It's Christmastime! Marco Polo Plaza's Festive Christmas

To formally kick off Marco Polo Plaza’s Festive Season, a special tree lighting ceremony was held last December 7 at the hotel lobby.

The St. Jude Choir performed Christmas hymns to signal the start of the celebration. Children, carrying lanterns walked from the atrium toward the grand staircase – these lanterns illuminated the hotel lobby as lights within the area were turned off. It was also the second Sunday of Advent, so guest of honor Gov. Gwen Garcia and Fr. Rolando Manayon lit the second wreath candle.

Children of the associates paraded blue lanterns as the St. Jude Choir filled the atmosphere with Christmas cheers. Guests were amused as Mr. & Mrs. Santa magically descend from the scenic elevator giving the children more excitement. The 20-feet Christmas tree, with mostly gold trimmings, positioned at the center of the lobby was officially lit by Gov. Gwen Garcia and GM Hans Hauri.

Alegre’s homey Christmas tree-lighting ceremony

The hominess and friendly familiarity pervaded in Alegre Beach Resort & Spa’s first ever tree lighting ceremony, as is typical of this cozy 38-room resort.  Hotel guests, staff and friends gathered to usher in the Christmas season.

Just as the sun slipped into the horizon, 30 little angels five to twelve years old, both girls and boys and all children of the hotel staff, gingerly held lighted candles and paraded across the lobby entrance towards the decorated tree at the other end as the Sogod Children’s Choir sang joyful Christmas carols.  The same choir represented Sogod in the Provincial Daygon Contest in SM City. Following close were the resort’s department heads and the guests who brought colorfully-wrapped gifts who each placed their bundles under the tree.

Guests giggled as the children noisily chatted away while resort General Manager Fritz Kahler enlightened the group on the origins of the Christmas tree.  These moments only enhanced the familiarity and lightness of the occasion.  Then the group gathered down at the pool area toting their white balloons where, at Kahler’s cue, everyone released the balloons up to the air!  Each balloon carried a tag sending Christmas greetings from Alegre wherever the winds may lead them to. Amidst the resounding applause, Santa Claus gave out gifts to the kids and Alegre Front Office staff members rendered a song number. Guests were hosted to traditional Christmas cookies and canapés, accompanied by traditional “Gluehwein” – hot spiced wine with special concoctions.