Joel Cruz, president and CEO of Aficionado Germany Perfume, celebrated the birthday of his twins, Harry and Harvey, at the grand ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino .

 

The Disney-themed children’s bash had photo booths of “Winnie the Pooh,” “Frozen” and “Toy Story” at the foyer.

 

Disney characters including princes and princesses welcomed the party guests. The program opened with videos to introduce Joel’s famille—his first set of twins, Sean and Synne, and the birthday boys Harry and Harvey.

 

A parade of waiters served dinner to the tune of “Be Our Guest” (from the “Beauty and the Beast” soundtrack), played by a live symphony orchestra.

 

The delightful meal was properly paired with select wines from Spain, California and France for the adults, naturellement.

 

Highlighting the party, dahlings, was the costume contest for the kids and adults, with the children wearing Disney costumes and the adults in national costumes inspired by the Disneyland ride, It’s A Small World.

 

The winning kid was given a trip to Boracay via Cebu Pacific and a stay at the District Hotel, while the winning adult was treated to a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland via Philippine Airlines and a stay at the Hollywood Disney Hotel.

 

Giveaways included stuffed toys and other stuff for all ages and, of course, Aficionado Perfume products.

 

 

Christmas magic at Marriott

 

One must see the 26-foot Christmas tree at the lobby of Marriott Hotel Manila. Its gold ornaments are enhanced by beautiful fairy dolls that seem to spread pixie dust on spectators.

 

At the official lighting ceremony recently, a lady wearing glistening attire surprised the guests—my palangga Tessa Prieto-Valdes.

 

She turned out to be the program emcee, as she introduced Marriott Manila general manager Bruce Winton who welcomed the guests and briefly discussed the hotel’s holiday offerings.

 

While indulging on savories and sweets created by executive chef Meik Brammer and his kitchen team, the guests admired the graceful performance of little ballerina Sage Espiritu. After some twists and turns, she handed the magic wand to gorgeous Marian Rivera-Dantes, no less.

And with one swing of Marian’s wand, she seemed to have cast a magic spell in the hotel’s lobby!

 

The splendid Christmas tree was lit and jaws dropped at the dazzling sight.

 

Himig Roseña serenaded the guests with lovely Christmas carols. Santa Claus and his fairy gang came down the elegant staircase and gave away presents from his red sack, and the gingerbread man and snowman mascots hugged kids and adults alike.

 

Enjoying themselves no end were students and administrators of the Philippine School for the Deaf, the Christmas beneficiary of Marriott Manila.

 

“This year, the hotel will help raise funds to jump-start the construction of additional dormitories to accommodate more indigent students,” said Michelle Garcia, Marriott communications director.

 

“Every purchase of Rio, the Unicorn, will aid in this advocacy,” she added. “The limited-edition stuffed toy is available at the life-size gingerbread train at the hotel lobby for only P500.”

 

Call 988 9999; visit www.manilamarriott.com.

 

 

Filinvest City

 

Filinvest City’s Christmas Lights Symphony highlighted the seamless interweaving of original music remixes in a mesmerizing 5-minute light show.

 

There was also a live musical performance by The Company.

 

Spotted enjoying the event were Dyan Castillejo, Mikaela Lagdameo, Amina Aranaz, Regine Angeles, Van Vic Leano and DJ Tracy Abad.

 

Dahlings, you’ve got to see this marvelous Christmas light show! Take note that it runs twice every hour from 6 to 9 p.m. till Dec. 31.

 

Likewise, explore the beautiful garden of Filinvest City while taking advantage of the unique opportunities presented by the bustling business center.

 

Visit as well the entertainment and dining hub where everything big happens. Indulge in the eye-catching décor lining the streets, as the City continues to give people entertaining and enthralling visual delights close to their homes, palangga.

 

Filipino band Hale will perform at Filinvest City on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.