Manila Hotel unveils Yuletide offerings

The historic Manila Hotel has readied for the holidays lavish feasts and various activities that highlight the traditional Christmas celebration in the country. On top of the list is the 10-day Christmas caroling starting Dec. 15 by world renowned University Chorale groups from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the lobby.

Catch the Centro Escolar University Chorale on Dec. 15 and 16, followed by the De La Salle University Chorale on Dec. 17, 18, and 19. The UP College of Medicine Chorale takes centerstage on Dec. 20 and 21 while the Far Eastern University Choral Group performs from Dec. 22 to 24.

Guests on the other hand, can complete their 9-day dawn novena Masses at the Manila Hotel from Dec. 16-24. The Misa de Gallo will be held every 5 a.m. at Roma Salon. After hearing Mass, guests can have a breakfast of Bibingka and Puto Bumbong at the Café Ilang-Ilang Coffee Shop. These delicacies will be available as early as 4 p.m.

Those who would like to spend the holidays at the hotel can avail of its Local Residents Promo of R3,300 nett. The package includes overnight stay in a Superior Deluxe Room for single or twin occupancy, buffet breakfast at the Coffee Shop, complimentary newspaper and bottled mineral water daily. Available until Dec. 30, the promo is also applicable to expats with valid A.C.R. ID.

Meanwhile, kids will have the chance to see Santa Claus in person and even have a photo with him. They will also receive goodies and other giveaways from him during his visit at the Lobby starting 8 p.m. onwards.

For take home goodies, the hotel’s Christmas Goodie Counter offers a luscious confectionery consisting of chocolate Santas and bells, pralines in colorful boxes, Christmas fruitcakes and yule logs, creamy cheesecakes and soft banana breads. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. with extended hours on Dec. 24 and 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Also a must-try are this month’s cocktails called "Candy Cane" and "White Christmas." Candy Cane is a non-alcoholic drink made of fresh strawberry, vanilla ice cream and orange juice while the other is an alcoholic cocktail of creme de bananes, creme de cacao and scotch whiskey. Each is priced at R200 net. Good for Christmas parties is the cake of the month. "St. Nicholas" is a chestnutflavored cake filled with chestnut rum cream and coated with chocolate ganache. It is priced at R450 net and R580 net for medium and large cakes.

For family Christmas feasts, the Cowrie Grill offers a four-course set menu with choice of "Pan Fried Seabass Fillet" or "Grilled Beef Tenderloin" on Dec. 24 and 25 at R1,050 net. On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, a main course of Venison Medallion or Mille Feuille of grilled beef are the choices. It is priced at R1,200 net. In-house guests can have these special set menu served at the comfort and confines of their room.

Café Ilang-Ilang has also prepared a lunch and dinner buffet for Christmas and New Year for the same price of R750 net.

Guests spending New Year’s Eve at the hotel can partake of Café IlangIlang’s special midnight merienda overflowing with cold foods, hot foods and desserts plus one round of beverage, for only R500 net. The midnight merienda buffet will open at 11 p.m. onwards.

Diners who opt for a more intimate feast can avail of a six-course menu for lunch or dinner at the Champagne Room. Available on Dec. 24 and 25, the menu’s main course is a choice of Veal Tenderloin in Calvados Apple Reduction or Turkey Panpiette with Chestnut Stuffing. It is priced at R1,500 net. For New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, menu degustation is offered for lunch and dinner at R1,600 net.

To welcome the coming Year of the Rooster, the hotel will hold a special dinner-concert by Imelda Papin, Eva Eugenio and Mark Bautista on Dec. 31 at the Fiesta Pavilion. Dubbed "Fly Me 2005," the concert which also features Danita Paner is directed by Al Quinn. Dinnertime is 7:30 p.m. while showtime is 9 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Lobby Shop at extensions 1250 and 1254.

Manila Hotel’s Countdown Party will also be held on Dec. 31 starting 11 p.m. Two alternating showbands, Music Unlimited and First Born Child, will be performing to usher in 2005.