Annual lighting of trees heralds Christmas at Solaire

Solaire recently held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, with the theme “Heart of the Holidays.”

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. president and COO Alfredo C. Lim, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Bloomberry Resorts Corp. president and COO Thomas Arasi, Bloomberry vice chair for construction and regulatory affairs Donato C. Almeda, Solaire executive vice president for VIP marketing and services Laurence Upton, and Solaire senior vice president for resort operations David Batchelor lit two 24-ft trees at the hotel’s main lobby.

Roughly 25,000 LED lights made the trees sparkle and shine along with beautiful star tree toppers made of capiz.

Guests witnessed the live performance of Ballet Manila’s costumed characters from “The Nutcracker” and were serenaded with Christmas carols by Cris Villonco, Sheila Valderrama and Carla Guevarra.

“I am pleased that more guests and patrons look forward to this annual gathering,” Arasi said. “I don’t think I have ever seen such a large turnout for this event in other countries. The Christmas spirit in the Philippines is truly amazing.”

WEDNESDAY / NOVEMBER 13, 2019 WWW.INQUIRER.NET Ballet Manila performing “Nutcracker”

Solaire officials Laurence Upton, Thomas Arasi, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Alfredo C. Lim of Pagcor, and Solaire’s Donato C. Almeda and David Batchelor

Entertainers Cris Villonco, Shiela Valderrama and Carla Guevarra; and (left) Thomas Arasi, Solaire president and chief operating officer