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Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Gearing Up For The Holidays

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With Christmas just around the corner, various hotels have been coming up with all kinds of events to celebrate the start of the holiday season. As much as I wanted to attend each one of them, physical and time constraints got in the way. From among the dozen or so that I attended, here are a few that stood out in my “memory bank” simply because something in each of these events made them different from those of the other hotels.

Hotel Monticello

Hotel Monticello’s Board of Directors, joined by guests of honor Cavite’s First Lady Dr. Agnes Remulla (third  from left) and Department of Tourism’s Gerry Panga (center) are (from left) chairman Atty. Ambrosio Valdez, chief financial officer Ma. Felisa Valdez, general manager Jose Eduardo Valdez, directors Romerico Dumlao and Atty. Mercedes Gatmaytan

This is a brand-new European style boutique hotel right in the heart of Tagaytay City. It started its holiday celebration last month by opening its doors to the public, to offer its facilities and services to the expected holiday crowd who may want to escape the noise and pollution of the city, especially on New Year’s Eve. This idyllic “sanctuary in the sky” has 41 spacious and well-crafted rooms, a perfect blend of luxury and affordability in a serene, calming and invigorating setting, certainly redefining the boutique hotel experience. The hotel’s Grand Ballroom, soundproof function rooms and Business Center cater to the business traveler while the fitness buff has the temperature controlled swimming pool, spa and gym to get busy in.  

The opening day crowd, composed of Manila’s social gliteratti, was awed by the hotel’s facilities as they were toured around by a team of attractive young ladies dressed as “nymphets” which gave a magical touch to the evening event. After the ceremonial champagne toast by the hotel’s Board of Directors, to formally open the property, valuable raffle prizes – iPads, iPhone 6S units and complimentary weekend packages – were given out by the hotel management as their Christmas gifts to lucky guests. Now, anytime I need some de-stressing, I can look forward to this serene and calm “hideaway” which is magically wrapped with the scent of cool, invigorating fresh air.

City of Dreams

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City of Dreams Property president Geoff Andres; With former Tourism Undersecretary Edu Jarque and City of Dreams vice president for PR Charisse Chuidian

Its indefatigable vice president for Public Relations, Charisse Chuidian, sent out lunch invitations to members of the print media, to introduce their Property president Geoff Andres, and to celebrate the start of the holiday season. It was an event I really looked forward to because I knew it would be a good opportunity for me to link up once again with friends I haven’t seen for some time. Sure enough, they were all there.

The very special buffet offered culinary specialties from the kitchens of the various restaurants at City of Dreams – Nobu, Red Ginger, Ruby Jack’s, The Tasting Room, etc., so you can imagine how well-fed all of us were. The amazing food choices in this integrated resort complex is the reason why a large chunk of Metro Manila’s well-heeled now frequent this facility. Of course, these epicurean delights also add a valuable attraction to its continuously increasing gaming “disciples.”

Seated with me for lunch were my good friends Dancesport Philippines’ Becky Garcia, The Plaza’s Millie Reyes, and former DOT Undersecretary Edu Jarque.  We were later joined by Crown Towers general manager Brett Hickey, PeopleAsia’s Greggy Vera Cruz and my editor, Tatum Ancheta, who was the luckiest among all of us, as she won a P10,000 gift certificate for dinner at any of the City of Dreams’ fine dining restaurants.

New World Manila Bay

At New World Manila Bay, from left: Kythe Foundation Ambassadress Say Alonzo, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, hotel GM Mark Heywood and Kythe Foundation director Kelly Salvador switch on the giant Christmas Tree

Their Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was just as elaborate as those of the other hotels but what made it special, to my mind, were three factors: The hotel’s general manager Mark Heywood is simply the most likeable hotel expatriate I have ever met. His friendly mien and ever-ready smile comes across as something very sincere. I feel like we’ve been friends for decades but I actually just met him a few months ago, through the hotel’s Director for Corporate Communications Romina Gervacio, the second reason why I had to attend this event. Mina has been a friend since she started her PR career “four hotels ago” so I can’t say NO when she invites.   

    The third reason why I had to attend this Christmas celebration was the hotel’s guest of honor, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. I have always wanted to see him up close because I am fascinated by his demeanor, by how the “Tondo populace” still see him as a movie hero in spite of what happened to his presidency. Don’t get me wrong, I was never his supporter and was, in fact, one of those who demonstrated against him in EDSA. I guess I just wanted to see up close if his always-perfectly combed hair is a toupee or not.

Waterfront Manila Pavilion

Waterfront Manila Pavilion GM Jimmy Boyles; Cute, talented seven-year-old Sonia Cruz sang her way to my heart

I haven’t been to this hotel since its Hilton days, so when I received the attractive Spanish-themed invitation, I made it a point to go, even if I knew I was going to be late, after coming from another event. I was surprised and found it a nice touch for the hotel’s new general manager, Jimmy Boyles, to welcome me personally outside the Ballroom’s main entrance. Boyles is a Japanese-American hotel industry veteran, having served many international chain hotels in various capacities.

    What I found really entertaining, unique and “cute” was their musical intermission number – songs from a seven-year old girl, Sofia Cruz, a The Voice Kids contestant, who rendered some of my favorite “children’s” songs – A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, Tomorrow, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  She was adorable, as she hit the notes perfectly. I wanted to adopt her on the spot, but the adoring father was there a few feet away. It was one Christmas celebration I really enjoyed, in spite of the paucity of attendees.

Midas Hotel and Casino

The celebratory toast led by Midas officers Aris Alcuaz, Cielo Ortega-Reboredo, HEPI director Mylene Co and Pasay Congresswoman Emi Calixto-Rubiano

Midas Hotel and Casino had its Tree Lighting Ceremony at the hotel’s designer lobby, led by Midas resident manager Aris Alcuaz, director of Sales and Marketing Cielo Ortega-Reboredo, HEPI director Mylene Co and Pasay Congresswoman Emi Calixto-Rubiano. No doubt, the majestic 25-foot tree, glimmering with the display of lights, red and gold Christmas trinkets and ornaments, radiates with happiness and love.  

Entertainment numbers were provided by the Ramon Magsaysay Chorale and Ballet Philippines which presented Peter Pan. Media partners, bloggers and the hotel’s loyal supporters graced the happy occasion, with TWG Tea, Artisan Cellars and Titania Wine Cellar as bar hosts for the evening. The celebration ended quite late as more musical numbers were performed by the hotel’s resident artists Dessa, Jimmy Marquez, Nino Alejandro and the Hexagon Band.

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE:

How do you make a group of lawyers smile for a photo op?  Say, “Fees.”

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

 

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