Santa’s workshop at Marriott Manila

From a life-size gingerbread train carrying festive goodies and hampers to the stunning 20-ft Christmas tree – the holiday spirit in Marriott Manila was definitely high!

The tree lighting opened with games for the kids, followed by a choral performance by Colegio de Santa Rosa’s Himig Roseña. Fragrance mogul Joel Cruz and his seven children along with Cluster GM for Marriott Manila, Sheraton Hotel Manila and Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo Bruce Winton led the lighting ceremony. And then came Santa, walking down the staircase, but the festivities did not end there. Santa invited guests to the Manila Ballroom, which was magically transformed into Santa’s workshop: Christmas lights and stars hanging from the ceiling, gingerbread house, candy canes and Santa’s sleigh where kids lined up to get their gifts and have their photo taken. There was also a huge pan of chicken sisig at the center and holiday desserts like the Santa chocolate carvings.

More than the glittering decorations and treats, Christmas is all about giving. Marriott Manila announced that all plastics from the hotel were made into school chairs for the Philippine School for the Deaf with the help of Envirotech. This has not only contributed to the sustainability efforts of the hotel, but also created better opportunities for learning for the students in their partner community.