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ILOILO CITY – I’ve decided to give birth in Manila, so I need to fly home before my 35th week of pregnancy. This means I’ll be spending the holidays in Manila—something I pray for each year. However, the Christmas festivities in Iloilo City, my second home, almost make me feel bad I won’t be in town for the holidays this year.

Still, with Christmas season kicking off early in the City of Love, I get to experience some of the festivities, led by Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park’s dazzling display of lights and color with over 38 giant animal installations lit up along Megaworld Boulevard, Festive Walk Mall, Festive Walk Parade, and Plaza Delgado. I love that the theme of this year’s decorations is a “nostalgic childhood Christmas” because for me, my happiest Christmases were when I was a child—and I look forward to making sure my own daughter’s Christmases will be the same.

With my husband at the Christmas Tree lighting event

I was at the launch event last Nov. 8, where I witnessed bright lights and local performances take center stage at the Festive Walk Mall Outdoor Atrium, which culminated in the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas Tree. That same night, Megaworld also launched and lighted the Enchanted Forest of Lights, a collection of giant lighted installations scattered around various parts of Iloilo Business Park.

A must-see attraction within the 72-hectare township this holiday season, the Enchanted Forest of Lights is composed of huge LED-lighted displays that reach as high as 15 feet. These include larger-than-life replicas of squirrels, dogs, bears, and giraffes, as well as sea animals like goldfish, dolphins, octopus, and whales. A display of fantasy creatures, such as the unicorn, also added to the magical wonder evoked by the whimsical lighted displays.

There are more exciting events and activities to look forward to at Festive Walk Iloilo this Holiday season, like a showcase of glam fashion finds at Iloilo Designers Week from November 18 to 30 and Christmas fairs  featuring interesting local products, great deals and promos, a meet and greet with Santa, and more performances.

Christmas is about savoring moments and creating new memories with your loved ones, so if you happen to be in Iloilo City at the most wonderful time of the year, you may want to spend some time at together at Iloilo Business Park.

For more information about the Christmas events and activities, you may call the Festive Walk Concierge through (033) 501-9417 or email ifwmconcierge@megaworld-lifestyle.com. You may also visit their website.

Photos by Trixie Reyna-Benedicto, taken using the iPhone 11

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