Amid rows of chicharon stores that line the streets of Santa Maria, Bulacan, the night shone brightly with castle-inspired holiday light displays. Equipped with their smartphones, visitors from near and far enjoyed the light spectacle that celebrate the yuletide season.

The Carlos family, owner of Bikoy’s Pork Chicharon, adorned their house, factory, and now chapel with a variety of Christmas lights and other decorations during the holiday season. The displays include Christmas icons such as Santa Claus, reindeer and the Nativity scene, as visitors take their usual selfies. These were complimented by other characters like the chicharon maker’s mascot, as well as characters from famous animated films. 

This year’s display, which took two months to complete, was inspired by the different holiday celebrations from various parts of the world, according to family patriarch Charlie Carlos. This turned the factory into a castle inspired by Disneyland, complemented by the façade of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on the other side.

They first began decorating their whole house back in 2015, already drawing in visitors and attracting media attention. Through the years, they have extended the decorations to their chicharon factory and recently to the chapel next door. It's their way of spreading Christmas cheer, especially to children, who cannot go far from Santa Maria, Carlos explained.

He hopes to keep the ideas fresh for their future Christmas displays.