The Start of the Christmas Season
Tradition is defined as “the handing down of customs, practices and beliefs that are valued by a particular culture.” It has become a tradition among the better hotels and shopping centers in Cebu to mark the start of the Christmas season with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Members of the press, especially those in the lifestyle section, are often invited to such occasions. The press relations officers of establishments often coordinate among themselves so that their individual lighting ceremonies would be scheduled on different dates, to ensure good guest attendance.
I began my merry journey this year with the ringing of the Christmas bells and the lighting of the Christmas tree, last November 11, at the Quest Hotel & Conference Center. Guest of honor was Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and former DOT 7 director Dawnie Roa. Quest executives led by general manager Mia Singson-Leon and PR manager Kat Toledo welcomed guests, friends and members of the press and bloggers.
A buffet dinner followed at the Pusô Bistro & Bar and I was granted permission to take food photos for this article before those beautiful food arrangements got disassembled. Quest chefs and the kitchen brigade exerted due diligence to make the food not only taste delicious but clothe it with the vibrant colors of Christmas, too.
Quest Hotel Holiday Roast Lamb, Paella Valenciana, Lemongrass Buttermilk Chicken, Fish Cordon Bleu with Orange Beurre Blanc and the Leche Flan looked marvelous. If your appetite would not be stimulated by the comely presentations, you might be color blind! I wish I had more space to show the rest of the stunning dishes.
A week later, on November 17, the reindeer sleigh dropped me at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino for the grand Christmas Tree Lighting. Waterfront general manager Anders Hallden and Cebu City councilor Margot Osmeña launched the festivities with entertainment provided by the World Championship of Performing Arts 2005 grand champion Jed Madela and Cebuana Jolianne Salvado, who is only 13 years old. Some people are really born with talent; the rest, well, they are just born.
After the trees were lighted, the “La Voca” dinner concert started at the Pacific Grand Ballroom. It was for the benefit of Caritas Cebu Inc. Opening the dinner was the appetizer, Smoked Salmon with Honey Dill Mustard & Rye Bread. Nice! Main dish was the Roasted Boneless Chicken Leg with Vegetable Polenta & Onion Gravy.
Polenta is an Italian dish of boiled corn meal and it was quite a surprise because, excuse me, Cebuanos have been eating this for a long time, boiled “mais numero katorse.” Deboning the chicken allowed the spices to penetrate the muscles with ease which result to a delicious meal. Dessert was Traditional Cassava Cake with Cheddar Cheese.
By the way, have you read that fresh off Thanksgiving weekend, President Trump referred to himself as “your favorite President.” Well, you read the phrase, first, here at The Freeman.