Admiral Hotel launches ‘Once Upon a Filipino Christmas’
Admiral Hotel Manila–MGallery ushered in the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony last November 15, 2023, at its Filipino-Spanish-inspired lobby restaurant, El Atrio Lounge. Adapting the theme “Once Upon a Filipino Christmas,” this luxury boutique hotel is set to offer its guests a Pinoy Christmas experience, revolving around design, gastronomy, mixology, wellness, and a sustainable community.
The event was graced by Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, who led the tree lighting ceremony with Admiral’s hotel manager for rooms Marie Buenaobra and hotel manager for F&B operations Quentin Renard. Also present were Coron, Palawan Mayor Mario Reyes, Jr., Coast Guard Commodore Genito B. Basilio of the Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center, guests, partners, and friends from the media.
“We wish to celebrate all the wonderful stories from your most cherished moments of the Christmas season, whether it’s a new memory or a rekindled old one,” Admiral Hotel general manager Matthieu Busschaërt said, “from the most beautiful places you visited to the sumptuous meals you enjoyed and the traditions you shared with loved ones.”
The Philippine Coast Guard Choir serenaded guests with a line-up of festive songs, while the hotel’s very own Aleah Almanzar from the housekeeping department showcased her talent with a special song number accompanied by pianist and music arranger Alejandro Melbourne Laurente.
Admiral Hotel partnered with Nepatalie “Rico” Aunzo, a.k.a. Pedrong Masipag, to create 10 masterpieces now on exhibit at El Atrio Lounge until January 15, 2024. Each of the acrylic paintings on 36” x 36” canvas will reflect stories of Filipino Christmas celebrations in Manila and at the Admiral Hotel. Proceeds from sales will be donated to the hotel’s chosen organization, Childhope Philippines.
The initiative “Hope with an Angel” for street children was also launched. Angel figurines made of recycled bottles are available for sale, as well as other Admiral Hotel holiday greeting cards and sticker booklets. Childhope Philippines’ vision is to help urban poor children access their rights, protection, and development so they grow to be responsible members of society.
Admiral Hotel is at 2138 Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, tel. no. 5318-9000.
Diamond Hotel Philippines lights up the holidays
The Christmas season officially started at Diamond Hotel Philippines with a dazzling Christmas tree lighting event graced by esteemed guests, including Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, Department of Tourism-NCR Regional Office director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, valued clients, guests, and media friends.
Accompanied by Diamond Hotel’s general manager Gino Mariñas, the guests illuminated the hotel’s impressive 25-foot Christmas tree, marking the commencement of the festive season. The Diamond Movers and Summer Wind Choir performed, and the event also hosted the children of Malate Church, courtesy of hotel employees.
According to Christmas tree designer FJ Sionson, the centerpiece is meant to bring happiness to kids, creating a wonderful experience that they will remember for a lifetime. The tree is adorned with candy canes, peppermint candies, red bonbons, vibrant lollipops, stuffed teddy bears, and playful reindeer.
Diamond Hotel is also championing a charity drive and inviting guests to contribute to Better World Tondo. For a donation of P300, guests can hang a Christmas ornament bearing their names on the Charity Tree in the lobby.
Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila, tel. no. 8528-3000, or email guestservices@diamondhotel.com. Visit www.diamondhotel.com, or follow the hotel on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @DiamondHotelPh.
The magic of a Filipino Christmas at Hilton Manila
Hilton Manila is thrilled to unveil a series of festive offerings in the enchanting spirit of a Filipino Christmas. Under the theme “Traditions and Tidings–Unwrap the Magic of a Filipino Christmas,” Hilton Manila invites guests to celebrate the holiday season in style with a myriad of delightful experiences.
At Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise, indulge in Shanghainese cuisine with the Destiny Imperial Set Menu, now available until 31 December. The star of the menu is a savory Peking Duck served two ways, which caters to six persons for P12,888++ or 10 persons for P18,888++.
Kusina Sea Kitchens presents an array of festive buffet feasts. The Yuletide Buffet offers weekend lunch at P2,500++ per person and dinner buffet at P2,800++ per person until 23 December, featuring free-flowing select beverages and a Christmas choir every Friday at 7 pm. The Festive Fiesta Buffet runs from 26 to 30 December, with lunch at P2,500++ per person, and dinner at P2,800++ per person. On Christmas Eve (24 December) and Christmas Day (25 December), enjoy a special buffet with entertainment from a Christmas choir, a Santa Claus with gifts, and Christmas bonbons (P3,500++ for Christmas Eve dinner buffet, and P3,000++ for Christmas Day lunch and dinner buffet).
At Madison Lounge, the Christmas Western Bundle (P5,500++) and Christmas Chinese Bundle (P6,500++) serve three to four persons and include an assortment of mouthwatering dishes, such as a Pineapple Glazed Slice Ham and Hua Yuan Fragrant Tea Smoked Duck. Alternatively, opt for ala carte orders, such as Whole Imperial Peking Duck with Chinese Pancake at P5,888++, Whole Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Sauce at P5,600++, Air-Dried Lechon Belly Roll with Vegetables at P2,000++,
Honey Cured Ham with Vegetables at P3,000++, Whole Herb Marinated Chicken with Vegetables at P1,800++, and Smoked Beef Brisket in BBQ Sauce at P2,500++
Christmas hampers filled with Christmas treats come in boxes that allude to this year’s theme: the Kultura (Culture) at P3,900++, Sining (Arts) at P5,900++, and Musika (Music) at P7,900++. Guests can customize their own hamper at the Hilton Manila Gingerbread House.
