Tree-lighting at Ascott BGC
Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila officially welcomed the holiday season with a radiant Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony last November 21, 2025, at the Orchard Grand Ballroom. This year’s festive theme, “Casa Capiz: Lighting the Way Home for the Holidays,” was inspired by the property’s Casa Capiz campaign launched mid-2025.
The event also marked the Ascott BGC’s 11th anniversary, honoring the property’s milestones and achievements over the past year. During the program, The Ascott Limited Philippines’ cluster general manager and Ascott BGC general manager Rennan John Reyes shared a glimpse of things to look forward to in 2026.
The celebration began with the Ascott BGC team welcoming VIP guests. Hosted by singer and TV personality Yanah Laurel, the ceremony’s highlight was the inaugural lighting of the Christmas Tree adorned with exquisite ornaments handcrafted from capiz by Ascott BGC’s partner beneficiary, Bataan Shell Craft Trading.
The decorations were made available for purchase at a dedicated booth in the ballroom foyer, allowing guests to support Filipino craftsmanship in a meaningful way.
Guests were then ushered into the Orchard Ballroom for a festive dinner, featuring live musical and cultural performances, complemented by a masterful culinary showcase by Ascott BGC’s culinary team led by Scott’s Restaurant executive chef Prince Patiño.
More information about Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila is available at www.discoverasr.com/en/ascott-the-residence/philippines/ascott-bonifacio-global-city-manila. For more details on The Ascott Limited Philippines, visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited and follow the group on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Christmas magic at John Hay Hotels
This holiday season, John Hay Hotels invites everyone to a celebration like no other as the iconic mountain retreat transforms into a world of wonder with “A Magical Cirque Christmas,” ongoing until January 15, 2026.
Long known as the Summer Capital, Baguio now shines even brighter as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. Under the new leadership of Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), John Hay Hotels ushers in a new era symbolized by this year’s Grand Christmas Tree Lighting held last November 21 at the Garden and Forest Wings. “Our hope is that the beautiful moments you create here become part of your fondest holiday memories, and that you experience the true magic of Christmas in the highlands,” said Landco Pacific Corporation and Landco Lifestyle Ventures president and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano
At the Garden Wing (formerly The Manor), mesmerizing light shows, carnival attractions, and cirque performances await, while outdoor movie nights and curated food booths offer perfect flavors for the season. At the Forest Wing (formerly The Forest Lodge), a world of whimsy and festive delight runs daily from 11 am to 10 pm, with acoustic nights, encounters with Santa’s elves and moments with Santa, and traditions such as Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo, and Misa de Año Nuevo.
Guests can also unwind during sunset chill-out sessions at the Helipad Summit Garden, enjoy the Christmas Eve Cocktail Party, explore the Christmas Day Carnival Market, feast at the New Year’s Eve Dinner and join the lively Countdown, and welcome the new year with the festive Parade of the Three Kings.
Inspired by the Cordillera’s beloved Dap-ayan, where stories are shared and community thrives, the Dap-ayan Spirits is a signature holiday cocktail crafted with Sagada gin, tapuy, and a hint of etag, available exclusively at St. Patrick’s Bar at the Forest Wing. Local artisans, producers, and craftsmen showcase their rich heritage at the Holiday Market through woven textiles, woodcarvings, hand-beaded jewelry, and farm-fresh delicacies.
For John Hay Hotels inquiries and reservations: call trunkline tel. no. (074) 637-4720; email: reservationsatmanor@campjohnhayhotels.com or reservationsatforestlodge@campjohnhayhotels.com ; book via https://www.johnhayhotels.com/; or follow The John Hay Hotels on social media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Lights of the season at Diamond Hotel
A long-time tradition of Diamond Hotel Philippines, the tree-lighting ceremony gathers clients, partners, and friends to light the grand Christmas tree and officially mark the beginning of the yuletide season.
Gracing the recent event were (pictured) Tourism Attaché of the Embassy of Malaysia Mohd Faizal Bin Sharip, financial controller of Diamond Hotel Philippines Jonna Gache, Mayor of the City of Manila Francisco “Isko” Domagoso, general manager of Diamond Hotel Philippines Gino Mariñas, Vice Mayor of the City of Manila Angela Lei “Chi” Ilagan Atienza-Valdepeñas, special guest Jose Mari Chan, and vice president for admin and finance of Diamond Hotel Philippines Lou Yabut. The Kilyawan Consortium of Voices also performed heartwarming carols.
Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila. For inquiries, call tel. no. 528-3000 or send an inquiry to.diamondhotel.com/contact. For hotel updates and special offerings, follow the hotel on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @DiamondHotelPh.
Curated Christmas offerings from Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila
Joy-Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila, managed by The Ascott Limited, ushers in the festive season with “Unwrapping Joy: A Curated Christmas” for December 2025. A Yuletide Retreat Room Packagehas rates starting from P10,000++ for a Studio Executive Suite and from P12,000++ for a One Bedroom Executive Suite, including an overnight stay with breakfast buffet for two adults and two kids below six years old, plus a petit white Christmas cake. For a sumptuous culinary experience, the hotel presents the Festive Table Christmas Buffetat The Nostalgia Lounge and Bar. The Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet is priced at P3,888 net per person, with live entertainment on December 24, at 6 pm, and the Christmas Day Brunch Buffet is P2,488 net per person, with live entertainment on December 25, at 10 am. A Holiday Indulgence Lunch Buffetis available at P1,688 net per person until January 6, 2026.
Enjoy Season’s Shareables Holiday Sharing Platter Setsat The Nostalgia Lounge and Bar or via room service, available until December 30, in three variants: Fiesta (Filipino Set), Noel (Traditional Set), and Merry (American Set), with pricing starting from P4,990 net per set for four to five persons and P9,990 net for eight to 10 persons. For larger celebrations, pre-ordered Holiday Setsmust be placed 48 hours in advance, with such choices as porchetta, ham, turkey, and salmon. Prices start at P3,990 net per set. Choose from among Curated Giftinghampers such as the Joy Set(P3,500 net) or the Festive Set (P4,500 net). A selection of Christmas goodiesis also available.
Finally, conclude the season at the “Midnight & Music: Countdown Party on The Roof.” The New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet and Countdown Party is priced at P2,888 net per person for a gourmet dinner buffet, one glass of wine or a cocktail, party favors for the countdown, DJ beats, and a front-row view of the spectacular city fireworks. Dinner starts at 8 pm, and the party begins at 10:30 pm on December 31.
For more details, view the holiday eBrochure: tr.ee/UnwrappingJoy. For inquiries and reservations, call tel. nos. (0961) 567-9658 or 7719-1160, or email restaurant.aom@the-ascott.com.
Welcoming the holidays at The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel ushered in the most festive time of the year with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, transforming its Grand Lobby into a showcase of Filipino holiday traditions with this year’s theme, “Pasko sa Nayon.”
The hotel’s Christmas Tree, adorned with handcrafted ornaments, was designed by The Manila Hotel’s social director and design consultant Rachy Cuna, and features accents such as woven baskets, horse figures, and large puso ornaments inspired by the traditional hanging rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves.
The lighting ceremony was graced by The Manila Hotel’s Board of Directors led by chairman Basilio C. Yap, president Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., executive vice president Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr., director Atty. Salvador C. Medialdea, and vice president for sales and marketing Marvin Kim Tan. Joining them were City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza, Department of Tourism assistant regional director Ivan Agote, director of tourism standards, regulations, and human capital development Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, administrator of Intramuros Administration Atty. Joan Padilla, and Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts Manila officer-in-charge Cristal Bagatsing. The Office of the President Chorale sang timeless carols, and The Manila Hotel also extended its annual support to the House of Refuge, sharing hope and kindness with children in need.
Shared moments at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila welcomed the festive season with its much-anticipated Golden Nights Tree Lighting Ceremony last November 3.
The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests from the Department of Tourism, the City Government of Pasig, the Pasig City Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office, and the Pasig City Tourism Council, and featured performances by Cathy Go, The Manila String Machine, and Voce de Angeli. “We are honored to welcome another season of celebration and togetherness,” said general manager Fredrik Johansson.
This season, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila invites guests to indulge in an array of signature offerings. Café Pronto presents holiday treats and premium gift hampers, while Cucina delights with its buffet featuring international and local favorites. Lung Hin offers Cantonese set menus, and Connect Lounge serves afternoon sips perfect for gatherings. To welcome the New Year, Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge will host its highly anticipated countdown celebration above the glittering city skyline.
