GREENHILLS "COD" CHRISTMAS SHOW (2014)

When I was a kid, I remember how my Dad would always schedule a night where in we woud cram into our Toyota Corolla or Tamaraw Jeepney then go to COD in Cubao to watch the Christmas show by the mall facade. I was a scrawny little girl of about 10 years old whose idea of a family fun time was to have dinner out at either Jollibee, Ma Mon Luk, Kowloon, or Sun Moon Garden. My Dad always made it a point to take us to many places (Luneta, Manila Bay, this very cheap beach in Cavite, Fresh Air in Lucena City, etc, etc) that were not expensive but still proved to be memorable for us all and THIS was something my siblings and I would wait for every year. We don't care if there was a LOT of people watching the show with us because we were always comforted by the cool Christmas air infused with the aroma of cooking bibingka and puto bumbong. I'm sure many people from the 80's would agree with me how this is one of their most special childhood memories too.

The COD Mall Christmas show was already a family tradition for us and we cannot be more excited than we already are (well at least, I am!). I could still see how the mannequin Cinderella stepped out of her house in that beautiful gown. Wow! Such an unforgettable time for me! Little did I know that it was to be the last show I would see in that mall then.

Fast forward to many years (wait, not too many because I'm not that old), and the show was converted into a Christmas On Display running at Greenhills Shopping Center. A lot of people I know rejoiced (me included) because now we could share this wonderful tradition with our own families. I'm sure if you have children, you'd know that there is nothing more exhilarating than to be able to do the special activities you loved as a kid.

And of course, it's definitely more unforgettable if they would love it right back!

GREENHILLS CHRISTMAS ON DISPLAY SHOW!

As per Andrei's wish we ate at TOKYO TOKYO first so that he'd already start watching the show while we're eating.

Then afterwards, we went to the Greenhills COD show which was at the Ortigas Avenue side. 

Andrei was initially worried that the Greenhills COD show will close down on us. I assured him that the show starts at 6:00pm and runs every 30 minutes until 11:00pm.

We are bound to catch one or two that night for sure!

After watching the first show, the Chinese Adonis looked around while we were waiting  at our seats (it WAS quite crowded so it would be better to save a place if you want to watch A LOT OF SHOWS).

There was also many small stores (or tiangges) that sell inexpensive items for your shopping galore.

I was able to buy some shirts here and blouses that I wear to the office!

Of course, my husband was drawn to street food, his favorite!

If you have an adventurous tummy, there are a lot of delicious eats by the COD show.

Meat and various innards on skewers!!!!

Barbecue is grilled in front of you so expect to be "smokin" after this trip! He he he he he!

There are also various rice meals in other food stalls.

There is a seating area at the back but if you're with kids, I don't recommend it since it could get a bit dirty. Sorry. He he he he he!  

But if it's just me and the Chinese Adonis, we'll eat here after EVERY show!

Yup! Those meat skewers were all so mouth watering!

Hmmm... I wonder how are the seafood here?

I saw some groups bring their own food in containers and rice cookers! Ha ha ha ha!

I'm sure you could do that. The Greenhills staff were very quick in cleaning up the tables and sweeping trash from the ground.

Be as it may, just be prepared because it could get pretty crowded in the COD show area. You don't want to bring a whole buffet only to be bumped and sat on by the gazillions of people there.

YU-UH it DID feel like there were gazillions of people that night. Ha ha ha ha ha! But it was still fun believe me. 

Yub and I were able to get good seats for the little lords which also gave them the perfect view of the show.

Yes, there was a lot of people but the little lords didn't mind sharing their seats and table to others.

Mati was not much of a fan of the COD show but agreed to go with us for the "first day of screening". My little master likes the traditions I am now practicing with them and respected this new one where we watch together on OUR first Greenhills Christmas night.

I guess Mati got traumatized before since Andrei would ALWAYS want to go to the COD show! There was a time when we went there for about 6 nights and saw the show 3 times each!

It's fine with me and the Chinese Adonis because I'm sure after about 5 years, little Andrei might not want to go with us here anymore :(

While waiting, we were able to ask a kind soul to take our pictures.

What's the difference between this....

... and this? He he he he!

Do bring hats and jackets for your little kids since the night may be chilly and damp. Yes, I always believe in the existence of "hamog". 

It's better to be safe than sorry is what I always say.

Show goes on every 30 minutes.

I find that the COD show this year is much better than the last because they really showed the journey of Mother Mary and St. Joseph then the birth of Jesus Christ.

One of the boys' favorite parts (same goes with the Chinese Adonis), is at the beginning when one of the Kings showed his light saber...

Or something that looked like it. He he he he he!

My favorite scene was when the 3 Kings, 3 Wise Men, plus the sheperd boys and animals visited the baby Jesus.

"Gloooooooooooooooooooooooo-ria! In Exelsis Deo!"

After the second show, Andrei asked for one more before calling it a night.

While waiting, me and the Chinese Adonis took Yelfies (Yap Selfie... baduy... ha ha ha ha ha!)

And the third one begins for us!

Each show runs about 15 minutes!

And everybody gathers to Baby Jesus again.

The true King is here!

And the Angel goes up to the clouds once more.

Andrei was always so engrossed watching each show.

He asked to watch one more time since he said we cannot count the first one because we didn't have a good view of the stage yet.

Okay then!

Mati just sat down and let his brother enjoyed his 4th "shift!"

The robotics of the mannequins may not be as sophisticated compared to other theme park shows but everything still worked for us.

The lights were very bright and the audio was clear. We were all able to understand the narration and even sing along to some of the Christmas songs.

Of course, it is different in the eyes of the child. And based on Andrei's smile while watching, everything was just perfect for him!

There are actually many other "little acts" happening while the main show is ongoing. Be sure to look at other parts of the stage too.

I guess like Andrei, I also feel something warm inside me when the mannequins all get together and sing "Gloria In Exelsis Deo" on a cold Christmas night.

And finally it's done. Andrei agreed it's time to call it a night.

My naughty Mati did not hold back from expressing himself when I asked if he'll go with us the next time we watch at the COD Greenhills show.

Ha ha ha ha! It's okay. He did admit that he loved it but not as much as Andrei. 

If I could make a suggestion, do bring your family in the Greenhills COD Christmas show and try to make it a tradition as well. Most definitely it will be a different kind of holiday practice and experience you will spend with your kiddies.

We will certainly go back here many times more before its last day at January 6, 2014.

Hope to see you there!!!

By the way, entrance is FREE. So, WOHOO!

If I'm not making sense, I'm sorry. My brain's weirdness is going on overtime again.

Toodles!