Marriott Hotel Manila and Diamond Hotel Philippines are among the first hotels in Metro Manila to light up their Christmas trees and decorations.
Christmas tree lighting is an industry tradition where a hotel introduces the year’s Yuletide promotions and beneficiaries to the press and high society. Hotel PRs have the important job of organizing the event and coordinating with competition so that they don’t hold their ceremonies on the same night.
Marriott Hotel Manila lit up their decors on November 4. Helping do so was the celebrity family of Richard Guiterrez and Sarah Lahbati with their son Zion Gutierrez. As soon as the lights opened, Himig Roseña, the choral ambassador of Colegio de Santa Rosa-Makati, burst into carols. This was followed by a grand entrance of the hotel’s executive chef dressed as Santa Claus, whom kids kids excitedly lined up to whisper their Christmas wish and receive their early present.
The centerpiece of Marriott Hotel’s decors is a life-size gingerbread train. Displayed are food products and Yuletide souvenirs for sale.
Meanwhile, decked shades of sunglow gold and capiz parol ornaments, Diamond Hotel began the holidays on November 6 with performances from Bayanihan, the National Folkdance of the Philippines and the Regina Coeli Choir.
Charity
Partner charities are crucial for an event that celebrates a season of giving. Laura Vicuña Foundation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Adopt-a-Wildlife program will benefit when a guest purchases handcrafted parol ornaments from Diamond Hotel for PHP 200 each. The hotel will display the ornaments at the lobby Christmas tree with one’s name on it.
Christmas activities
Meanwhile, Marriott Hotel is doing other gimmicks. It launched the “One Hour Drive” Spirit to Serve activity where guests can sign up for 60-minute classes including Zumba (PHP 200 registration fee), DIY’s and Crafts (PHP 300 registration fee), and kids baking lessons (PHP 500 inclusive of apron and certificates).
Next week, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City and The Manila Hotel will be lighting their own Christmas trees.
