Ryan Cayabyab’s new song will lift your Christmas spirit

What will Christmas be like for Filipinos? It’s still going to be happy! And get ready for LSS.

National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and Ayala Malls collaborated on an original composition called It’s Gonna Be a Happy Day, a mood-uplifting track performed by Reese Lansangan.

If there is something Filipinos will never forego, that’s celebrating Christmas, said Eunice Velasco, Ayala Malls marketing director, during the launch yesterday, Nov. 4. “In typical Filipino fashion we Pinoys find ways of seeing the good side in any situation, no matter how stressful and disheartening things may be. Resiliency and malasakit prevail.”

Months ago, Ayala Malls was looking for a Christmas message to share to Filipinos and they were already in talks with Cayabyab for his Bayanihan Musikahan project.

Cayabyab explained, “We wanted to come up with a tune that perfectly captures happiness and how we can all choose to look on the bright side, and be happy in spite of our circumstances. This is a song that will put a smile on the faces of everyone. That's how It’s Gonna Be a Happy Day came about.”

He describes it as bouncy with an energetic vibe that’s very infectious. “It’s not just for Christmas. It can be performed every day, and can be Ayala Malls’ music to open the malls and welcome back customers. It can be played to create a feel good vibe and remind customers to choose to see the good in every day.

“The song is the perfect gift of happy that everyone deserves after all we have faced this year. With all that has happened and is happening, we all need a reminder that happiness is an individual's choice. That is why I can make every day a happy day for me. If you want it to, say it, claim, it, kick up your heels and dance it.. The holidays are a happy time for everyone and the pandemic will not take that happiness away.”

Fernando Zobel de Ayala, chief operating officer of Ayala Corporation, said during the launch yesterday that Ayala Malls is inspired by the optimism and empathy of frontliners and the private sector, which provided support to economically vulnerable communities when the lockdown started.

“These stories of empathy are truly uplifting and we hope that they can serve as inspiration to everyone. Another hallmark of Filipino Christmas is joy.”

He said that despite the pandemic, they have seen customers and employees continue to have high spirits and a positive outlook.

“Our stakeholders are our inspiration to work harder and better serve and support our community. It is vital that we find joy among our people, families and stakeholders and reinforce a strong sense of optimism admits adversity.

“This brings me to my third hallmark of the Christmas spirit, and that is hope. We are strong believers that there is always a silver lining in times of difficulty and we’re confident that our people's collective energy and ingenuity will see us through this crisis towards a new and better normal for all. While there is much uncertainty ahead, empathy joy and hope can guide us to continue spreading gratitude, happiness and togetherness this Christmas season.”

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chief executive officer of Ayala Corporation, said, “We are strong believers in the ability of people to adapt and pivot during a crisis. Time and time again emergencies bring out the best in many of us as we help each other and collectively find ways to make things better for the foreseeable future.

“Our various malls and commercial establishments are open and committed to provide a safe, convenient, and healthy environment to celebrate the Christmas season families.”

The yearly curated Designer Holiday Bazaar at Greenbelt by Beatriz and Sofia Zobel will showcase Filipino talent by featuring 30 local designers with products ranging from woven apparel, handmade accessories, home decor, and other local artisanal goods.

Launching on Nov. 18, it will donate 20% of the sales to partner charities including Steps Scholarship Foundation and Ayala Foundation for APEC Scholarships.

Ayala Malls has also partnered with the Philippine Fashion Coalition for a trunk show, which will feature collections by Vittorio Barba, Noel Crisostomo, Rhett Eala, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Randy Ortiz, Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, Gina Nebrida-Ty, Jor El Espina, Dexter Alazas, Jun Escario, Philip Rodriguez, Tatah Costales, Aztec Barba, Benjie Panizales, Emi Englis, Dodjie Batu, Windel Mira, Egay Ayag, and Edgar Buyan.

In partnership with the DOT, the malls will roll out mobile food truck with Kulinarya Pampanga Chefs. The classic Filipino Christmas noche buena favorites will be driven down from Pampanga to Nuvali as part of the KAIN NA! Food and Travel Festival from Dec. 18-20.

Mall-wide holiday sales will be held at Glorietta, TriNoma, Vertis North, Market Market, Circuit, Feliz, Bonifacio High Street, Solenad, Manila Bay, Fairview Terraces, Alabang Town Center, Harbor Point, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza, Centrio, Central Bloc, and Capitol Central kicking off in November.

Ayala Malls president Jennylle Tupaz said, “Christmas is the one time of the year where Filipinos put their worries on hold, and relish those that are truly important in our lives.”

For Ayala Malls’ complete schedule of Christmas activities and sales, click here.