Ayala Triangle Garden cited as one of world’s best places to see Christmas lights

The lights of Ayala Triangle Garden (Photo courtesy of Ayala Triangle website)

MANILA — As a country known for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world, it’s no surprise that one of its popular Christmas-themed destinations get just the right amount of recognition.

Popular US travel magazine Conde Naste Traveler late last month named the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City as one of the seven places to go “to see spectacular Christmas lights around the world.”

The Ayala Triangle Gardens made its fifth on the magazine’s list, besting the Kobe Luminarie in Kobe, Japan and the Christmas Market in Jena, Germany, which were ranked sixth and seventh place respectively.

In an article written by Conde Naste writer Anna Liesemeyer, she described the Ayala Triangle Gardens as a “natural haven.”

“Ayala Triangle Gardens is natural haven with a diverse population of trees, including kamuning, golden palms, and fire trees,” Liesemeyer wrote.

She noted how the gardens are a courtyard for the surrounding business district, and started as a way to brighten up the evenings for the workers.

Liesemeyer also gave credit to the tourist spot’s matching background music.

“As you make your way through the park, Christmas hymns and songs are synchronized to the lights to create an immersive holiday experience,” she said.

Completing the top seven places to see spectacular Christmas lights around the world include: Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark; Champ-Elysees in Paris, France; Somerset House in London, UK; and the Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, first to fourth place respectively.

Conde Naste Traveler is also the same publication that recognized Palawan as the top island destination in the world this year after conducting a survey with its readers.

Palawan snagged the top spot after receiving a reader’s rating of 88.750 in the magazine’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards for being home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, its critically-acclaimed underground river.

There were 30 islands that made it to the top island destination list. Aside from Palawan, Boracay Island in Aklan also made it to the top island destination list, clinching the 12th spot with a rating of 82.683.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), meanwhile, showed support for the country’s newest recognition by sharing the article about its recent inclusion on micro-blogging website, Twitter.