MERRY SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS AT NOVOTEL MANILA
Rekindling the spirit of the season is a lot better at Novotel Manila Araneta City as it launched a meaningful Merry Sustainable Christmas celebration during its festive Christmas tree lighting ceremony held last November 20.
Using recycled scraps, reused decorations and repurposed materials, hotel employees dubbed as Heartists–artists serving with a heart–personally decked the halls with creatively crafted Christmas ornaments.
“Our team wanted to go beyond the walls of the hotel and they wanted to bring attention to a much bigger issue which is sustainability,” said Novotel Manila Araneta City general manager Mike Brown.
Entering the hotel, guests are warmly welcomed at the main lobby by the epic centerpiece Christmas tree composed of 20 layers of 707 empty wine bottles, illuminated with more than 2,600 light bulbs.
“It is indeed the glowing symbol of Novotel Manila Araneta City’s strong commitment in our Accorhotels global Planet 21 sustainability program that implements ways to address environmental and social issues,” expressed by Therese Galindo, Novotel Manila Araneta City's director of guest experience and sustainability.
Other unique decors include an innovative Christmas tree made of damaged trash bins, with a reindeer made out of used soap and button eyes standing beside, ready to prance along. While at the Gourmet Bar and Food Exchange
Manila, Christmas trees made of used wooden spoons, mussels and scallop shells adorn the dining area.
Giving back to the community
A heartfelt gift from Novotel Manila Araneta City through its Rise As One Committee headed by hotel manager Maria Garcia was also presented to two deserving ECPAT Youth and Children Advocates during the celebration.
A six-months apprenticeship program starting January 2020 was graciously received by Danna Joi Campos and Ronnie Baloca, together with ECPAT Philippines project development officer Louie Esguerra.
“We see that the issue of sexual exploitation is also cross-cut with poverty. With Novotel providing this apprenticeship program to initially two youth advocates of ECPAT is a big thing because this will provide them with more than decent work,” Esguerra said.