Brightening up the holidays

Hundreds of tivoli lights lit up the magnificent fir tree brought in from Oregon, USA, during Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s recent cocktail reception to kick off the holiday season. The evening sparkled even more so because of the funds raised that night to launch the hotel’s holiday fund drive for the Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation (SAS).

Thanks to Mandarin general manager Mark Bradford and his team, the tree became the centerpiece not only of the hotel’s elegant Christmas décor, but also for the noble cause it espoused. Supporting a noteworthy cause makes it “the perfect tree,” says Bradford as he acknowledged the support of generous friend Mila How for helping bring in the tree.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr., SAS founders Margarita Delgado and Lizzie Zobel together with Louie Locsin, wife of congressman Teddy Locsin Jr., officiated the tree-lighting ceremony. 

Exquisite foie gras from world leader distributor of the prized delicacy Rougié, pan-fried duck liver and other gourmet specialties such as chocolate sculptures and mince pies were offered in unique, intriguing layouts created by executive chef Rene Ottlik and executive pastry chef Roberto Molleman.