Novotel Manila Araneta City rekindles the spirit of the season as it launched a meaningful and sustainable Christmas celebration during its tree lighting ceremony.
The merry sustainable Christmas tree Рfirst in Araneta City Рis an epic centerpiece Christmas tree made of 20 layers of 707 empty wine bottles that are illuminated by more than 2,600 light bulbs.Ӭ
Using recycled scraps, reused decorations and repurposed materials, hotel employees dubbed as "Heartists" – artists with a heart – personally decked the halls with creatively crafted Christmas ornaments.
“Our team wanted to go beyond the hotel walls and bring attention to a much bigger issue, which is sustainability,” said Novotel Manila General Manager Mike Brown.
“It is indeed the glowing symbol of Novotel Manila Araneta City’s strong commitment to our AccorHotels global Planet 21 sustainability program, which is implementing ways to address environmental and social issues,” added Therese Galindo, director of Guest Experience and Sustainability.
Through its "RiiSE As One Committee" headed by hotel manager Maria Garcia, Novotel Manila presented a gift of a six-month apprenticeship program to two deserving youth advocates of EPCAT, a worldwide network of organizations working to end the sexual exploitation of children.
The gift program, which will start in January 2020, was received by Danna Joi Campos and Ronnie Baloca, together with Louie Esguerra, project development officer at ECPAT Philippines.
“The issue of sexual exploitation is also cross-cut with poverty. With Novotel providing this apprenticeship program to two youth advocates of ECPAT means providing them with more than decent work in the future,” Esguerra said.
Novotel Manila Araneta City and ECPAT Philippines have since been in partnership in ensuring children’s rights, advocacy and child-safe tourism.
