Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila officially marked the start of the festive season with the lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree and handing over of P750,000 check to the Virlanie Foundation as raised from the recently concluded Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 2016.
The Virlanie choir serenaded guests with Christmas carols, with the backdrop of lights reminiscent of Champs-Élysées, Paris, and the Marchés de Noël (Christmas market).
In line with Sofitel’s advocacy of creating a brighter future for less privileged children in Manila, the hotel has been a supporter of the Virlanie Foundation since 2007.
The Virlanie Foundation is a nongovernment organization that supports the street children of Manila. Through the years, Sofitel has launched several projects to help raise funds to support the foundation’s benevolent activities such as “Teach to Reach” and “Adopt a Child” programs.
The biggest project this year was the Sofitel Manila Half Marathon, which has been held since 2014 for the benefit of the children of Virlanie Foundation. Proceeds of the run will be used in the renovation of its community shelters in Makati City.
