A festive glow marked the beginning of the holidays in Villar City, where the lighting of a 50-year-old acacia tree has become more than a tradition. The yearly celebration has evolved into a symbol of how large-scale estate development can nurture community life and elevate open spaces in a fast-growing district.
Once Upon a Tree
The annual Christmas tree lighting of Villar City’s Heritage Tree drew crowds once again to the 3,500-hectare master-planned estate, as everyone gathered to witness the transformation of the decades-old acacia into a luminous holiday attraction. The ceremony was led by Villar Group Chairman Manny Villar, joined by Villar Land Inc. Chief Operating Officer Mary Lee S. Sadiasa, and Villar City Division Head Allan James Santos. Sen. Mark A. Villar, Atty. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, and the Villar grandchildren—Emma, Tristan, and Cara—also took part in the celebration, showcasing the estate’s emphasis on valuing multigenerational community-building.
Villar Land has long understood that successful estates thrive when they create spaces that invite people to slow down and connect, letting them experience a shared narrative. Villar City’s Heritage Tree Nature Park has become exactly that kind of anchor—an accessible green space within an emerging part of the Metro South that offers residents and visitors an urban energy balanced with nature-led calm.
Community warmth at the South
The joyous event turned the park into a cozy destination where everyone enjoyed cool breezes, soft lights, and the familiar comforts of puto bumbong and bibingka. Families and friends posed under the tree’s radiant canopy, pets in tow, while the evening concluded with fireworks that illuminated the southern night sky.
It’s the kind of moment that also highlights the evolving role and importance of public open spaces in modern real estate development. As estates grow denser, thoughtfully preserved natural features such as Villar City’s half-century-old acacia help shape the district’s identity and long-term livability. They also become emotional markers for communities and places where memories are collected and long-term value begins.
Experience the holidays in Villar City
Villar City has opened the park to the public throughout the holiday season, inviting more Filipinos to visit and enjoy its signature mix of nature and design with estate planning. The Heritage Tree Nature Park will remain accessible daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. until late January 2026, while the Heritage Tree lights up every evening starting at 6:00 p.m.
For a master-planned development of this scale, traditions like the tree lighting do more than usher in the Christmas spirit. Integrated communities can create shared spaces that feel warm and familiar, and where the brightness of the season reflects a neighborhood steadily coming into its own.
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