Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu recently celebrated its second anniversary with an evening of classical music and the lighting of its Christmas tree, Cebu’s tallest indoor tree.

The event began with a dance number by the University of Cebu Dance Troupe. The artists, clad in blue and silver Victorian-inspired attire, descended from the grand staircase, setting the tone for the night’s festive atmosphere.

Shortly after, guests were invited to witness the formal lighting ceremony of the blue and white Radisson Blu Christmas Tree. Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., with Lyle Lewis, general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu and vice president for Philippines and Japan of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama; and José T. Sio, executive vice president and chief financial officer of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., flicked the giant light switch together and illuminated the Christmas tree in the hotel’s Grand Lobby.

t1223radisson_2 — RADISSON GM Lyle Lewis, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, SMHCC president Elizabeth Sy and SMInvestments Corp. CFO José Sio

t1223radisson_10 — RICA Rellon of Radisson Blu; Rey Villar of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Glenn and Honey Loop; and Glenn Gale

The night’s merrymaking continued in the hotel’s Santa Maria Ballroom where guests were treated to a Christmas concert of timeless classical pieces. The 45-minute show was produced by Nestor Jardin, creative director of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., and directed by Junjet Primor. The impressive lineup of performers included Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra led by Rey Abellana, the internationally acclaimed Mandaue Youth and Children’s Chorus with choirmaster Dennis Sugarol, pianist Dave Sibonga accompanying tenor Ervin Lumauag and internationally acclaimed soprano Rachelle Gerodias.

The concert was capped with an impressive rendition of Mark Hayes’ “A Light of a Million Mornings” by all of the performers.

As lights dimmed to signal the end of the Christmas concert, the red and gold curtains of Santa Maria Ballroom parted to reveal a culinary celebration prepared by the hotel’s team of award-winning chefs. Crowd favorites included an impressive selection of Chinese dim sum, hand-pulled Chinese “La Mien” Noodle Soup, and various carvings including Peking duck, succulent prime rib and lechon. Sweet treats were aplenty with Fruit Mince Pies and Deep Fried Ice Cream topping the list.

t1223radisson_7 — RADISSON Blu Hotel Cebu team with Elizabeth Sy (center), president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. , and creative director Nestor Jardin (at far left)

While guests were happily feasting, the party atmosphere was turned up a notch as the Renaissance Band performed dance anthems in keeping with the evening’s celebration. The celebration was capped off with Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu raffling off prizes including a trip to Shanghai, China, for two and a four-night, five-day stay at the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel New World Shanghai.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu is at Serging Osmeña Boulevard corner Juan Luna Ave., Cebu City, Philippines 6000. For inquiries, call +63 (32) 4029900; or visit www.radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu.