2025 Christmas Spectacle At Filinvest City Central Park

Recently, this year’s Christmas spectacle at the Filinvest City Central Park was launched by Filinvest with a special event that attracted special guests (including Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Olympic Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo).

The said event was also Filinvest’s launch of its 2025 Christmas campaign which is also a clear effort to emphasize why Filinvest City is significant as a central business district (CBD). For the newcomers reading this, Filinvest City has been on a progressive role this year as PLDT will be moving its new headquarters into the CBD while SONAK Group secured a lot for a new headquarters. Indeed, the progressive build-up of Filinvest City is adding economic value to Alabang and Muntinlupa City entirely.

Filinvest City Central Park’s Christmas Spectacle

A few nights ago, I personally visited Filinvest City Central Park (Google Maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzt8D9yLzRSVVhae9) and I saw the new decorations highlighting the Christmas season. They look very similar to what was set up in 2024, notably the tall Christmas tree and the permanent structures that only needed decorating.

The Filinvest City sign at the Central Park.
Tall Christmas tree in the background, other decorations and lights in the foreground.

A short distance away from the tall Christmas tree was the park’s standout structure called The Tree (launched in late 2024) which has a very unique design that not only provides people cover from rain or intense sunlight but serves as a helpful place for special activities. At night, lights of different colors are projected towards The Tree which make a fine visual attraction.

As of this writing, I noticed there were lesser non-permanent structures (that were decorated with additional Christmas lights) during my visit at the park. Since Filinvest City still has a lot of activities scheduled at the central park, there is always the possibility that additional structure and lights will be set up soon. For reference about non-permanent structures and lights, click here for my 2024 Christmas Filinvest City Central Park article.

The permanent park structures plus added decorations and lights.
Visitors taking pictures at the tall Christmas tree.

Unsurprisingly, Filinvest City Central Park remains popular with families, visitors from other cities, some foreign tourists, and those who love the open-air environment of the CBD. It would be interesting to see if there will be more visitors coming to the park during the weekends leading to Christmas as the brand new Starbucks Filinvest branch with drive-thru has been attracting a lot of customers since it opened. That being said, Filinvest City announced through social media a schedule of events or activities happening at the central park.

Set to happen at Filinvest City Central Park are the following: Holiday Lights Symphony at The Tree on November 22, December 7 and December 20 starting 7PM; Fireworks Displace on November 22, December 7 and December 20 starting 8PM. Live musical performances on November 22-23, November 30, December 7, December 20-21 starting 6PM. To see the complete park activities schedule, click https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17aEHGaGX4/

Christmas is still all about Lord Jesus

The theme of Filinvest City’s Christmas campaign this year is titled as “Celebrate Magical Christmas Moments.”

First and foremost, Christmas is all about Lord Jesus, the Savior and hope of ALL nations. During the season, we remember not only His birth in Bethlehem in Israel, but also His overall significance and the hope He always bring to people. The world we live in is twisted and chaotic. While there are many who are indeed faithful to Lord Jesus, there are still many other people out there who remain lost and unsaved. A lot of people ended up lost as they allowed themselves to be manipulated by the secular, the worldly and other rebellious forces of the world we live in.

God sent His Son Jesus to us to pave the way for people to get saved and become part of His Kingdom. Realize how much God loves His creations and none of us would exist without Him. Learn from the bible verses below.

John 3:16 (TPT)

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:4-7 (NKJV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)

By honoring, praising and following Lord Jesus, we are connected with the Heavenly Father. When we are faithful to the Lord, it is clear that we do not let the worldly nor wickedness get in the way. It is essential that we must have uncompromising faith in the Lord. Learn from the bible verses below.

Then Jesus answered and said to them,

John 5:19-23 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said,

John 8:12 (TPT)

Christmas is not about magic, not about Santa Claus, not about material blessings and certainly not about worldliness. Lord Jesus is the definitive reason why Christmas is celebrated and He is the light to free people from darkness! No matter how you celebrate Christmas, always remain faithful to Him, and never compromise with the worldly. Celebrate Christmas by having unwavering faith in Lord Jesus and help others come to Him!

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My Observations: Starbucks Coffee at One Griffinstone in Alabang

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The front of Starbucks One Griffinestone branch.

Yet another coffee shop of Starbucks opened in the Alabang area in Muntinlupa City very recently. Specifically, this is about the one that opened at the ground floor of One Griffinstone located along Commerce Avenue corner Spectrum Midway in Filinvest City.

Very recently, out of curiosity, I visited to take a close look.

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From inside facing Commerce Avenue.

Like the other new Starbucks coffee shops I visited recently, the One Griffinstone branch has a nice interior and more notably, it’s got views of the immediate surroundings.

When it comes to seating capacity, I counted fifty-one seats, including the stools. For the use of the common rest room, a code is required to be able to use it. The code is printed on the receipt of the Starbucks drink/food customers buy. If you need to use the toilet during your time at Starbucks One Griffinstone, do not throw away the receipt fast.

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The counter.

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Many places to sit and enjoy.

After receiving my drink, I sat down facing one side of the place looking at the Festival Mall in the distance. Then I realizing something…Commerce Avenue literally connects with four different Starbucks branches in Alabang.

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Facing the far end of Commerce Avenue heading towards the direction of Festival Mall (hidden by the trees).

Along Commerce Avenue (note: distances between the coffeeshops and the said road) are the Alabang Town Center branch, the One Griffinstone branch and Starbucks Reserve (part of Westgate) branch.

In a way, Commerce Avenue leads to the old Starbucks branch at Festival Mall. Coming from the direction of Ayala Alabang, one can drive to the said branch by reaching the end of the road entering the area of mall, turn right on a short road going to the open-air parking area (where the old Starbucks and Robinsons department store are).

Are these enough Starbucks branches in the Alabang area as a whole? That’s hard to figure out at this point in time but what is clear is that Alabang is a hot spot for the world’s largest coffee chain. Previously I visited another new Alabang branch of the coffee chain at Madison Galeries.

Check out and visit the Starbucks One Griffinstone branch if you have time.

My Observations: New Starbucks and the Village Food Fair at Madison Galeries

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Now open and serving customers at Madison Galeries!

Have you been to Madison Galeries lately in Alabang, Muntinlupa City?

For the newcomers reading this, Madison Galeries is a nice, open-air shopping mall located along Don Jesus Boulevard. It is located between Alabang Hills Village and the West Service Road.

During my recent stop at the mall, I visited, for the first time, the brand new Starbucks coffee shop at the ground floor which occupies the commercial space previously occupied by Manila’s Best Coffee plus even more space going inside.

The result? Starbucks Madison Galeries has LOTS of space where customers can come in, buy drinks or food, sit down comfortably and enjoy.

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A very spacious Starbucks at Madison Galeries.

After that, I went upstairs to check on the Village Food Fair which was a one-day event. There I looked around at the varied food and drinks prepared for customers. Shawarma, cakes, fruits, sodas, pies, snacks, fruit juices, sushi and maki, imported cheese, rice meals of chicken, beef, pork and fish, shakes and dessert were offered. Among the many vendors selling there, what caught my attention was one selling organic pasta (to be cooked).

Check out these pics I posted. Just click to enlarge.

I hope that the Village Food Fair will be held again at Madison Galeries.


Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

My Observations: Starbucks Vermosa

In South Metro Manila, Daang Hari is one very long road used by thousands of motorists each day. It stretches from a corner of Alabang Zapote Road in Las Pinas which goes through portions of Alabang (Muntinlupa City), goes past Evia Lifestyle Center and the connection with Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway (MCX) and more notably the road leads further into the province of Cavite.

Along Daang Hari within the jurisdiction of Imus City, Cavite, is the world-class Vermosa Sports Hub which is home to a very modern looking swimming pool, track oval and some facilities.

Just outside Vermosa Sports Hub, however, along Daang Hari is a new branch of Starbucks Coffee which I visited.

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The front of Starbucks Vermosa coffee shop.

As expected, the Vermosa Starbucks branch has a very modern design on its exterior and interior. Its interior is quite spacious with lots of seats and tables that can accommodate groups of friends and family members. The place is good enough for employees or business executives to have group meetings in while having coffee.

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This is where you choose, line up, pay and pick up your order.

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Nice interior.

Upon my examination of the place, I noticed some parking slots in the rear of the coffee shop (with the Vermosa Sports Hub visible). Like the Starbucks coffee shop at Evia Lifestyle Center, this coffee shop has a drive-thru.

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Parking slots.

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The drive-thru lane.

So if you are coming from Cavite heading to Las Pinas or Muntinlupa and you want coffee to help you complete your long drive along Daang Hari, know that the Vermosa Starbucks branch is operating.

My Observations: New Starbucks at Madison Galeries Coming Plus Fatmelts Diner’s Expansion at Pergola Mall

If there is anything notable about South Metro Manila, it is the fact that there is a “thin” border between the cities of Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas in close proximity to Alabang-Zapote Road.

Look Concha Cruz Drive inside BF Homes subdivision. Part of it falls under Parañaque while the remaining part leading to Alabang-Zapote Road falls under Las Piñas City. Parallel to Concha Cruz Drive is Ramon Tirona street connecting Parañaque to Muntinlupa City through Alabang Hills Village.

Along the straight, long road that links Alabang Hills Village to the West Service Road is the nice looking, open-air mall called Madison Galeries which I occasionally visit. During my latest visit, I noticed something on the ground level…Manila’s Best Coffee is gone and in its place is the ongoing establishment of a new Starbucks Coffee branch.

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The upcoming Starbucks Coffee shop at Madison Galeries.

Not only that. I noticed the said Starbucks also took a lot more space of the mall. There was another commercial joint beside Manila’s Best Coffee that is no more and its space got consumed. This is a huge Starbucks coming and there is always that possibility that it will help Madison Galeries attract even more customers. Consumers coming from BF Homes who wish to visit Madison Galeries by car will need a passing-through car sticker from the Alabang Hills Village Association first. Otherwise they will have to travel the long way along Dr. A. Santos Avenue or Alabang-Zapote Road to make it to the mall through the West Service Road.

Speaking of new things, I also noticed a change going on at the ground floor level of the Pergola Mall in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City. Check the picture below.

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Fatmelts Diner is renovating and expanding at Pergola Mall.

Fatmelts Diner, a favorite food and beverage joint in the BF Homes community that has operated for many years now, is undergoing renovation and expansion. Similar to the upcoming Starbucks at Madison Galeries, the diner also consumed additional commercial space (not pictured) that was previously occupied by Di’ Mark’s Pizza.

I can only speculate that more space will mean more seats and tables for customers and more kitchen space and cooking equipment. How this will improve the quality of the food and service remains in question. Still this is something to look forward to once Fatmelts Diner reopens.

The thing about Pergola Mall and Madison Galeries is that, if you drive a car and you have the required car stickers (to pass through the villages), they are both reachable and you can enjoy what each place has to offer. This is one of the charms of South Metro Manila.