For more information, visit https://store-manila.marcopolohotels.com/en/index/. For reservations and inquiries, call tel. no. 7720-7777 or email manila@marcopolohotels.com.
Spreading the spirit of Christmas on board the Nutella Express
The Nutella brand team and media came together last November 21 to celebrate the holiday spirit through a Nutella Christmas Express pop-up filled with Nutella goodies and treats. A delightful, train-shaped Christmas pop-up appeared at the Bonifacio Global City Runnr Area, inspired by the quaint and lively Christmas villages abroad, where food trucks abound.
Guests were invited to indulge in Nutella treats and Christmas bites, made even better with Nutella. Think cinnamon rolls, tiramisu, bibingka, and champorado. Then, they moved along the craft car and created their own festive kit, packed with Nutella goodies, including a limited-edition Nutella sweater. Best of all, guests personalized their very own Nutella Christmas jars by adding their names and that of their loved ones or gift recipients to make them truly special. This season, Nutella invites Filipino families to hop on board the Nutella Express, celebrate #PaskongPinoyTraditions, and #SpreadNutellaLove.
Visit www.nutella.com.ph for more Christmas recipe inspirations, or follow them on Facebook: @NutellaPhilippines and Instagram: @nutellaphofficial
Ringing in the celebrations at Okada Manila
Forbes 5-star integrated resort Okada Manila ushered in the most wonderful time of the year with its spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Carnival Grand Opening at the Fountain Foyer on November 14, 2025.
The evening dazzled guests with exciting performances from the Okada Manila Entertainment Group, Cardong Trumpo, Pilipinas Got Talent 2025 champion, and multi-awarded artist Darren Espanto. The night culminated in the ceremonial lighting of Okada Manila’s magnificent Christmas tree, inspired by the resort’s holiday theme, Christmas Carnival, a series of events from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Guests can indulge in an array of festive dining experiences. At La Piazza, Cena Di Natale presents an Italian-inspired feast by Chef Mattia Stroppa, for an elegant family-style celebration for P10,000. Medley Buffet offers a holiday spread with seasonal specialties starting at P4,888 for adults and P2,088 for kids, while Kiapo serves Paskong Pinoy favorites such as bibingka and puto bumbong available only during the holiday season. Guests can also enjoy Enbu’s Japanese Holiday Family Feast for P8,088.
Those looking to unwind can bask in the comfort of the Holiday Wellness Sets, available at The Retreat Spa, The Sole Retreat, Beauty Salon, The Barbershop, and Nail Art Studio, with packages starting at P2,888. Guests can continue their holiday journey at the Pastry Shop, where Sweet Moments, Festive Delights presents handcrafted confections starting at P280. Complementing these experiences are the Christmas Village, live performances by the Okada Manila Entertainment Group, and shows at The Fountain.
For more information about Okada Manila’s holiday experiences and offerings, visit www.okadamanila.com or follow @okadamanila on social media.
Luxent Hotel launches ‘Holiday in the City of Stars’
Luxent Hotel proudly unveils “Holiday in the City of Stars,” a festive campaign to bring warmth, togetherness, and unforgettable moments to guests celebrating the Christmas and New Year season in the heart of Quezon City.
This season, guests can enjoy Luxent Hotel’s exclusive Stay, Celebrate, & Dine packages which include overnight accommodations for two, international breakfast buffet, a holiday lunch or dinner buffet, and access to premium amenities such as the Vertigo Roof Deck Pool, Fun&Fit Game Room, and the hotel gym. The Deluxe Room is priced at P9,800 per night for two persons, while the Premier Room is priced at P10,300 per night for two persons
Guests can savor the flavors of the season through Luxent Hotel’s Merry Festive Feast on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Eve on December 30, and New Year’s Eve.Each buffet is priced at P2,888 per person.
The hotel also introduces Holiday Breads, as well as two special beverages available throughout the month: Strawberry Velvet Splash and North Pole. Guests can also enjoy Holiday Moments with Lex, the hotel’s beloved mascot, every Friday and Saturday, A Magical Santa Visit on Christmas Eve, and a 2026 New Year Countdown at the Vertigo Pool Deck Bar.
www.luxenthotel.com/en
