Thinkpink

MANILA, Philippines - The Peninsula Manila joins its sister hotels in Asia and North America in showing its support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October with “Peninsula in Pink” – the group-wide campaign to raise both awareness and funds, with signature pink-themed promotions including afternoon teas and a specially designed pink ribbon pin, with a percentage of the proceeds going directly to breast cancer-related charities in each destination.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the world today, accounting for one in 10 of all new cancers diagnosed worldwide and nearly one in four female cancer sufferers. The most common cancer in women in both developed and developing areas, it is the principal cause of death among women globally. Though far less common than in women, it is also possible for men to develop breast cancer, accounting for approximately 1 percent of all breast cancer cases.

“In Southeast Asia, the Philippines has the highest incidence of breast cancer,” says The Peninsula Manila general manager Sonja Vodusek. “For 37 years since opening on Sept. 14, 1976, our hotel has worked with various organizations to help make a difference in the lives of people and to be a pillar of hope in society. As a woman, a sister and a daughter, I believe very strongly in the fight against this terrible disease.”

This is the impetus behind The Peninsula Manila’s continuing partnership with the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. as the charity of choice for its fundraising efforts during the month of October.

The Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that is dedicated to serving mostly indigent patients by sourcing financial assistance and providing emotional support.

For the sixth year running, the hotel will continue with its pink-themed promotions and fund raising efforts, and believing that it takes a concerted community effort to combat the disease, this 2013 The Peninsula Manila is partnering with Cathay Pacific Airways as well as The Estée Lauder Companies whose Breast Cancer (BCA) Campaign is devoted to defeating breast cancer through education and medical research.

In 1992, during a time when thousands were dying from breast cancer yet it was only spoken about in whispers, Evelyn Lauder launched The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness  Campaign to raise awareness for the disease. She encouraged women everywhere to practice breast health, while working tirelessly to raise funds for the critical research needed to find a cure. Twenty-one years later, in over 70 countries, The BCA Campaign is devoted to defeating breast cancer through education and medical research. The BCA Campaign will continue spreading its lifesaving awareness message globally in the hope of a world in which breast cancer no longer exists.

The fight against this dreaded disease runs until Oct. 31. The grand fountain at the front of the hotel and junction of Ayala and Makati avenues will be transformed every night into a shining pink beacon when its 10.5-meter high curved water-cascading steps will be illuminated in pink light from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

An exclusive “Peninsula in Pink” pink ribbon pin has been designed to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Worn by every Peninsula Manila staff member throughout the month, pins are available for sale at a dedicated donation desk in The Lobby for P250, with a portion from each pin sold donated to the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc.

The Peninsula Boutique located at the basement arcade and The Lobby will offer signature pink delicacies like strawberry-rhubarb crumble, berry mirliton, pink opera, raspberry pots de crème, red velvet cupcakes with pink frosting, cherry profiteroles, white chocolate mousse with pink berry splash and cranberry scones. The Lobby’s premium teas selected and blended by The Peninsula’s tea masters will be best enjoyed with a Pink Afternoon Tea of canapés, cranberry scones, raspberry panna cotta, strawberry mousse with vanilla shortbread and other tempting pink treats. The Pink Afternoon Tea can be appreciated on a three-tiered silver server for P880 or from a buffet for P850.

Over at Salon de Ning, help battle breast cancer with a glass of the signature Salon de Ning Rosé Champagne for P1,350 per glass or a bottle for P5,500. A selection of “Peninsula in Pink” inspired cocktails like the pink martini, pink mimosa, pink sangria and pink bellini may be sipped for a good cause for P600.

“This October, we want to encourage our team members and hotel guests to help spread our awareness message by thinking pink,” says Vodusek. “We are delighted to partner with The Estée Lauder Companies because we believe in their anti-breast cancer campaign message of ‘Let’s beat breast cancer. We’re stronger together.’We are also happy to work once more with the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. and to assist them with raising funds and awareness for this dreaded disease that has claimed the lives of thousands. This is our call to action for Filipinos all over to come face-to-face with this life-threatening condition and proactively and concretely deepen their involvement in this noble cause that will save the lives of countless daughters, sisters, mothers and wives.”