Manila Hotel lights up dreamy, whimsical Christmas tree
The Manila Hotel on Wednesday officially kicked off the Yuletide season with a whimsical Christmas tree-lighting ceremony held at the hotel’s grand lobby.
With the theme “Pasko, Pasko, Pasko,” the hotel celebrates local artistry by focusing on Philippine embroidery known as calado.
Designed by the hotel’s style team and its resident stylist Rachy Cuna, the Christmas decor in gold and beige enhances the interiors of the historic hotel.
Lending a sense of arrival is a stunning two-storey Christmas house inspired by Iloilo mansions where guests can buy gift items such as polar bear and Santa Claus toys, and goodies like chocolate bars, fruit cakes, and macarons.
The beautifully designed giant Christmas tree, placed beside the work Early Traders by Fernando Amorsolo, follows the patterns of embroidery and gives an amberish color once lit up.
According to Cuna, most of the materials used for the dé
cor – such as sinamay and jusi – were sourced locally.
“We had different themes for the past four years and for this season, we want to bring to the forefront the beauty the Filipino embroidery is known for the world over,” he said. “We sourced our materials from Panay, and we commissioned a village to do the embroideries.”
The hotel also continues its tradition of giving to its chosen beneficiary which is House of Refuge Foundation, Inc., a halfway house which provides home to abandoned children aged four to 17.
Distinguished guests who graced the joyful celebration include Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, Mutya ng Pilipinas Miss Asia Pacific 2019 Klyza Castro, and Miss Earth Philippines Janelle Tee.