By: Lorrah Ashley Ang
Photo Courtesy of: Meralco Newsroom
Cold, breezy air—a sign that Christmas is just around the corner.
The Filipino Christmas can be felt everywhere with the beginning of the “Ber months”as establishments flourish with festive decorations and food, reflecting the country’s unique culture and traditions.
Gates open and lights brighten in the walled city of Intramuros as it presents festivities filled with rich history, offering the experience of a true Filipino celebration that awakens the holiday spirit during the Christmas season.
Radiance Greets the Dark Walls
Glimmering colors scatter around Plaza Roma as the Ceremonial Lighting of Liwanag Park marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Intramuros, held last November 26, 2025. At the heart of the walled city, the Meralco Liwanag Park continues to fascinate visitors with dazzling yet sustainable lights in its second year.
The vibrant atmosphere captures the lively anticipation of Filipinos every Christmas season. Families, friends, and tourists are captivated by the illuminating beauty as they visit the Meralco Liwanag Park, one of the most attractive spots in Intramuros.
Through the collaboration of the Intramuros Administration, Meralco, and the One Meralco Foundation, a restored mock-up tranvía and a 20-foot Christmas tree were created using recycled materials. The tranvía was made from recycled wooden boards, while the towering Christmas tree was crafted from recycled meter covers.
The wonder of the lights becomes even more meaningful when viewed closely, as the decorations clearly reflect efforts toward sustainability. This initiative promotes environmental preservation while presenting a picturesque attraction that blends creativity with heritage.
A night full of stars and gentle voices also filled Fort Santiago and Plaza Roma during the start of the Christmas season in the walls last November 28, 2025. One of the highlights of the event, the Intramuros Lantern Parade, roamed the streets of General Luna, passed through Plaza Roma, and reached Fort Santiago, showcasing the artistic talent of the Intramuros community through lanterns and symbolizing the roots of Filipino Christmas.
Harmonic melodies delighted guests during the Carols in the Walls competition, where school choirs performed classical Christmas renditions. An evening full of warmth echoed through the quiet Fort Santiago as music united everyone. The special performance by Nina, also known as “Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren,” further amplified the joy of the celebration.
Local flavors were also showcased through Intramuros Eatsperience, offering mouthwatering food at Baluarte Plano Luneta de Santa Isabel, open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Renowned Filipino dishes from various regions gathered in one place, including Lechon from Cebu, Chicken Inasal from Bacolod, Ilocos Empanada from Ilocos Norte, Bicol Express from Bicol, and a variety of Filipino street food favorites.
Remains of the Past, Worthy of Celebration
Weekends brought talented singers and dancers to the stage, with cultural performances enchanting audiences with their excellence. On the Saturday evening of December 13, 2025, Intramuros Evenings: Christmas Harmonies took place at Foro de Intramuros, featuring performances by the Letran Singing Ambassadors, Eastern Chamber Singers, Far Eastern University Chorale, and Koro Ilustrado, all presenting Christmas harmonies and carols.
On the following Sunday afternoon, the La Manila Dance Ambassadors graced the stage at Rajah Sulayman Theater, Fort Santiago, with their special presentation Dalaw at Pasko. Their intricate movements and detailed garments embodied the distinctiveness of Filipino identity across history.
Guided by Catholic faith, Intramuros, once home to seven churches, some of which were destroyed by war, continues to uphold the tradition of Simbang Gabi. The Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church invite everyone to celebrate as Christmas draws near, releasing their schedules of masses within the historic walls.
Treasured Memories, All in One Place
The once quiet and dark walls of Intramuros glow as Filipinos embrace the spirit of the Christmas season. Some know Intramuros as a reminder of Manila’s once-bustling past, while others remember it as a witness to bloodshed and atrocities left behind by Spanish, Japanese, and American colonizers.
All of these are true, but it also proves that Intramuros represents the Filipino people—an archive of memories and experiences not only from the past but also for the future, as it continues to take part in every chapter of Filipino life.
As light shines within Intramuros, it invites people to see the walled city from another perspective: an epitome of Filipino resilience, hope, and optimism. Through collective efforts, it offers simple joy during the holidays, standing strong despite the struggles everyone has endured.