It was the same vast and magical field of 5,000 light buds changing color to festive music I visited and was awed with for the first time two years ago, and again, last year. I thought it could not get more magical than that. This year, though, I was in for a surprise when I heard the music of something all too familiar.

Opening medley of the 2018 Magical Field of Lights show

I love music from many of the Disney princesses movies, as it they feel like they came straight out from a fairytale. It was a happy surprise for me listening to Disney medleys this year. This year’s theme, “Reimagine the Magic,”is indeed apt for the show

Excerpt from the movie Frozen’s “Let It Go.” Of course, the dominant colors would be blue and white!

Also obviously different this year is the huge Mickey Mouse light installation in the middle of the field. I later learned that 2018 is the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse, one of Disney’s lovable characters. True enough, his theme music was part of the Disney medley of the show.

Classic Mickey Mouse theme music

I love how the lights get really colorful and the sky gets swirled with laser lights at several points during the show.

Feels like a  “whole new world” of colors

The light spheres are there again from last year.

Nuvali added what they call anahaw-inspired installations this year, too. I was happy to know that parts of these were re-purposed from other lights, consistent with Nuvali’s previous environment-friendly efforts, as some lights from the Magical Field of Lights like the light spheres come from other Christmas light shows of sister companies.

 

The light spheres from last year are around this year, too.

Nuvali added what they call anahaw-inspired installations this year, too. I was happy to know that parts of these were re-purposed from other lights, consistent with Nuvali’s previous environment-friendly efforts, as their light shows use energy-efficient LED lights, and some lights from the Magical Field of Lights like the light spheres are reused from other Christmas light shows of sister companies.

There is still the yellow light tunnel – all 50 magical meters of it. Walking inside it is still quite an experience. This time, though, all the surrounding Christmas trees are made from the same yellow lights.

Walking inside the 50-meter light tunnel

Of course, aside from Disney music, the show played Christmas music too, including music from Pinoy Christmas songs. It is the Disney music, the new twist this year, though, that really stuck with me long after the show. I love the fairytale feels.

2018 Nuvali Magical Field of Lights guide

Show schedules: Every 30 minutes from 6 to 10 pm up to January 13 (Yes, they are extending one week this year!)

Entrance: Free! But you have a choice to make a P50 donation onsite or online (online option available starting November 30) to the Hero Foundation, which supports the families of fallen soldiers. Those who donate get a fast pass access to the show, a guaranteed spot on the bleachers, and a Disney-themed bottled water.

Navigation and crowd control: There is a designated entrance and exit, as well as a ramp and viewing spots for PWDs. For the crowd’s enjoyment, only a certain number of guests will be allowed to watch the show at a given time. Others in line will have to wait for their turn.

Other notes and tips:
– Best to come on a weeknight for lesser crowds. On weekends and holidays, be prepared for big crowds especially during Christmas Day and New Year.
– Check the weather forecast before you go. As this is an outdoor show, it tends to get canceled during rainy evenings.
– Food stalls are in the area – this is good in case you get hungry from waiting, especially if you are coming during a busy day.
– Portable toilets are available
– In case of emergencies, a team of trained medical and emergency responders are present.
– The light and sound show is not advisable for people with epilepsy.

How to get there:
– Commuting. Fastest way via commute is the P2P bus from Makati to Nuvali. Trips run every 30 minutes for P150. Pickup points from Makati are Glorietta 2 Palm Drive and Circuit Lane. There are also direct buses from BGC to Nuvali, as well as vans from Alabang Festival Mall.  Another option is to take a Balibago-bound bus from EDSA or Buendia-Taft, then a jeepney to Nuvali.
– Driving. take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take the Sta. Rosa exit. The Nuvali Magical Field of Lights venue is at the Fields, which is close to Solenad 3 and S & R. There is a parking lot at the Fields.

Where to stay + other activities:
If you plan to go on a busy night like Christmas Day, it would be best to just stay longer and check in at Nuvali’s Seda Hotel. They are offering discounted Christmas staycation packages. There are other perfect family activities in Nuvali, too, like boating and wakeboarding (for the adventurous). See more details at Nuvali’s website.

Check out my article on the Magical Field of Lights’ first run on Rappler.