The Trees of Christmas

MANILA, Philippines – Christmas is an occasion celebrated worldwide. Although the ways in which it is observed may vary from nation to nation, one symbol that is universal among all is the presence of a Christmas tree.

Year after year, establishments rally the community to feel the warmth and welcome the onset of this festive season. This year is no different as the metro’s top hotels kicked off the season with a dazzling display of tinsel and lights surrounding the one thing that best synthesizes the joy of Christmas—the Christmas tree.

Edsa Shangri-La Manila

For the past 16 years, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila has made it a point to bring Christmas to whom it truly belongs — the kids. This year, as the hotel marks the start of its holiday festivities, around 100 children from the White Cross Orphanage were treated to a “Dora the Explorer” party as guests of honor at the hotel’s Tree lighting ceremony last November 15, 2010.

“Our hotel’s involvement in the community mainly focuses on children – who are the hope of our future and who need all our love and attention,” said Sinan Yilmaz, general manager of EDSA Shangri-la, Manila.

Aside from the heart-warming welcome to the holidays, the hotel sustains the spirit by offering special packages and lining up a series of events that highlight the joy of the season. On December 24 and 25, the Hotel’s HEAT restaurant will transform into “Santa’s Workshop,” where good old St. Nicholas and his helpers prepare toys for children of all ages.

Manila Marriot Hotel

To celebrate the Festive Season, Marriott Manila joins hands with Habitat for Humanity in building decent houses to live for families in need. Another “Spirit to Serve” activity of the hotel, the project aims to raise funds by working to improve the environment and well-being of the community they serve. By purchasing a Christmas ball worth P200 each, everyone gets a chance to be part of this worthy cause.

Century Park Hotel

Like every Filipino home during Christmastime, Century Park Hotel comes alive with tiny huts festooned with colorful parols, dancing Christmas lights, the symbolic belen or nativity scene, and the joyous hum of Christmas carols completing the festive ambience of the holiday season.

Century Park Hotel kicked-off its Christmas celebration and special holiday events with a Filipino-themed Christmas tree lighting ceremony that symbolizes the Filipino’s passionate commemoration of the country’s most revered holiday.

“We chose the theme Pasko Na because we wanted to impart the spirit of hospitality and festivity that prevails in the classic Filipino Christmas,” said Angeli Yatco, food and beverage director of Century Park Hotel.

“Also, two of our biggest markets are the balikbayans and the Filipino Chinese community so we want them to feel the warmth and the companionship of the season. And at the same time, show our foreign guests the uniqueness of the Pinoy Christmas,” Yatco added.

Some of Century Park’s holiday specials include: the Paskuhan Village, a deli snack booth located at the lobby where guests can take home Christmas goodies for friends and family; the Bibingka at Puto Bumbong Hut where these two traditional Filipino Christmas treats along with native hot chocolate and hot ginger tea or salabat are sold.

“From our Christmas hamper gift ideas, to special meals at Café in the Park and Century Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant, as well as our entertainment offerings at the Atrium Lounge and Top of the Century Lounge, we hope to be at your company during this festive Christmas season, Filipino style,” quipped Philippe Bartholomi, General Manager of Century Park Hotel.

Dusit Thani Manila

Envision yourself in a winter wonderland this Christmas as you walk through Dusit Thani’s lobby area decked with not just one but twelve originally designed Christmas trees by distinguished icons and multinational corporations.

The twelve trees of Christmas in Dusit Thani Manila are expressions of all things unified without uniformity, diversified without division, which creates a uniquely festive Christmas atmosphere with the theme, Oh Christmas Tree! Oh Christmas Tree! Unity in Diversity.

Moreover, merry-making does not end there, as the winner in the Christmas tree decoration competition will receive P100, 000 to benefit his/her favorite charity.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

Art is the ultimate expression of life. And life for Filipinos brightens up as the Christmas season looms even closer.

While others rally around the Christmas tree to celebrate the onset of the Holiday season, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila brings the community together through the values of artistic expression. As part of its tradition of providing a unique designer Christmas experience, Hyatt offers a journey through one man’s vision and creativity.

With artists like Impy Pilapil, Ann Pamintuan, Tes Pasola, and Renato Vidal already contributing to the hotel’s one-of-a-kind Christmas, this year features renowned brass sculpture artist Michael Cacnio and his collection aptly titled ‘Chisels of Christmas’. “Christmas for me is a boundless sharing of love and happiness with others. Which is why it was easy for me to say ‘yes’ when Hyatt approached me to help with this project. Apart from the Hotel’s strong vision, artistic appreciation and support of local artists and Philippine art, it was really their compassion and charitable causes that attracted me to work with them,” Cacnio says.

The cause that Cacnio was referring to was the Make-A-Wish and Kythe Foundations, charities which will directly benefit from the artworks’ sales.

Araneta Center

The annual event that signals the start of the Christmas season is the lighting up of the giant Christmas tree at the Araneta Center. Standing almost a hundred feet tall with more than ten thousand lights, hundreds of balls, and LED cascading lights, this year’s Giant Christmas Tree is a sight to behold. Coca-Cola made the celebration extra special by having the first live musical light show after the tree-lighting.

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