Meralco Liwanag Park brightens the holidays in the heart of Ortigas

Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by Meralco and was produced by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the production of this piece.

The Christmas season in Metro Manila wouldn’t be complete without the dazzling glow of Meralco’s Liwanag Park in Ortigas. Each year, the entire compound transforms into a wonderland of lights – an open, family-friendly attraction that brings the warmth and magic of the holidays closer to home.

This year, Meralco has gone bigger and brighter, pulling out all the stops to create a spectacle that captures the joy of the season. If you haven’t stepped inside to experience the park’s festive displays, consider this your invitation to bask in the glow and celebrate the holidays in true Filipino fashion.

Sustainable spark for a greener Christmas

This year’s theme, “A Brighter Christmas for All,” shines not only with inclusivity but also with a strong commitment to sustainability. Meralco brought this vision to life by crafting many of its displays from repurposed materials – transforming recycled copper wires, electric meters, and other recycled components into dazzling holiday installations.

To further elevate the experience, the company turned to 3D mapping technology to illuminate the building’s façade. This innovation reduces the need for traditional physical décor while delivering a vivid, immersive spectacle that captivates visitors.

The lights may be the centerpiece, but these thoughtful details underscore Meralco’s effort to make Liwanag Park both enchanting and environmentally responsible, adding depth to the celebration and making the visit all the more memorable.

A walk to remember

The Meralco Liwanag Park is meant to be an experience that immerses you in the past and brings you to the future.

A light rail tunnel made from old meter covers welcomes the park’s visitors, which guides them to the various installations the park has to offer. One of the first set-ups people can check out is Old Manila, a historic pocket of the park inspired by the city and the electric company’s past. Here, heritage-style houses made of recycled copper wires are trimmed with warm LED lights, vintage lamps illuminate wooden benches that set the old-time scene, and a mini tram that is definitely worthy of a few festive photos with loved ones.

The park also offers abundantly-lit activities such as Christmas Train rides, reactive walkways that light up with every step, and a maze filled with kinetic light patterns. Parkgoers can also take snapshots at photo-friendly installations such as the glowing flower fields, garden lights, and stylized trees.

A dedicated section of the park highlights the true essence of the Filipino Christmas through a beautifully crafted Belen display, while a nearby church facade outlined with LED strips adds a more festive glow. Leading into this area is the Christmas centergate walkway, adorned with cascading, twinkling LED lights that create a sense of quiet awe.

Enveloping the entire park and serving as a vibrant backdrop to the attractions is an animated display projected onto the Lopez Building’s facade, brought to life using Panasonic’s high-powered PT-RQ35K projector. Here, technology and artistry converge as a breathtaking 3D mapping projection transforms the Lopez Building into a living canvas. It’s a reminder that innovation can be both eco‑friendly and enchanting.

Parkgoers can also unwind at the Tiangge area, where local food stalls offer a wide selection of meals, snacks, and treats. Here, overhead lanterns cast a cozy and warm glow, while a 45-foot Christmas tree built from recycled materials stands as the area’s festive centerpiece.

A historic display in Intramuros

While the park in Meralco’s main office in Ortigas serves as a much-anticipated annual tradition from the company, Meralco also created another display found at Plaza Roma right in front of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros. The plaza has been transformed into a glowing Christmas wonderland that blends Filipino heritage with modern light artistry. Here, you can find pathways lined with bright lights and solar lamps that guide guests through arches of light and onto a towering Christmas tree, also built from repurposed electric meter covers.

Family, lights, sustainability, and heritage

From the bustling heart of Ortigas to the historic charm of Intramuros, Liwanag Park offers a holiday experience that’s both enchanting and meaningful. With recycled displays, immersive technology, and Filipino tradition woven into every corner, it’s a celebration worth sharing.

Visit the Meralco Liwanag Park in Ortigas, open until December 31, from 6 pm to 10 pm, with extended hours until 12 midnight on December 24 and December 31. The Tiangge area remains open until 11 pm.

Meanwhile, the Meralco Liwanag Park at Intramuros is open from 6 pm to 10 pm and will be available until January 4, 2026.

For more information, visit Meralco’s website. – Rappler.com