Foreground from left: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) and Mandaluyong Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas, background: Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Photographed by
Jude Bautista
There’s nothing like music to set the mood. Especially when it’s by a world renowned choir like the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Their skillful voices and versions of all the carols brings out the Christmas feeling we desperately need.
MADZ were the perfect performers for SHANGRI-LA PLAZA Mall’s tree lighting ceremony held last November 20, 2021.
Foreground: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) with the Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo
The city’s leading lifestyle destination ushers in a merrier season marking its tree lighting with wonderful performances by The Philippine Madrigal Singers with Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, Jobry Cimafranca, Groove Manila Dance Company and Shangri La’s very own community of Musicians, a pool of talented artists who are performing together this season at the mall.
Mandaluyong Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Mandaluyong City Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas represented her mother Mayor Menchie Abalos led by Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso.
60 foot Christmas Tree; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Shang is looking to brighter days ahead, dressing up the mall in sparking lights that uplift the spirit honor the inner light and resilience that has gotten most Filipinos determinedly through this year. And reflect the hope Christmas brings into our hearts.
Foreground from left: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) and Mandaluyong Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas with sons Ace and Max (dark blue), background from right: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca, Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and the Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
“Now that we are beginning to see a way forward as efforts to curb cases gain traction, and the economy slowly opening up Shangri La Plaza thought it fitting to celebrate the hope that has kept every one of us going,” Polloso says.
Foreground from left: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) and Mandaluyong Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas, background: Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
“We have an inner light which heals and calls on us to persevere. As Shang reaches its 30th year, there is nothing quite like the hundreds of twinkling lights to make us feel Christmas cheer. And we deserve a lot more of it as we face a future that’s aglow and full of possibilities.”
RUSTAN’S Enchanting Christmas display; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Upcoming Performances
Decked out in a mantle of glowing lights Shang sparkles and shines as it welcomes everyone with music and performances sure to brighten up the days leading to Christmas. Mall guests also watched Shangri La Plaza’s very own Community of Musicians last November 21, 27 and 28. The Mandaluyong Women’s Chorus will perform on December 4 and the Sevus Dei Vocal Ensemble on December 28.
Center: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca with the Groove Manila Dance Company. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Shangri La Plaza is also open for longer with new holiday mall hours until December 31. Enjoy the bright lights and sweet sounds of Christmas from 11AM to 9PM from Monday’s to Thursdays, 11AM to 10PM on Fridays, 10AM to 10PM on Saturdays and 10AM to 9PM on Sundays and Holidays. For inquiries call 8-370-2597 to 98 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial Follow Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Artists’ Platform in Shang
Philippine Madrigal Singers Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio credited Shang Plaza Mall for its long standing support for Pinoy musicians and artists, “We thank Shangri-La Plaza for always believing in us and for having maintained this relationship with us for years. We always look forward to joining you in your projects. We especially thank you for the opportunity to perform here tonight. Needless to say we deeply miss this. We thank you for the commitment to also provide us and other musicians and artists a platform through which we may do what we have been called to do: go out to all nations to proclaim the work of God.”
Groove Manila Dance Company; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
National Artist Ryan Cayabyab
MADZ is identified as one of the groups that has represented our country the world over. Only makes sense that their song list reflect the best Filipino composers as well. Ryan Cayabyab’s work, who was named National Artist of the Philippines (for Music) and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee in 2018, dominated their performance.
from right: Natl Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, CCP Chairwoman Margie Moran Floirendo, Emmy Cayabyab and CCP Pres. Arsenio Lizaso. BULAWAN CCP 50th Anniversary Concert, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Main Theater, Sept. 20-21, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
KUMUKUTIKUTITAP described perfectly the glittering tree of Shang at the Grand Atrium. The song was indeed composed by Sir Ryan, the lyrics however, is by (writer / film director) Jose Javier Reyes. Originally recorded by Joey Albert (1987). The song has an interesting history written in an article by Leah Salterio. Which I encourage you to read:
Behind the Music: ‘Kumukutikutitap’ by Ryan Cayabyab.
60 foot Christmas Tree; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
ANG MUNDO’Y ENTABLADO is another work by composer Ryan and lyricist Joey Reyes. This time it was originally for KATY THE MUSICAL. Based on the life of Katy Dela Cruz considered the Queen of Philippine vaudeville and jazz.
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
MUNTING SANGGOL is a more recent Christmas hit performed by the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS): Poppert Bernadas, VJ Caber, Anthony Castillo, Nica Tupas, Celine Fabie, Erwin Lacsa and Kaye Tiuseco.
Munting Sanggol | Ryan Cayabyab Singers
KAY GANDA NG ATING MUSIKA is Cayabyab’s signature hit song which propelled singer Hajji Alejandro to stardom. The song won the grand prize in Metro Manila Popular Music Festival in 1978.
