Dusit Thani Manila celebrates the Yuletide Season by bringing back its Christmas Tree Project, with the theme family tree. This year, the hotel invited some of the country’s most celebrated families to participate and spread the spirit of the season by creating and designing their own tree that best evokes their family values.

The entries are on exhibit at the hotel lobby. The participating families include the Aldaneses, Carrions, Cruzes, Cunanans, De Venecias, Jacintos, Llamases, Villars and Yaos.

The Jacinto Family Tree, represented by rock-’n’-roller RJ Jacinto and wife Frannie, is adorned with angels carrying musical instruments. The Llamases, who are into concert productions, has a similar entry, this time with a grand piano as centerpiece.

Most eco-friendly is the entry of Sen. Manny and Cynthia Villar. Their tree is in the shape of three ship sails (one for each of their three children-Mark, Paolo and Camille). The tree is entirely made of water hyacinths meticulously handwoven by artisans from SC Vizcarra.

Perfume-maker Joel Cruz’ tree is a modern art installation utilizing empty perfume bottles in different shapes and sizes. Blue LED lights are used to create multiple reflections. Meanwhile, whimsical describes the entry of Vince and Rhoda Aldanese, made of recycled plastic lids, coasters and mini-plates representing the different flavors of their hot-selling Villa del Conte chocolates.

But easily the most touching is the Christmas Tree fielded by the Vera-Perezes and De Venecias. It is a poignant tribute to Joe and Gina de Venecia’s daughter KC who perished in a freak fire caused by Christmas lights on Christmas Day 2004. Their tree, called Butterflies of Hope, pays homage to KC, as well as other family members who have passed away like patriarch and star-maker Dr. Jose Perez and grand matriarch, mommy Vera Perez. Butterflies are the family’s symbol of hope and renewal.

The hotel has injected more excitement to the project by inviting its guests as well as Facebook fans to cast their votes for their choice as best Christmas Tree. A cash prize of P350,000 awaits the top three winning entries. The winners will split the kitty and donate their share to their chosen charities.

This year’s theme “Family Tree” focuses on bringing families together, celebrating the values and traditions shared throughout the years from generation to generation.