Christmas in the Philippines begins early around September. The US counterparts in my previous company was surprised when they learned about this. They were even more surprised to find out that we Filipinos end their Christmas rather later than December. My mom usually put away the Christmas decorations after the celebration of 3 Kings. Some people I know put away their Christmas lights even later than that. I know someone who has their decorations up for the whole year.
Philippines goes really big on Christmas. Up to now, the season has not yet ended. You can still see a lot of decorations on malls and wherever you go. One of the things that people also look forward to is going to lights and Christmas exhibits. A lot of cities have this everywhere. I have gone to Ayala a couple of times already, I think there is the Christmas village in Baguio as well. And this time, Taguig city also joined.
We went to Taguig City's Christmas by the Lake last December. They turned a whole park into a spectacular display of Christmas decorations. The park is located along C6 near the Lakeshore Hall. We went there a couple of months ago as part of our lessons about bodies of water. Laguna Lake is the largest lake in the Philippines which is right behind the Christmas by the Lake.
The Christmas display starts with a little train ride from Lakeshore to the exhibit itself. While waiting for our turn on the train ride, we introduced dirty icecream to the little one. She was hesitant at first because of the word dirty but after reassuring her that it's just a term that Filipinos use for icecream on a push cart, she gave it a try and loved the flavor. On a regular day, children could borrow bicycles here and practice biking as long as they're wearing sports gear.
It was a short train ride to the Christmas by the Lake exhibits. We passed through what seemed like trailer houses. I loved the wall arts. This isn't really the main attraction but I stopped to take photos first while my husband and my daughter walked straight on, leaving me behind. LOL.
Then we get to the christmas park itself. I noticed there were lanes for online schedules and for walk ins. Since there weren't much people when we went there, the lanes didn't make much of a difference. Pro tip for introverts, go to parks and malls and attractions on a weekday. There's lesser people you have to bump into.
The Taguig government did a great job highlighting the beauty of the city in this Christmas village. There was a glow in the dark graffiti wall art that showcased the different sights and places you'll find in Taguig.
Our little person enjoyed running around in the maze, my husband was obsessed with the infinity room, I loved the rainbow bridge. I'm not even sure if those are what they are called but those were how they looked like. There were also some neon lights display which looks cool.
After walking around in the park, you can replenish your energy with all the food and refreshments available in the stalls. There is plenty to choose from. It was just a shame because it drizzled a little bit when we were there, all the people were seated on one part of the dining area because the winds from the lake side was too strong, it's bringing in the rain even under the roof.
The displays and exhibits in the TLC village changes depending on the occasion. Last year, this was a Love park of some sort. I gather there will be a change in decorations anytime soon. But for now, this Christmas by the Lake display will stay on until the 14th of January. If you haven't yet, there's still a few more days to visit and enjoy the lights and displays in the Christmas by the Lake in Lakeshore Taguig City.
