Christmas around the Metro

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

CEBU, Philippines - Familiar and well-loved local resort, Plantation Bay, invited us to their yearly Christmas Tree Lighting last December 3. Efren Belarmino, the resort’s engaging General Manager and Hannah Patalinjug, their charming PR Associate joined the other guests to witness the tree lighting and enjoyable program.

Following a countdown, Santa, his sultry female helpers, and a long-staying guest, switched on the tree lights to everyone’s delight. This was followed by an energetic dance program by the talented resort staff to the theme of Rockin’ USA (this show is performed every Monday at the resort’s Orion Beach). We ended up joining the line dancers, and had a blast, despite two left feet!

After the program, we were led to an anteroom, where food and drinks were served. On the dance floor, guests and staff boogied and swayed to the music of the 80s. Spotted dancing the night away was resort owner Manny Gonzalez, as well as the heads of various departments who all came in “something glittery.” — Leahliz A. Sia

Cebu City Marriott Hotel

Cebu City Marriott hotel officially marked the beginning of the Yuletide Season with their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and their one of a kind Crocs Christmas Tree.

Spirit to Serve the Community is a core value of Marriott International which gives all the opportunity to give back to the communities wherein both Marriott associates and their guests reside. On its second year in running, CCMH has once again partnered with Crocs footwear for the Crocs Christmas Tree project in the hotel lobby.

The Crocs Christmas Tree is a symbol of reaching out and caring for the community by supplying 100 street children with footwear which will provide better hygiene and facilitate in their daily activities be it for school or play. Guests are encouraged to visit the Crocs Christmas Tree and donate a minimum amount of P500 or more which entitles one to hang a pair of Crocs Footwear on the tree. It allows guests to proactively take the first step in making a difference in the community. The cash donation will be given to Children’s Hour Foundation while the 100 pairs of Crocs will benefit the children of Cebu City Task Force on Street Children under the care of Hon. Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña. 

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa

Christmas is even extra special for Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa because this will be its first time to celebrate the Yuletide Season with its adopted kids, the Pardo Elementary School Dancing Rondalla & Violin Ensemble, the first ever dancing rondalla and violin ensemble in the country. Imperial Palace will be supporting them with their school needs and other future activities.

President Jong Hwan Park, Assistant General Manager Jonathan Nowell and a representative from the dancing rondalla switched on the three beautifully-decorated gigantic Christmas trees at the lobby.

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

Let Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino walk you through your white Christmas dream this Yuletide season. The Gourmet Walk is bedecked in silver trimmings and ornaments that glisten in white fluffy cotton that resembles snow; snowmen are also along the sides to complete the snowy wonderland setting. Christmas in WCCHC features the Christmas Crossover Buffet and the traditional puto bumbong and bibingka corner. This year’s beneficiary is the SOS Children’s Village. – Jen F. Vega