You know that the Christmas Season is at hand not only because singer-composer Jose Mari Chan makes his presence felt through his memes and songs, but also because all the hotels in the metro put up their respective Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies. The past week has been a busy one because of these glittering events.
Century Park Hotel
Dr. Lucio Tan and his family, owners of the hotel, officiated in the lighting of its Christmas tree, which showcased “A Bountiful Christmas” theme. The stunning 25 ft. tree at the Atrium Lounge has the warm colors of bronze, copper, tangerine, gold, and green. The earthy palette is symbolic of lasting hope and positivity amidst the ongoing pandemic.
General Manager Anthony Tan declared, “After a two-year hiatus, we are glad to see old and new friends alike and share the joy of the season with them for giving us the privilege of serving them with our own unique brand of Filipino hospitality in spite of the unusual times. We thrived because of their trust and confidence.”
Incidentally, the hotel also launched its line of Christmas hampers with an array of pastries, delicatessen, and wines which would be perfect gifts for the Holidays. They are available through 0917 528 8888.
Hotel 101
The fastest-growing hotel chain in the country staged its own Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony led by the amiable and attractive Group General Manager Gel Gomez. The cute tree banners this year’s theme of being “Green and Sustainable,” with all ornaments made of indigenous materials that proudly showcase everything Filipino.
During the ceremony, Gomez also gave out awards to Green Champions: Pasay City Mayor Imelda Rubiano, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Artemio Manalo Abu, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Tourism Promotions Board COO Ma. Margarita Nograles, Cebu Pacific Chief Strategy Officer Alex Reyes, TV celebrity Gretchen Ho, Carousel Productions’ Executive Vice-President Lorraine Schuck, and DeWaste Solutions Founder Juvien Galano.
Aside from Hotel 101–Manila, the chain also includes Jinjiang Inn–Ortigas, Jinjiang Inn–Makati, Jinjiang Inn–Boracay, and Injap Tower Hotel in Iloilo. Currently being constructed is the first international Filipino Hotel Brand, the Hotel 101–Niseko in Japan which is set to open in 2025. The chain’s portfolio also includes hotels in The Fort, another one in Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cebu, and Libis, Quezon City.
Conrad Manila
The hotel’s “Season of Splendor” got off to a glittering start when government and society stalwarts, all dressed to the nines, trooped to the upper lobby of Conrad Manila to be a part of the hotel’s “Christmas In Our Hearts” Tree-Lighting ceremony. Making the occasion even more significant was the mini-concert of the Young Voices of the Philippines, which dished out popular Christmas melodies, much to the delight of the crowd. Musical accompaniment came from another group of young boys and girls, the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band.
Switching on the dazzling Christmas tree made of handcrafted crystals, and standing tall in a nook on the hotel’s third floor lobby were: SM Hotels and Conventions Corp (SMHCC) President Elilzabeth Sy, SMHCC Executive Vice-President Peggy Angeles, Pasay Congressman Antonino Calixto, SM Prime Director Hans Sy, and Conrad Manila General Manager Fabio Berto. This was followed by cocktails at the adjoining C Lounge.
Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila
This five-star serviced residence at the Ortigas Business District is now “All Aglow” as the twinkling lights and jingling bells on their Christmas Tree were switched on by a bevy of important personalities, led by its General Manager Odette Huang.
The Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila mounted this meaningful kick-off event for Christmas to celebrate the time-honored Filipino family traditions we all love. The hotel’s grand Christmas tree is decked with locally sourced design materials like banig, rattan, and elegant capiz shells. It was an evening of smiles and cheers as guests were serenaded by the Ateneo Chamber Singers and served Filipino Noche Buena culinary specialties.
What makes this Christmas more meaningful for the hotel management are the handcrafted parols being sold in the lobby, as its proceeds will be given to the families of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the San Juan City Jail.
Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites also offers holiday gift baskets from local shops and artisans on the hotel’s recently launched E-Shop website. It is their way of supporting the small and medium enterprises in their community. More information on these offerings is available at www.joynostalgmanila.com
Taal Vista Hotel
The giant Christmas Tree in the hotel’s well-manicured garden was all set to be lit but the threat of rain made the hotel Management decide last minute to gather the guests, instead, at the hotel lobby and witness the simultaneous lighting of the dazzling 10-foot tree at the lobby, as well as the giant tree at the garden, which guests could easily see through the lobby’s glass wall.
Taal Vista Hotel’s “Season of Lights” started with this event, officiated by SM Hotels and Convention Corp. (SMHCC) President Elizabeth Sy, SMHCC Executive Vice-President Peggy Angeles, DOT Region 4-A Director Marites Castro, and General Manager Ramon Makilan. The hotel also presented its Christmas donation to the children under the auspices of the Augustinian Sisters of Jesus and Mary.
After the activities at the lobby, guests were ushered into the ballroom for a sumptuous six-course dinner with wine pairings for every course, courtesy of Don Revy. Musical entertainment was provided by the De La Salle-Dasmariñas Choir and by an attractive pair of sopranos who call themselves The Nightingales. It was definitely a great way to usher in the Season of Merriment which we finally can celebrate with our loved ones…face to face!
YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE
Q: Why are married women fatter than single women?
A: Single women go home, see what’s in the fridge, then go to bed. Married women go home see what’s on the bed, then go to the fridge.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
