CHRISTMAS is indeed nigh. From the Christmas carols piping in from all over the place?the malls, the radio, outside houses by young carolers?Christmas lights, trees and parols hanging and blinking from every spot, to the cool weather, you can?t just ignore Christmas anymore. So for this week, we point our event-radar towards two family-oriented places, Bonifacio High Street and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Should you find yourself on Bonifacio High Street in Taguig on Dec. 13 and 14, watch out for the Merry Troopers, a crew of inspired performers spreading Christmas cheer at 4 p.m. And if you have your favorite pet with you on Sunday, Dec. 14, there?s Pose for PAWS, where you can have your portrait taken with your pet. Proceeds from the sale of the portraits will go to save the less-fortunate cats and dogs this Christmas. The photo session starts at 3 p.m.

Starting Dec. 16, the bells will start tolling for the faithful to come and wake up early for Simbang Gabi @ CCP ?08 in the CCP Main Building Ramp. Celebrate and live the spirit of this Filipino Catholic tradition everyday at 5 a.m. The novena culminates with the special Christmas Eve mass at 9 p.m.

The restaurants at the Concourse level of the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center, Makati have cooked up a storm. Visit the basement?s bustling restaurant row on Dec. 17 and 18, 5 to 8 p.m., and check out the Chef?s Banquet, an appetizing sampler of dishes from participating restaurants such as Café Med, Myron?s, Piazza Pazzo and Wild Ginger.

You can sample an array of delectable dishes?from the Spinach and White Cheese Spring Roll to the Roast Australian Leg of Lamb. And just to sweeten the offer, gift certificates worth P300 from a furniture store are being offered for bills amounting to P750 or more!

On Dec. 19-20, you and the family can come as close to world peace as possible this Christmas. The Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group performs dances, music and traditions from countries around the world in Payapang Daigdig: A Celebration of Peace and Unity at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. For tickets and inquiries, call 891-9999.

Information is subject to change without prior notice. For more information on events, log on to www.mag24-7.com or pick up your free copy of 24/7 Nocturnal Navigator at your favorite malls, bars and restaurants. You may also text 24/7 gigs to 2851 for Globe and Sun and 2951 for Smart. Submit your schedules before Tuesday to events@mag24-7.com and mag247@gmail.com for inclusion in this column.