‘Liwanag Park’ in Intramuros: Plaza Roma gets Christmas updo

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

LIGHTS UP. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (3rd from left) graces the ceremonial lighting of Meralco Liwanag Park at Plaza Roma in Intramuros, Manila, on Thursday (Nov. 21, 2024). The project, which will run until Jan. 6, 2025, is inspired by a similar park at the Meralco main office in Pasig City. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – Park-goers looking for a green space to unwind after a day’s stroll inside the walled city of Intramuros now have the spruced-up Plaza Roma, bedecked with festive Christmas lights and displays, to enjoy.

The Intramuros Administration (IA), in partnership with Meralco and One Meralco Foundation, officially launched the “Meralco Liwanag Park” in Intramuros, taking inspiration from the electric power distribution firm’s famed Christmas park in Pasig.

In a ceremony on Thursday, First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos led the ceremonial lighting of the park together with Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan and Tourism Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao.

The project adorns the historic square with a Christmas-themed pathway, lined with solar lamps and trees swathed with colorful LED lights.

Its major features include an arch of lights, a giant Christmas tree made up of electric meters, the iconic Meralco tranvia (streetcar), and a giant parol (lantern).

Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla said this newest attraction at the historic Plaza Roma “pays homage to our ancestors and their enduring legacy” as well as offers “hope to fellow Filipinos especially those who have been affected by the recent typhoons.”

Also gracing the opening of the Christmas attraction were Senate President Chiz Escudero, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand Geluz, and One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey Tarayao.

The park is free and open to the public daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. until January 6, 2025.