Shangri-La Plaza kicks off the holidays with sparkle, spectacle and style

(From left) Frances de Guzman, Gucci; Vohne Yao, Lucerne Group; Marisol Marcelo, Primer Group; Bea Pambid, Travertine Longevity Clinic; Benedict Sy, Travertine/Avignon; Roxanne Farillas, Plains & Prints and RAF; Miguel Feuermann, director of Property Management, SPI; Rajeev Garg, vice president for Finance, SPI; Andrew den Oudsten, executive vice president for Operations, SPI; Councilor Benjamin “Benjie” Abalos III; Joy R. Polloso, executive vice president for Retail and Commercial, SPI; Christopher Cachuela, Travertine/Avignon; Mitzi Blancaflor, director of Office Leasing, SPI; and the family of Councilor Abalos

Shangri-La Plaza wowed everyone present at its Grand Atrium on Nov. 15 as confetti rained down, a choir sang and a giant Christmas tree lit up.

The premium mall skillfully built anticipation for the lighting of its suspended Christmas tree installation, making the weekend spectacle memorable for guests of all ages and worthy of the mall’s tradition of grand holiday unveilings.

Vocal powerhouses Johann Enriquez and Sheena Lee Palad lit up the stage.

Nostalgia and warmth

Rather than simply counting down and flipping a switch, Shangri-La Plaza staged “A Symphony of Sparkle,” a four-act musical production—titled “Songs & Splendor,” “Gatherings,” “Giving” and “Wonder”—that wrapped the crowd in nostalgia and warmth.

The show combined music, dance, narration and multimedia presentations, scored live by a band and orchestra. Farley Asuncion was the musical director, and Rory Fortich the musical arranger.

Ballet Manila enchanted the crowd with Nutcracker and Christmas carol excerpts.

In one evening on a single stage, the crowd enjoyed performances from the Philippine Madrigal Singers and Ballet Manila, vocal numbers from Johann Enriquez and Sheena Lee Palad who showed their range, and a lively routine by the Speed Dancers that had people bobbing their heads, clapping, and tapping their feet.

This one-night-only spectacle drew to a close when Shang Properties Inc. executives Joy Polloso, Andrew den Oudsten and Rajeev Garg went on stage to finally light the tree, in the company of Mandaluyong City Councilor Benjie Abalos III and business partners.

When you visit the mall now, you will find halls fully decked with classic holiday décor in green and gold. Shangri-La Plaza combined nostalgic ornaments with crystal brilliance, stoking Christmas cheer while reminding guests of the luxury that sets it apart in the retail space.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers serenaded the crowd with timeless Christmas classics.

‘Wishes & Wheels’

Apart from the giant Christmas tree installation at the Grand Atrium, Shangri-La Plaza also launched its “Wishes & Wheels: Holiday Raffle Promo” on Nov. 15. The campaign means your holiday shopping spree at the mall may just get you one of two brand-new Hybrid Lexus LBX units.

Mall goers will also delight in the lineup of performances for “Christmas Ensembles: Weekend Showcases of Motion and Melody.” Watch various acts at the Grand Atrium: OB Montessori Greenhills (Dec. 12), Ateneo Boys Choir (Dec. 13), Studio Dance by Lina (Dec. 14), St. Theresa’s College Quezon City (Dec. 20) and the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir (Dec. 21).

The Philippines’ only hanging Christmas tree of this scale shines bright at Shangri-La Plaza.

Starting Dec. 25, the Red Carpet Cinema will feature Metro Manila Film Festival entries. The next day, with the “Boxing Day Sale,” people may shop without the dreaded holiday rush, with huge discounts.

Finally, on Dec. 30, you can head over to the Streetscape at 8 p.m. to catch “Encore of Lights,” a fireworks display to bid 2025 farewell and usher in 2026 in high spirits.

For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial