MANILA, Philippines – Smiles, songs, and a spread of feasts and treats were the highlights at the recently-held Christmas tree lighting at Marriott Hotel Manila.
At 18 feet, its commanding height complemented the wide lobby staircase. Guests gathered around it while exchanging pleasantries with their friends and colleagues.
Director of Marketing Communications Michelle Garcia welcomed everyone who started the holiday cheer at Marriott Hotel Manila and shared how this year’s celebration is more meaningful because of their partnership with Operation Smile. Together, they will provide free surgeries to children who have cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities. And to stress how Operation Smile has made a difference in the lives of the children, she introduced Chadleen Lacdo-o, a former cleft palate patient of Operation Smile who is now an accomplished singer. Her rendition of “When You Believe” was inspiring from start to finish.
With everyone in high spirits, General Manager Bruce Winton presented Marty, the reindeer. Every purchase of the stuffed reindeer toy (for only P500) will help raise funds for the surgery of kids of Operation Smile.
Helping light the tree is one of the well-known celebrity families today, Kevin and Mitch Tan with their adorable baby Katleena Margaret. As soon as the lights begin to sparkle, a burst of harmonious angelic voices echoed through the lobby courtesy of Himig Roseña, the choral ambassador of Colegio de Santa Rosa-Makati.
As everyone’s hearts lit with the true meaning of the season, Charice Pempengco surprised everyone with a special song number followed by a grand entrance of Santa Claus, where kids excitedly lined up to whisper their Christmas wish and receive their early present.
The merriment ensued with the lavish display of food prepared by the award-winning culinary team of Executive Chef Miek Brammer. There were white and red sauces for different kinds of pasta plus an assortment of meats and veggies which the guests chose according to their fancy.
The live station also showcased the Smoked Bone-in Ham which is part of the Savory Package offered by the hotel for the festive season. Its honey-glazed skin and tender meat is perfect with the whipped potato and buttered corn on the side. Kids and the kids-at-heart kept going back to the dessert station which sampled the holiday treats at the Marriott Bakery. Guests grilled their own marshmallows and were free to add biscuits and chocolates.
Marriott Hotel Manila has always been a happy place for business and vacation. And whichever way guests choose to celebrate Christmas this year because of its festive feasts and treats, it is made more meaningful because Marty offers cheer―both for the giver and the happy child who will be able to smile along. It is indeed the season to be jolly!
For more information on Marriott’s Christmas offers please call 988 9999 or visit www.manilamarriott.com.
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