Guests can embrace the Christmas spirit with adorable Christmas bears Lucio, Pacita, and Teodoro. Hilton Manila donates P50 from each bear purchase to the Pasay Social Development Center
At the Freestyle Pool Bar, enjoy Christmas cocktails. Until 31 December, patrons can indulge in Port Bar’s Christmas Punch Cocktails, offering choices like Drunk in Love, Classic Mojito, and Sangria. The Merry Margarita Flight is available until 31 December, including four varieties of Margarita concoctions paired with bar chow.
Hilton Manila’s “Festive Room Package: Tidings of Comfort and Joy” offers guests a rejuvenating stay starting at just P14,888++, including a scrumptious breakfast, wireless internet access, and a choice between a festive lunch or dinner buffet at Kusina Sea Kitchens. The hotel’s Premium Vubble Package dining experience unfolds within an intimate glass capsule and features a five-course holiday set dinner at P18,500++ for two people.
Embrace the festivities with customized menus for a Christmas party with friends, families, and loved ones. Hilton honors senior citizens and PWD cardholders. Reservations require a deposit by 15 December 2023.
For inquiries and reservations, call tel. no. 7239-7788, email MNLPH_F&Binquiries@hilton.com, visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mnlphhi-hilton-manila/, or view the Traditions and Tidings festive brochure. Follow @hiltonmanila on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
Hotel101 Group shines a light on sustainability
Hotel101 Group, the hospitality arm of DoubleDragon Corporation, celebrated sustainability at the 2023 Christmas tree lighting held at their newest hotel, Hotel101–Fort in Taguig City.
“This year, we have the distinct pleasure of hosting you here at our newest hotel, Hotel101–Fort, a testament to the growth and expansion of the Hotel101 Group, not only in the Philippines but also globally,” said Hotel101 Group general manager Gel Gomez.
The evening was also a celebration of the 101 Stay Green campaign, launched in 2022, with Hotel101 Group engaging in projects like information education campaigns, tree planting, coastal clean-ups, and the Bike Happy program in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Coast Guard, local government units, and various stakeholders.
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the 2nd 101 Stay Green Champions who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental protection. The awardees included Taguig City mayor Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano, Malay mayor Frolibar Bautista, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Department of Transportation undersecretary Anneli Lontoc, Department of Tourism NCR director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Booking.com, and International School of Sustainable Tourism chair and president Dr. Mina Gabor.
For more information on the Hotel101 Group, please contact Brian Ong, head of public relations, at tel. no. (+63917) 838-8514 or email brian.ong@hotelofasia.com.ph.
Manila Hotel holds annual tree lighting ceremony
The Manila Hotel ushered in the holiday season with a festive celebration steeped in Filipino traditions, as they held their annual tree lighting ceremony last November 9.
The splendid Christmas tree was adorned with golden ilang-ilang blooms, a nod to the official flower of the Grand Dame. The color palette featured gold, natural hues, and vibrant red, the brainchild of Rachy Cuna, The Manila Hotel creative and design director.
The ceremony was graced by The Manila Hotel chairman Basilio Yap, vice chairman Dr. Emilio Yap III, president Atty. Joey Lina, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta, Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, Department of Tourism NCR regional director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Nigeria Ambassador Folakemi Akinleye, and Miss Philippines Air 2023 Kerri Reilly. The Office of the President Chorale serenaded the audience with traditional Christmas carols.
“As we aspire to be a part of every family’s Christmas celebration, may our lit Christmas tree serve as a reflection of the hotel’s commitment to embodying the spirit of Filipino traditions this holiday season,” said Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel director of sales and marketing. The Manila Hotel has chosen the House of Refuge, a halfway house for street children, as the beneficiary of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Contact Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel’s director of sales and marketing, at tel. no. (+63998) 951-1912, email k.tan@themanilahotel.com. The Manila Hotel is at One Rizal Park, 0913, Manila, Philippines.
Celebrate in Gatsby style at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila presents fine traditional Christmas and New Year fare as the wonderful 1920s comes to life at the hotel until 2 January 2024.
A decadent buffet spread is the highlight at Cucina all-day dining restaurant on 24, 25 and 31 December, as well as 1 January, which includes a prized tomahawk, festive turkey with traditional trimmings and pudding, and the restaurant’s best-tasting grill selections, succulent greens, and more. Patrons may elevate their enjoyment with an add-on beverage package for sodas, house wine, juices, or prosecco. The hotel’s award-winning Cantonese restaurant, Lung Hin, offers set menus for five and 10 diners, featuring fresh seafood, choice meats, full-flavored soups, and scrumptious desserts. The Connect Lounge serves Gatsby-themed cocktails, and the hotel brings back its sought-after hampers, filled with a quality selection of fine food, wine, and treats.
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is also opening its Continental Club Lounge on the 44th floor with stunning views of the Ortigas skyline and Rizal mountains. Enjoy a superb four-course set dinner on New Year’s Eve with a mouthwatering menu that includes Japanese Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, 24-hour Angus Braised Short Ribs, Aged Cognac Lobster Bisque Cappuccino, Gianduja Chocolate Mousse, and Panettone Crumble Orange Vanilla Sauce. The meal comes with a glass of Rothbury Shiraz or Chardonnay, to complement the fine dining experience.
Partygoers can ring in the New Year at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge on 31 December. Experience a delightful staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila with friends and family this Christmas and New Year.
Call Marco Polo Ortigas Manila at tel. no. 7720-7777. Visit marcopolohotels.com.
