The month of November always brings a frenzy of activities from the country’s accommodation industry. All the hotels in Metro Manila schedule their respective Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, so I find myself attending one, sometimes two or three, every evening. Although it may seem like a chore to some, I find it the best way to welcome the spirit and colors of the Yuletide season.
Conrad Manila
This iconic hotel by the bay sent out their invites several weeks before the event, so I made sure to mark it on my calendar, as I always enjoy the musical presentations they have before the actual lighting of their Christmas tree. With the theme “Home for Christmas,” this time the hotel management featured young soprano Myramae Meneses performing operatic masterpieces, accompanied by the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra, as well as a solo performance by young violinist Cedric Rafael Uson.
On hand to officially light the tree were SMHCC President Elizabeth Sy, Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles, Conrad Manila General Manager Fabio Berto, Pasay Congressman Antonino Calixto, and Pasay Mayor Rubiano’s Chief of Staff Peter Pardo. The beautiful tree, made of hundreds of gleaming crystals, was lit in a cool shade of blue, creating a classy and relaxing ambiance for bystanders in the hotel’s lobby.
The Linden Suites
This all-suite property at the center of the Ortigas Business district is among the favorites of long-staying guests because each of its 168 rooms is very spacious and offers the latest facilities, ensuring guests a most comfortable and pleasurable stay. Although it was quite a travail braving the EDSA traffic, the fun and colorful event was well worth it.
Their beautiful and well-decorated Christmas Tree was lit up by the hotel’s General Manager Tet Romualdo together with Dr. Ramon Enriquez, President of Medasia, one of their long-staying guests. The cocktail party that followed at the hotel’s Penthouse Suite was a fun get-together for close friends.
GM Romualdo and Commercial Director Pearl Maclang are the ultimate party hosts. Not only did they serve a sumptuous spread of delectable finger food, drinks overflowed and never-ending laughter filled the room, amidst the breathtaking view of the awesome colorful cityscape in the background.
The Heritage Hotel Manila
This property has 450 spacious rooms, two floors of which are currently undergoing renovation. I had to congratulate my friend, General Manager Farid Schoucair, for this move, as upgrading our hotels always helps ensure a more enjoyable stay for our foreign visitors. I am also very happy to learn that this hotel is the only one offering Halal food, which is a welcome development for our increasing Muslim visitors.
Although the Halal dinner buffet is available only from Tuesday to Saturday, there are Halal culinary items included in the menu selections throughout the day.
The hotel’s majestic tree was officially lit up by General Manager Farid Schoucair, Congressman Calixto, Chief of Staff Pardo, and a hotel guest, Angel Raymundo. After the lighting ceremony in the lobby, I had the opportunity to try some of the Halal items at the Riviera Café and thoroughly enjoyed them. With me at the dining table was Onelle Pacheco-Verzosa, the hotel’s Director of Sales, who is responsible for the property’s consistent occupancy of more than 90 percent throughout the year. I heard that the public can expect another beautiful surprise from the hotel next year.
Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila
The newest hotel in the SMHCC portfolio, this property is now making waves because it has successfully crossed the “introductory threshold,” and is now averaging high occupancy every month. No wonder my friend, General Manager Nils Rothbarth, is always grinning from ear to ear, as he greets guests while making his rounds of the property. I always feel at home in this hotel because the staff really go out of their way to anticipate what you might need. Furthermore, my little grandsons enjoy the hotel’s roof deck swimming pool.
Their beautiful Christmas Tree was officially switched on by SMHCC officers Sy, Angeles, General Manager Rothbarth, Congressman Calixto and Chief of Staff Pardo. The multitude of tiny green lights makes the tree very attractive. There are no other Christmas trimmings. The green light radiates the feeling of warmth, energizing everyone to enjoy the trappings of the Holiday Season.
Midas Hotel and Casino
I have deep affection for this hotel as I was its Director of Sales when it was still the Hyatt Regency Manila. I know this hotel’s every nook and cranny and I was privileged to be connected with this property which had the best and most popular F & B outlets in town, and the only hotel guestrooms in the Metro Manila with a balcony. So, when I walked into the lobby for its Christmas Lighting ceremony, beautiful memories flowed into my system as I remember the treasured moments I had inside this property.
My friend, Lily del Rosario, is now the General Manager of this hotel and, since I haven’t seen her since her Manila Polo Club days, I made sure I’d attend the event. The beautiful tree was decked with Filipino-themed ornaments, and the lobby had an abundance of white parols, a unique way to share a Filipino Christmas with the hotel’s foreign guests. Each guest attending the event was given a small lamp made of abaca fiber, a most welcome Filipino Christmas present.
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