Shangri-La Plaza unwraps the joy of Christmas
Shangri-La Plaza welcomed the merriest season of the year with “Unwrap the Gift of Joy: A Magical Christmas Tree Lighting at the Grand Atrium,” a celebration that captured the warmth of family, friendship, and community.
True gift of the season
The event opened with a high-energy dance performance by dance group GFORCE. Shang Properties Inc. COO Atty. Karlo P. Estavillo, in his welcome remarks, then highlighted the distinctive Filipino Christmas and Shangri-La Plaza’s role as a place that enables people to experience the true gift of the season—the gift of joy, giving, and gathering.
Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin “Ben” S. Abalos also offered a few words to mark the occasion. Referencing how Filipinos dedicate almost half of the year for the season, he underlined how Christmas is about “Celebrating with reunions—reuniting with friends and family, even traveling from abroad just to spend time with loved ones during Christmas.”
“Let us re-enjoy Christmas. It’s the unity and togetherness that is the most important,” Abalos added.
Theater stars Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon headlined the musical spectacle “The Giving Concert” with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra’s eight-piece ensemble. The performance presented a wonderful blend of pop hits and Christmas classics under the musical direction of composer and arranger Rony Fortich.
Abalos, along with Councilor Benjamin “Benjie” Abalos III, then joined Shangri-La Plaza and Shang Properties executives, including Joy R. Polloso, Shang Properties Inc. EVP for Retail and Commercial, in leading Shang’s symbolic Christmas tree lighting accompanied by a final musical performance.
Whimsical decor
The stunning hanging Christmas tree serves as the centerpiece of the mall’s festive and whimsical décor at the Main Wing. Draped in lights and ornaments, the tree is surrounded by giant gift boxes suspended in mid-air.
Decked out with its own giant gift box, the East Atrium houses Santa’s Corner where kids and adults alike can step in to meet and take photos with jolly ol’ St. Nick until Dec. 22. Shangri-La Plaza’s entrances have been transformed to resemble giant gift boxes to create a festive and grand welcome. The décor extends to the outdoors with pillars wrapped in luxurious ribbons, tying the entire space together to create a joyful, gift-filled atmosphere.
Joy of the holidays
Shang’s Wishes and Wheels Christmas Raffle is raising the stakes by giving away three cars this year. Participants earn a digital raffle ticket for every single receipt worth P2,500. Those with single P2,500 receipts from one of the dining and cafe destinations enjoy double entries.
The joy of the holidays continues throughout December with a series of performances from the Ateneo Children’s Choir, St. Theresa’s College, and Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, among many more on Dec. 20 to 22 at the Grand Atrium. Kids can practice their own singing and join in all the fun with Jingle-all-the-way, a caroling activity slated for Sunday, Dec. 15, at the East Atrium.
On Dec. 30 at 8 p.m., Shangri-La Plaza will hold its fireworks showcase, Encore of Lights at Streetscape, as a fitting close to the Christmas celebrations, and an enchanting way to usher in a brand new year.
