Southern Holiday
In spite of the ongoing pandemic, spirits have not been completely dampened as several commercial establishments have decided to celebrate the holiday season through certain simple commemorations — always with the desire to assist with open hearts and minds. Of course, this is always mindful of the standard health and safety protocols. Here are some highlights to welcome Christmas:
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu kicked of f the festivities with an online Tree Lighting event in partnership with GMA Regional TV. The ceremony started with Asia’s Pop Diva and GMA talent Julie Anne San Jose, followed by the blessing of the tree by Msgr. Jim Gorre.
“Over the last 14 years, we have celebrated our Tree Lighting as our way to signify the start of the festive season. This year is no different, despite the fact that there is a COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to be strong in these important days with this year’s theme, Christmas As Always,” said general manager (GM) Brian Connelly.
In collaboration with GMA Kapuso Foundation, close to two million pesos in donations have likewise been gathered to help support various projects such as the Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan and Give-A-Gift projects, among many others. GM Connelly then turned over all the funds to GMA Regional TV Central and Eastern Visayas station manager Ann Marie Tan and GMA Kapuso Foundation regional coordinator Amabelle Russiana.
Seda Ayala Center Cebu
The Seda Ayala Center Cebu tree lighting ceremony was held at its lobby, centered with a 30-foot Christmas tree, adorned in sustainable eco-friendly and locally sourced materials like capiz and sinamay, with dominant hues of red, silver and gold.
The occasion was led by Seda Ayala Center’s GM Gwen de la Cruz and the management team. The gathering was virtually attended by Ayala Hotels and Resorts Group director of Human Resources Wilma Estaura and Smile Train country director Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, along with other associates from their homes.
While Christmas may be different this year, Seda continues to partner with Smile Train Philippines, an international charity focused on providing free cleft surgeries and after-care for those in need, through a fundraiser of trinkets for sale, ranging from P100 to P300, still available on site.
Radisson Blu Cebu
Radisson Blu Cebu welcomed the merriest time of the year with the annual illumination of its iconic 32-foot Christmas Tree in an intimate and virtual affair led by GM Björn Henning-Buth.
The season of giving was made merrier and more delectable as the deluxe property offered its life- sized gingerbread house, featuring an extravaganza of Christmas cookies, assorted truffles, chocolate figures, traditional stollen cake, fruit cakes and gingerbread houses – all perfect edible gifts to share with family and friends.
Casino Español de Cebu
The Casino Español de Cebu marked the start of the Yuletide period with the lighting of the Tree of Life and Remembrance.
“Let this ceremony serve as a sign of hope in a particularly dark time. We should remember for whom it is being lit: our family, relatives and friends who cannot make it here for Christmas this year. We likewise remember those who have lost someone, the lonely, the ill and the homeless,” club president Eduard Loop shared.
Il Corso Filinvest Lifemalls
Il Corso Filinvest Lifemalls continues to bring the message of faith, hope and love through its 28-feet christmas tree uniquely decorated by Rhyan Jay Denosta, lighted by OIC Deputy general manager and marketing manager George Calles.
This year’s celebration is made even more meaningful by the Gratitude Wall where frontliners post their hopes for kind shoppers to make their dreams a reality. These wishes include basic needs such as sacks of rice, infant milk, preloved Android phones for online classes, full-faced helmets and mini baskets of goodies for noche buena.