Christmas tree lighting ceremonies (Part III)

CEBU, Philippines - 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. The event was graced by no less than Hon. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Chairman of the Korean Association Mr. Ken Choi. Cebu City Marriott Hotels General Manager Bruce Winton and Director of Sales & Marketing Chacha Rama led guests in hanging the first pair of Crocs footwear on the Crocs Christmas Tree, followed by the official lighting of the Christmas tree.

The Crocs Christmas Tree is a symbol of reaching out and caring for the community by supplying 100 underprivileged schooling 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 PHP 500 or more which entitles one to hang a pair of Crocs Footwear on the tree. The cash donation will be given to World Vision's Noche Buena project which will provide families with a special Noche Buena treat this Christmas while the 100 pairs of Crocs will benefit schooling kids of Children's Joy Foundation, Incorporated in Talamban and Children's Haven Foundation in Mactan Island.

Marco Polo Plaza Hotel

Last December 1, guests gathered at the lobby to relive the tale of "The Nutcracker", as performed by the ballerinas of Cebu Center for Dance, and have their photos taken with Mr.& Mrs. Santa Claus. The lighting of the Tree of Hope, dressed by Bong Deiparine, also signaled the beginning of this Season of Giving at the hotel. A donation of P200 per Christmas ball will aid in brightening the future of beneficiaries supported by the Kapuso Foundation.

Crimson Beach Resort & Spa

Standing tall at the pool side, amidst the well-manicured lawn of the sprawling 6-hectare Crimson Beach Resort & Spa is the native Christmas tree which according to Area General Manager James Montenegro is a Holiday Season symbol. Dressed by Al Coronan of Manila, it is made of different indigenous materials.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony was taken a notch higher when the graceful ballet dancers of Balletcenter performed excerpts from The Nutcracker which was capped by the outstanding performance of the University of Cebu Chorale.

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa

Bright red and golden lights filled Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa as they opened the Yuletide Season with the lighting of Christmas trees last December 3.

As a way of giving back, The Palace distributed bags and school supplies to selected elementary school pupils from Maribago Elementary School.

Zapatera Elementary School Choir added to the Christmas feel as their carols echoed through The Palace.

Aside from the trees, the hotel also has several other Christmas icons on display like the Christmas Belen. — Franz Josef D. Bulan and Liza C. Cabrera, USJ-R MassComm Intern-4 (FREEMAN)