Cover Christmas trees are a special tradition in the Philippines
Christmas trees are a special tradition in the Philippines
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In the Philippines, Christmas tree styles draw from tradition, community and unmistakable cultural warmth
Long before any Western city would dare declare the holidays, the Philippines had already shifted. Not subtly, not gradually, but decisively. The “Ber months” trigger a national pivot in mood, colour and even tempo. Shopping centres accelerate their displays, radio stations resurrect Christmas classics and urban skylines begin sprouting illuminated installations with the confidence of a well-rehearsed ritual. In the Philippines, the season isn’t anticipated; it is launched.
Within this expansive celebration, the Christmas tree has become one of Manila’s most compelling visual markers. Imported in concept but thoroughly reinterpreted, the tree here is less a symbol of winter and more a canvas for excess, elegance or ingenuity, depending on who is curating it. Filipinos, after all, have a talent for adaptation: Spanish influence, American influence, regional craft tradition, all distilled, blended and expressed without hesitation.
Why the affinity for a Western tradition? Partly because Filipinos embrace ceremony with remarkable fluency. Partly because the tree provides a vertical stage for storytelling in a culture where celebration is both communal and deeply personal. And partly because, in a season that stretches nearly a third of the calendar, visual punctuation is not merely appreciated: it is necessary.
Christmas trees remind us that the holidays in the Philippines aren’t simply festive; they are curated. Here are some trees that Tatler took note of in homes in our country.
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Above Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy and his beloved pet
Above Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy’s vintage-inspired tree
Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy and his beloved pet
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Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy, interior decorator
When decorating my tree and space, I was never into trends and was always bound to tradition. I love the nostalgia Christmas brings, and it makes me happy bringing out my vintage ornaments, handpicked from my trips overseas throughout the years.
I would describe my tree’s aesthetic this year as traditional with a bit of humour, like the classic vintage tree from the Seventies, classic holiday colours and a touch of handmade magic with mercury ornaments from John Derian, Pier 1 and holiday shops in the US mixed with berries and fruits and icicles. It’s a mix of everything, a beautiful homage to the past, coupled with an appreciation for the new.
Above Classic tree with recycled ornnaments
Above Holidays in the hallway of Kaayo home
Classic tree with recycled ornnaments
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Kaayo home
This year, we upcycled everything into our tree. Finding things around our Davao home, the store and gifts from previous years. To keep it clean and to help organise all the upcycled ornaments, we decided to stick to a red and green colour palette. This is a traditional and clean red and green Christmas tree with a bold, modern, oversized velvet bow as an accent.
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Above Lighting changes the mood of the tree into something that feels cool
Above The tree is golden under the different lights
Lighting changes the mood of the tree into something that feels cool
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Marlene Go-Uyecio, entrepreneur
My tree embraces a classic, timeless style with a restrained number of elements. Over the years, I’ve collected a variety of gold shapes and shades, and I find this palette evergreen. I’ve added a subtle hint of dark blue and black balls for contrast, a colour that feels pleasantly unexpected for Christmas. A few acorns and berries provide an organic, natural feel.
What makes Christmas special for me is family. It’s the time of year when relatives come together to continue our family traditions, the ones we hope to pass down to the next generations as a community. Christmas also gives us a chance to reflect on the year that’s passed and to greet the future with hope and excitement, embracing the opportunities to learn and grow.
Above A Ralph Lauren inspired tree
Above Bows taking centre stage in this tree
A Ralph Lauren inspired tree
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Ging Santos, content creator
This year, I wanted our tree to have a colour story that gives a moody vibe with rich jewel tones. I planned our Christmas tree theme as early as June, and I thought that the Ralph Lauren style fit perfectly with what I had in mind. I used tartan bows, plain velvet ribbons and copper baubles. I used contrasting elements like the hammered matte gold tree collar and the mirrored star tree topper. I added a bit of whimsy using cute corduroy birds and preppy bears to complete the look.
The giant Black Watch tartan bows are definitely my favourite. It was a challenge looking for extra-wide ribbons with this specific tartan print: a mix of navy blue, deep green and black. So I did the next best thing. I got crafty! I bought the fabric and made my own giant ribbons. I love that they brought the whole Ralph Lauren style together without overdoing it. They’re my favourite, mostly because they remind me of my own persistence and ingenuity.
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