Christmas in Cebu
Now that the holidays are in full swing, we thought we’d take a look at how some establishments in Cebu observe the Christmas season. Collected here are a handful of photographs that capture the holiday festivities.
The Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino had its annual Christmas tree-lighting tradition titled, “A Timeless Christmas” at the hotel’s majestic Lobby.
Headed by general manager Anders Hallden, the 28-feet tall Christmas tree was lit alongside guests Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Senator Nancy Binay, Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña, and artist Moira dela Torre.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Waterfront Hotel recognized two foundations, the “Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko,” for embracing advocacy for the poor and care for the indigent patients and I Can Serve which provides a circle of support for women who were newly diagnosed, women on cancer treatments, and women in remission navigating through their life changes. It also gave plaques of recognition to individuals Philipp Tampus, Mary Anne Alcordo Solomon, the Pink Sisters, and Jennifer Ty of Oro China for supporting the hotel’s “Waterfront Goes Pink” campaign.
Adding a bit of surprise, JV Decena, Joaquin and Moira dela Torre serenaded the guests and spectators.
Bai Hotel VP for operations and GM Alfred Reyes and World Hotels president for Asia Pacific Roland Jegge.
Bai Hotel Cebu, VisMins, biggest hotel to date, formally opened its doors to business and leisure guests, and ushered in the holiday season with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and tree-lighting ceremony led by Department of Tourism regional director Shalimar Hofer Tamano, World Hotels president for Asia Pacific Roland Jegge and Bai Hotel Cebu general manager Alfred Reyes. The festivities featured Binibining Cebu 2018 Steffi Aberasturi and singer and theater actress Juanita Romualdez. This was followed by an opening gala at the ballroom with musical performance by Morisette Amon.
The Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, soon to be the premier Safari Park in the country and in Asia, has planned out many activities and events to get visitors in the merry mood and holiday spirit. For starters, the Safari park set in the mountains of Carmen, is open every day during the entire month of December. Guests can enjoy several promotions that include money vouchers, souvenir items and choice rides such as ATV experience trail, Zipline (touted as the 2nd longest in Asia), and Zipbike. The Safari glides the fine line between thrills and low stress, ranking high in the surveys for its beauty, adventure, safety and is definitely a must-visit destination when visiting Cebu.
Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa kicked off the festive season with a lustrous Christmas tree lighting that featured a jolly performance from the adorable little kids of Children’s Haven Orphanage, the resorts CSR beneficiary. This year’s sparkling silver and blue tree called “The Caring Tree” is unlike any other as it symbolizes hope and joy — which is what Christmas is about.
