One hundred and two holiday seasons after, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas again in the Philippines’ premiere 5-star hotel! It is undeniably the most wonderful time of the year as people look forward to witness a theatrical display of elaborate, festive decors and luminous, grandiose lights along the capital city, Manila.

The same story applies to the busy yet accommodating halls of the Grand Dame. As soon as one enters the Hotel, the Gingerbread House will surely evoke mirthful thoughts and delight the sweet tooth in every kid and kids at heart! The Grand Lobby is abundantly and exuberantly adorned with incandescent LED lights, close-to-being-real pine trees with pinecones, larger than life Antarctic friends like penguins and a polar bear, and the classic Christmas flower that never gets old as time flies – Poinsettia.

This year, The Manila Hotel decided to have a whole new approach to kick off the festive season. More than 300 guests from leading corporations, diplomatic community, media, and hotel friends were present to behold the Grand Lobby Lighting ceremony last November 12, 2015 at the Grand Lobby. As the night emerged, The Manila Hotel’s Resident Manager, Gerhard Doll, welcomed the guests with his opening remarks. The City of Manila’s Vice Mayor Isko Moreno arrived to grace the night’s compelling affair and to lead the lighting of not only the Christmas tree but also the entire Grand Lobby, emanating spectacle and brilliance. As the luminous lights were revealed, a ceremonial toast led by The Manila Hotel’s President, Atty. Joey D. Lina, was done to officially kick-off the Christmas mood at the Hotel. As the night progressed, the world renowned Las Pinas Boys Choir, San Sebastian Chamber Singers and Harmonia Pilipinas serenaded the guests with their cheerful and catchy Christmas carol renditions. The kids of House of Refuge Foundation, the Hotel’s chosen beneficiary, were treated to holiday gifts given by Santa Claus. And at last, a showcase of lavish and appetizing dishes was served to delight the palates of the fanfare attendees.

“We at The Manila Hotel believe that Christmas is all about making grand and worthwhile memories, especially for the children, since it is true that ‘Christmas is for the children’. So this year, we dedicated our time and efforts in coming up with the best Christmas experience for the young ones and even the young at heart” said Nian Liwanag-Rigor, the AVP for PR and Corporate Communications of The Manila Hotel. “We invite everyone to come visit us and experience The Manila Hotel Christmas with our holiday promos and exciting surprises. Make it your ‘place to be’ this season and I assure everyone that it is worth the visit.” added Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr., Executive Vice President of The Manila Hotel. In conjunction with the Grand Lobby Lighting ceremony, The Manila Hotel introduced “Willy, the Bear,” who serves as everybody’s companion this Christmas season. The name “Willy” commemorates and pays tribute to The Manila Hotel’s prided landscape architect, William E. Parsons. To complete a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure, come to the Grand Dame with your little ones and stroll along a colonial-inspired street with lamp posts. Present your specially-designed tickets to watch a movie or even buy goodies from the Christmas Village which will open its doors on December 1, 2015!

This season, as the old adage goes, is a time for giving! Gift your friends and loved ones seasonal specialty hampers including lavish bottles of wine, authentic French macarons, chocolate pralines, Christmas cookies and fruit cakes and many more! A luxurious pampering and the warmth of home await you and your loved ones with our special room offerings. Our various family holiday room packages start at Php7,999.00 NET per room with stay period from December 01, to 31, 2015. For inquiries and reservations, please call our Reservations team at 527 0011 local 1175 to 1179 or email [email protected].

Finally, celebrate the yuletide season with The Manila Hotel’s special set dinners perfect for every family get-togethers! Then, ring the silver and gold bells as we bid goodbye to 2015 and start the year 2016 right with a wide array of gastronomic festivities found in your choice of restaurant outlets and dine at the Cafe Ilang-Ilang, Mabuhay Palace or the Champagne Room. For inquiries or reservations, you may call our Food and Beverage Team at 5270011 local 1261 to 1262. The Manila Hotel invites you to make the Grande Dame the setting of your very own Christmas story, one that manifests world-class hospitality that will make extraordinary holiday memories.

The Manila Hotel, the Philippines’ premier five star and flagship hotel is located at One Rizal Park, Manila. For more information, call 527 0011 or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph; follow us on Facebook and on Twitter and Instagram. ADVT.