ANGELES CITY—Nepo Mall Angeles welcomed the season not with a simple flick of a switch, but with an invitation to step into a space that felt like home, a sala filled with light, music, and shared stories.
On Nov. 4, JDN Realty Group launched its annual “Sala Ning Pasku” tradition at Nepo Center, turning the mall into a glowing tribute to Kapampangan heritage.
In the local language, “sala” means both “living room” and “light,” and that dual meaning came alive as families, friends, and longtime tenants gathered under illuminated letters inspired by Pampanga’s famous Christmas art.
“This is more than a lighting ceremony,” said JDN Realty Group chair Arni Valdes. “Tonight, we celebrate a return to our roots. Nepo Center has long been a home during the holidays, a testament to decades of trust. We light this space to honor that history and the vibrant community that sustains it.”
As the lights shimmered across the mall, Valdes reminded everyone of their deeper meaning. “These lights are more than décor. They are beacons of hope in uncertain times, sparks of love that bind us, and joy that brightens every smile here at Nepo Center.”
The evening featured carols from the Holy Angel University Alumni Chorale, Voce de Angeli, as shoppers paused, children gazed wide-eyed, and neighbors greeted each other, transforming the mall into one big sala.
“You, our partners, tenants, and guests, are our lights. You bring luminous joy to the Heart of Lokal. Together, we shine brighter than any darkness,” enthused Valdes.
The festivities continue all season with bazaars, performances, and activities, inviting everyone to experience “Paskong Pinoy, Paskong Lokal at the Heart of Lokal.”
The Heart of Lokal captures Nepo Center’s role as a homegrown destination where people can live, work, and celebrate within a community built by and for Kapampangans. It reflects JDN Realty Group’s commitment to honoring local roots while inspiring future generations.
Department of Tourism Region III director Richard Daenos closed the night with a message of faith and resilience.
“As we light up Nepo Mall, let us remember that the heart of Christmas is Christ, and at the heart of every Kapampangan home is space for stories, laughter, and love. May this rekindle faith, family bonds, and traditions that make our community shine,” Daenos said.
For JDN Realty Group, Sala ning Pasku is more than a spectacle. It is a tribute to the people who made Nepo Center a home. Each light glows with gratitude, whispering a timeless truth: everyone belongs, every memory matters, and Christmas is an invitation to return to what matters most.
