For most Filipinos, the holidays start early, sometimes as soon as September. This year, the season began for me at a store.
I was at Anko’s TriNoma branch to cover Anne Curtis-Smith’s appearance for the brand’s holiday event. The Australian home and lifestyle label had turned its space into a cheerful yet refined Christmas showcase. Rows of pastel baubles, miniature wreaths, and reindeer figures shimmered under warm white lights, while upbeat carols filled the air.
The event even let us members of the media and invited influencers decorate our own Christmas trees using items from Anko’s holiday collection. It was a playful, hands-on reminder of how design and creativity can bring people together.
My partner came with me, and what started as a work assignment turned into something personal. We had been trying to decide what kind of Christmas tree to set up in our first home together, but we could not risk a tall one because of our cats. At Anko, surrounded by compact and modern Christmas décor, the solution appeared right in front of us. Their range of small and alternative trees carried the same nostalgia without the worry of fallen ornaments or toppled branches.
The event, held from October 10 to 12 across Anko’s TriNoma, Glorietta, and Alabang Town Center stores, was created to “capture the joy of the holiday season” through “immersive displays and weekend activities,” according to the brand. There were cotton candy stands, craft workshops, a calligraphy corner, and a photobooth for keepsakes. Even an ordinary store visit felt like part of a celebration.
Rachel Turner, Anko Philippines Country Manager, said, “There’s a certain magic that only Christmas in the Philippines can bring – homes come alive, families gather, and everyday moments feel brighter. It’s only Anko’s second Christmas in the Philippines, but it’s the season where our mission of making everyday living brighter comes to life most vividly.”
Anne Curtis-Smith, fresh from Paris Fashion Week, led a surprise ₱10,000 shopping spree for a chosen nominee at the Trinoma branch, joining them as they picked out décor and home pieces from Anko’s Christmas collection. She later met Anko Club members to share her favorite finds and styling tips.
“As a mom, I especially love how Anko’s vibrant, friendly pieces make the season even more magical for kids. It’s about creating a space where both the young and the young-at-heart feel the Christmas cheer,” she said.
To inspire more holiday creativity, Anko also worked with interior designer IDr. Madelaine San Jose, founder of Design Gone Mads.
“Design should always feel within reach. That’s what makes Anko’s Christmas collection special. Every piece opens the door to creativity, inviting you to mix colors, textures, and personal stories that make the season your own,” San Jose said.
San Jose presented four distinct styling themes that balance style, personality, and affordability. Retro Candy Cane is bright and nostalgic, filled with reds, whites, and playful patterns. Traditional Cheer brings a cozy elegance through deep reds, gold ornaments, and velvet textures. Natural Holiday favors calm neutrals and organic touches, while Seasonal Sparkle adds gentle glamour with metallics and candlelight.
For all its displays and activities, the Anko event’s biggest takeaway was simple. Holiday spirit doesn’t rely on extravagance. It begins in the small choices that make a home feel loved and lived in. This year, that lesson came in the form of a cat-safe tree and the kind of joy that feels entirely our own.