Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa led by its amiable general manager Joaquim Schutte ushered in the the holiday season with the traditional tree lighting by guest of honor Lapu Lapu Mayor Paz Radaza at the beautifully decorated lobby.
This year, the five Christmas trees, with the center tree rotating, were adorned in silver and white symbolizing purity of the inspiring season. Surrounded by a mini white picket fence, the trees represent the Shangri-La family tradition of coming together to celebrate.
For the second year in a row individual merchants were invited to join the Christmas Village with more exciting and wonderful items. It is open to house guests, visitors, and members of the hospitality industry.
The merchant partners include fine jewelry pieces at Premium Concepts by Melanie Ng, the intricate embroideries of Carmen Campbell, Asialuxe by Philippe Bouasse and Francis Allan Austria, Toys at Works by Chris and Julie Tio, and Francis Cutiongco, fashionable accessories by multi-awarded Butch Carungay, antique giftware and home accessories by Allan Gozon and Noel San Pedro of Italkarat and religious gift items by the Daughters of St. Paul.
A must-stop is the giant gingerbread house which is stocked with holiday cookies, sweets and chocolates. Not to be missed is the Christmas Santa centerpiece made from 10 kilos of pure chocolate.
A new addition is the charity Christmas tree which is unadorned at the moment, but management and staff hope to encourage generous hearts to put life into it by buying decors. A portion of the sale will go to the Tingo Elementary Students coming from the resorts adopted community.