Social diary: 2008 Christmas Events Around Town!:

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino

To officially usher in the Christmas season, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino unveiled its carnival-themed Christmas tree display for kids and the young at heart last November 24.

At the heart of the hotel stands a 20-foot Christmas tree (the tip touching the hotel ceiling) that beckons the festivity of the holiday season. According to the beaming general manager, Marco Protacio, instead of putting up one tree, WCCHC added four more trees, all dressed in different Christmas-y colors, to make the season more festive…the more, the merrier, indeed. The hotel’s 20-feet Christmas tree is an attraction to the hotel guests and local diners.

Kids from Kythe Foundation (a non-stock,non-profit organization that caters to the psycho- social needs of pediatric patients, especially those with chronic illness, in government hospitals around the country) graced the occasion by lighting the Christmas trees at the signal of Mr. Protacio.

A little later, the Fidelis Choir serenaded the guests with Yuletide melodies.

Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino

We were invited to a “Holiday Revelry” at Waterfront Mactan last November 26. No less than PR whiz Lara Verdan-Agua was on hand to warmly receive us at the hotel lobby. An enchanting serenade from the bright young talents of Marigondon Elementary School kicked off the event. This was followed by GM Hembler V. Mendoza’s welcome address. Shortly afterwards, the Christmas tree unveiling and lighting was conducted by no less than Hon. & Mrs. Arturo and Paz Radaza, to the crowd’s applause.

Conceptualized and designed by Elaine Cooper of The Centerpiece to complement the Hotel’s Baroque South Christmas theme, Waterfront Mactan’s Christmas tree dons 100 cords of white rice lights, 100 silver picks, bead swags, 200 pieces of crystal drops, and 150 fist sized clear glass balls. Manufactured by Janice Minor Export Inc., the 18-foot structure was elegantly fabricated out of handmade wrought iron and toned with antique silver finish in classic baroque style.

What followed next were a series of delightful activities which further entertained us: Christmas carols beautifully sung by the group Voice of Cebu; an acrobat show to the ooohs and aahhs of the audience; and the Little Royals Costume Contest (for children below 10 years old and those with the fanciest royal ensembles won an overnight stay at the hotel with breakfast for two, sweet treats in a special Yuletide pack, and their own gingerbread house).

Cocktails and flowing drinks also added to the cozy ambiance of the event. Photos by Aldo Nelbert Banaynal)

Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa

Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa kicked-off the Yuletide season by lighting its six Christmas trees positioned along the rectangular fountain at the center of the Pink Lobby Bar last November 28. 

When Santa Claus stepped out of the Pink Icon (the jeepney), it was the signal to light all the multihued trees. A huge star coming from the ceiling of the foyer traveled towards the huge wishing tree and when it reached the tree top, the trees lit up altogether. The children from the Gawad Kalinga community in Talisay City were the benefactors of the event, and their Christmas wish cards are hung on the wishing tree. The 30 GK kids entertained the guests alongside the Hilton Singing Ambassadors, composed of the resort’s talented staff and crew. (Photos by Aldo Nelbert Banaynal)

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa scheduled its Christmas tree lighting last November 29. Braving the rush hour traffic, we arrived to behold a magnificent sparkling, colorful Christmas tree in the hotel lobby, filled with precious ornaments, gifts and toys. Hotel owner Manny Gonzalez and GM Efren Belarmino graciously welcomed the guests from media, the travel industry, the hotel’s frequent guests and some of the in house guests.

We were then ushered to a dinner party at the Galapagos beach front, where we were treated to a sumptuous feast of grilled roast beef, chicken stroganoff, and Brazilian mixed delicacies. To add to the festive ambiance, the hotel’s talented and flashy Brazilian dancers provided fiery entertainment.

Filipino Christmas at Maribago Bluewater

What better way to signal the start of Christmas than to light one’s way with parols? One of the trademarks of the Filipino Christmas is the parol and last December 5, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort decided to veer away from the usual Christmas Tree lighting. Instead, they greeted the Christmas season together with their guests by lighting up the Filipino Christmas parol.

Together with the lighting of the parols is the opening of the Christmas Bahay Kubo (in lieu of the Gingerbread House) which displayed different Christmas baked goodies that would trully lighten up every Christmas table.

Historically, the parol symbolizes the star that guided the three wise men to the manger where the Christ Child was born. At Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, more than a dozen parols of several sizes would light up one’s way towards the main activity center of the resort. The multitude of stars spread all over the resort will indeed remind one of the reason of the festivity, giving every guest an experience of a warm tropical Filipino Christmas.

We have photos of these events…enjoy our spread…and Happy Holidays!