By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In celebration of their opening yesterday morning, the Ayala Malls Capitol Central will host a series of holiday events this month.

Among the events scheduled include the Festival of Lights, which is scheduled for today; Dance Pull Ballet Concert on December 18; Laruang Pinoy Activation on the 29th; along with shows featuring James Reid on December 16 and Gary Valenciano on December 22.

Ayala Malls will also close the year with a Sunday Family Day on December 30.

Yesterday’s grand opening, which featured elements of the MassKara, Sinulog, and Pintaflores Festivals, was attended by various officials from the Bacolod City government and the Negros Occidental provincial government, led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr., respectively.

In his statement, Ayala Land Incorporated Commercial Business Group head Junie Jalandoni said, this holiday season, they are providing another reason for cheer and offering “the best authentic Negrense flavors and global brands under one roof.”

He said the mall showcases “authentic Bacolod charm” and a “holistic experience,” which the Ayala Land official said will give shoppers a “pocket of relaxation and leisure right in the middle of the busy urban jungle.”

Ayala Malls Area Head for VisMin Operations Clavel Tongco, meanwhile, referring to the malls location, called it “a center for convergence.”

“Being very accessible to all transportation, the mall is the perfect place for Ilonggos from all walks of life,” she said.

Aside from various shops, mall goers will be able to enjoy other amenities such as the Fiesta Negrense, which showcases “the best of Negros;” the Central Bazaar, Corte, which offers al fresco dining; and a chapel, which will host Sunday Mass at 11:00 a.m./DGB, WDJ