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, explained why they chose it that night, “This pandemic has detached us from the very things that keep us alive: the performing arts. So we found ourselves longing to go back to the stage to perform. But it also reaffirmed what we believe in: our world is a stage. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. The longer we felt deprived of the music we may perform. The deeper we realize, Kay ganda ng ating musika. Music is that hope we cling to. Let music make us all aglow.”
Foreground: Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and the Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Crossover Violinist Jobry Cimafranca
A revelation that night was violinist Jobry Cimafranca who played the fast paced Latin song TICO TICO NO FUBA. Cimafranca is multi prize winner of NAMCYA (National Music Competition for Young Artists) and has performed abroad in New York and Australia.
Violinist Jobry Cimafranca; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
He also sang a very moving version of the SUGARFREE hit HUWAG KA NANG UMIYAK, together with the enthralling voices of MADZ. Jobry (short for Joseph Brian) has a very bright future as musician and performer. Check out his youtube channel here.
From left: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca and Groove Manila Dance Company. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Cebuano Original
MADZ also sang PASKONG ANG SAYA, an original by Queen of Kundiman – Sylvia La Torre. It was composed by Leopoldo Silo and lyricist Levi Celerio (also a National Artist for Music). Sylvia La Torre’s granddaughter Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, was cast in HANNAH MONTANA, CAMP ROCK movie series and Broadway musical GODSPELL.
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
MADZ as an encore performed ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT. Not many Filipinos are aware that the music for ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT was strongly influenced by a Cebuano original entitled KASADYA NING TAKNAA composed by Vicente Rubi, lyrics by Mariano Vestil. The Tagalog lyrics, however, for ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT were penned separately by Levi Celerio and whose music was credited to Pepe Cenizal.
Foreground from left: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) and Mandaluyong Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas with sons Ace and Max (dark blue), background from right: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca, Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and the Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista (20)
Shang Plaza Mall’s Longer Holiday Hours
Shangri La Plaza is also open for longer with new holiday mall hours until December 31. Enjoy the bright lights and sweet sounds of Christmas from 11AM to 9PM from Monday’s to Thursdays, 11AM to 10PM on Fridays, 10AM to 10PM on Saturdays and 10AM to 9PM on Sundays and Holidays.
For inquiries call 8-370-2597 to 98 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial Follow Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial
60 foot Christmas Tree; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Center: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca with the Groove Manila Dance Company. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista (22)
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Mandaluyong Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Foreground: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) with the Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo (24)
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Foreground from left: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) and Mandaluyong Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas, background: Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
From left: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca and Groove Manila Dance Company. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista (27)
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From left: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca and Groove Manila Dance Company. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Foreground: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) with the Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo (30)
Eastwood City Mall
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Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Groove Manila Dance Company; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Foreground from left: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) and Mandaluyong Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas, background: Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista (33)
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60 foot Christmas Tree; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Eastwood City Mall
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Lucky Chinatown Mall
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Groove Manila Dance Company; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista (37)
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Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Eastwood City Mall
https://www.facebook.com/eastwoodcity
Lucky Chinatown Mall
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucky-Chinatown-Mall/395335000603372
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Violinist Jobry Cimafranca; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista (41)
Shang Plaza Mall
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Resorts World Manila
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Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
From left: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca and Groove Manila Dance Company. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Foreground: Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and the Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista (44)
Eastwood City Mall
https://www.facebook.com/eastwoodcity
Lucky Chinatown Mall
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucky-Chinatown-Mall/395335000603372
Groove Manila Dance Company; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
60 foot Christmas Tree; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista (47)
Shang Plaza Mall
https://www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial
Resorts World Manila
https://www.facebook.com/rwmanila
Eastwood City Mall
https://www.facebook.com/eastwoodcity
Lucky Chinatown Mall
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucky-Chinatown-Mall/395335000603372
From left: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca and Groove Manila Dance Company. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista (51)
Shang Plaza Mall
https://www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial
Resorts World Manila
https://www.facebook.com/rwmanila
From left: Violinist Jobry Cimafranca and Groove Manila Dance Company. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Phil. Madrigal Singers; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Foreground: Shang Properties EVP for Commercial and Retail Joy Polloso (in red) with the Phil. Madrigal Singers. The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Eastwood City Mall
https://www.facebook.com/eastwoodcity
Lucky Chinatown Mall
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucky-Chinatown-Mall/395335000603372
Groove Manila Dance Company; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Shang Plaza Mall
https://www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial
Resorts World Manila
https://www.facebook.com/rwmanila
60 foot Christmas Tree; The Shangri La Plaza Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held last November 20, 2021 at the Center Atrium. Photo by Jude Bautista
Shang Plaza Mall
https://www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial
Resorts World Manila
Text and Photos by Jude Bautista