For more information or to make a reservation, call (632) 8638 7777 / (63) 917 534 4352 (Richmonde Café) / (63) 917 859 7914 (Room Reservations) or email stay@richmondeortigas.com. For instant confirmation on room bookings, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph.
Eastwood Richmonde Hotel: The Season Sparkles in the Metro’s Vibrant Lifestyle Township
Over at Eastwood Richmonde, the hotel stands at the center of the ever colorful live-work-play community of Eastwood City, making it an ideal holiday base for families and city explorers who enjoy having entertainment, dining, and shopping just steps away. Its Starlit Stays offer discounts for the season with room rates starting at PhP 4,900 nett, and available until January 31, 2026 for long-stay guests, returning city residents, and those who prefer to mark the holidays close to home. For an unforgettably wonderful “stay-lebration” on December 24 and 31, Richmonde presents premium Christmas Eve packages starting at PhP 9,600 nett for breakfast-inclusive stays for two and PhP 12,100 nett for a stay with dinner and breakfast buffets for two. On New Year’s Eve, packages start at PhP 11,000 nett with New Year’s Day brunch buffet for two and at PhP 13,500 nett for a stay with countdown access and brunch buffet for two.
Eastwood Richmonde Holiday Buffets.
Eastwood Café+Bar sets the stage for radiant celebrations with Shining Feasts, a series of sparkling joyful gatherings and dining experiences. The Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet (PhP 2,250 nett) offers festive local and international dishes, wine and drinks, plus fun giveaways, while the Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet at PhP 1,399 nett per person, sets a comforting tone for holiday mornings. The hotel keeps the merriment bright with its Decades & Dancing New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (PhP 2,250 nett) at the hotel lobby featuring a mouthwatering cocktail buffet, bottomless drinks, live band performance, games, and dancing ‘til the clock strikes 12. The festivities continue the next morning with a hearty New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet served at the Ballroom for PhP 1,699 nett. And for feasting that’s truly family-friendly, children 6 to 12 years old get 50% discount on buffet rates and toddlers 5 years and below get to eat for free.
ERH Deluxe Room.
Adding even more happiness to the holidays is Eastwood Richmonde’s Treasure Treats available exclusively for this season. This assortment of goodies—from beautifully assembled hampers, freshly baked pastries, signature ensaymadas, and flavorful holiday hams—are perfect for thoughtful gifting or elevating at-home feasts. Choose from this selection of carefully curated hampers for practical presents that impress: the Sweet Holiday Hamper (PhP 1,975 nett) consisting of banana walnut loaf, quezo de bola and yema ensaymadas, and assorted cookies; the Savory Holiday Hamper (PhP 2,865 nett) featuring sliced muscovado ham, croissant loaf, tablea, fruit jam, and salted egg ensaymada; and the Sampaguita Holiday Hamper (PhP 1,975 nett) containing sliced muscovado ham, Sampaguita dinner rolls, and Sampaguita mango jam.
For more information or to make a reservation, call (632) 8570 7777 / (63) 917 821 0333 (Eastwood Café+Bar) / (63) 917 531 6867 (Room Reservations) or email stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com. For instant confirmation on room bookings, log on to www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph.
Reasons to Celebrate the Season at Richmonde
With inviting stays, heartwarming feasts, and a style of care that feels both personal and familiar, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel present countless reasons to celebrate the holidays in the city. Each property thoughtfully weaves cherished Filipino traditions into its seasonal offerings—honoring what families hold dear while creating space for new rituals to enjoy in the years ahead. Anchored on Richmonde’s signature comfort, intuitive service, and the distinct Sampaguita brand of hospitality, every celebration becomes an experience filled with meaning, connection, and memories that linger long after the season has passed.
