Meralco lights the way for a brighter Christmas

When the first lights sparkle across the historic grounds of Intramuros, the bustling avenues of Ortigas, and the culture-rich Lipa in Batangas, Christmas in the Philippines feels alive again.

Meralco’s Maliwanag ang Pasko 2025, a tradition that has quietly become a marker of the holidays in the country, invites Filipinos to step into the season with joy. This year’s theme, A Brighter Christmas for All, puts a spotlight on the company’s commitment to making the festivity’s warmth accessible to every Filipino.

A heritage bathed in light

In the heart of Intramuros, Plaza Roma has become a stage for stories told in light. The ceremonial switch-on, led by Meralco Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer and One Meralco Foundation president Jeffrey Tarayao, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand Geluz, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief External and Government Affairs Officer Atty. Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, Intramuros Administrator Atty. Joan Padilla, and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, brought together families, tourists, and heritage enthusiasts to witness a fusion of history and celebration.

Visitors wander under sustainable, energy-efficient installations, pausing at the towering 20-foot Christmas tree crafted from recycled meter covers and steel crossarms, with its LED glow reflecting tradition and innovation. A wooden tranvia replica, made from reclaimed boards, nods to Meralco’s historic roots and Intramuros’ rich past, turning every corner into a space for an experience not only seen but warmly felt.

Liwanag Park at Plaza Roma is open from Nov. 26, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Light and giving beyond the metro

Outside the capital, Meralco extends its celebration to Lipa in Batangas, partnering with the Archdiocese of Lipa to illuminate the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian. Together with the OMF president and Meralco Chief External and Government Affairs Officer, the event was presided over by Meralco Chief Operating Officer and OMF Trustee Engr. Ronnie L. Aperocho, and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera.

Solar streetlamps brighten church grounds and neighboring parishes to provide safety, extend energy access, and uplift communities. During the lighting ceremony, Noche Buena packages were distributed to families through parish beneficiaries, making sure the season’s joy reaches those who need it most.

Immersive holiday experience

At the Meralco Operating Center in Pasig, Liwanag Park immerses visitors in a playful and interactive journey. The park transforms the facade of the iconic Lopez Building into a canvas of light, where everyone can explore 3D mapping projections using Panasonic technology the whole month of December. Inviting guests to be part of the story and guiding them through the past, present, and future are vintage houses, glowing tunnels and pedal-powered Christmas trees, and pathways that light up underfoot.

Sustainability is also woven into every detail. LEDs shine from repurposed meter covers and copper wires form a giant belen, capturing both imagination and care for the environment. Tranvia rides, interactive installations, and a tiangge and food bazaar also add layers of delight, turning the park into a space where the magic of Christmas is truly observed and lived.

Enjoy Liwanag Park at Meralco Operating Center from Dec. 1 to 23, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and from Dec. 24 to 31, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.

A season of light and togetherness

Maliwanag ang Pasko 2025 is, more than a display, an experience designed to illuminate the Filipino spirit. It combines heritage, innovation, and community care. From the historic streets of Intramuros to the sacred grounds of San Sebastian, and into the interactive wonder of Liwanag Park, Meralco’s lights remind us that the season shines brightest when shared and given with intention.

This Christmas, let's celebrate the glow in every moment of smile and act of togetherness.

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Editor's note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring, and educational content created by The Philippine STAR in collaboration with brands like Meralco.