The Manila Hotel officially marks the start of the Christmas Season with its annual Christmas tree lighting tradition with no less than the City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso as its guest of honor in the ceremony held at the hotel’s grand lobby.Two beauty queens, namely Miss Earth Philippines 2019 Janelle Tee and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Miss Asia Pacific 2019 Klyza Castro, together with Manila Hotel Chairman Basilio C. Yap and President Joey Lina, assisted the mayor in lighting the Christmas tree.

What makes the event more special is Manila Hotel’s long-standing commitment to support the House of Refuge, a shelter that provides basic needs to abandoned, orphaned, and maltreated young children and teens.

During the event, guests were regaled with Christmas carols performed by the Ave Maria Children’s Choir. A special number was also performed by the children from the House of Refuge, who later received gifts from Santa Claus. The hotel’s mascot, Willy the Bear, also showed up to add more joy to the festivities.

The tree lighting event is just one of the many activities the Manila Hotel hosts to celebrate the Christmas season. For several years now, the heritage hotel has paid homage to glory of our Filipino roots. This year’s theme of “Pasko, Pasko, Pasko” is a celebration of Filipino artistry focused on Philippine embroidery known as Calado. In keeping with this, the Grand Lobby is decorated with various embroidered Christmas decors created by members of different communities in Iloilo.

While the colors this year are subdued, mostly highlighted by gold and beige, the hotel’s iconic chandeliers are adorned with capiz shells, something that is truly appreciated by both local and foreign guests. A stunning Christmas House inspired by Iloilo mansion is on display at the lobby entrance, where guests can buy Christmas goodies.