Esteemed educational institutions represented by their grade school students are the contenders in the third annual Dusit Thani Manila Christmas Tree Contest. The entries made use of recycled materials, with children as the world’s hope for the future as their theme. A tree-lighting ceremony was led by Philippine Hoteliers, Inc. vice chairman Evelyn Singson and Dusit Thani Manila general manager Prateek Kumar with Makati Representatives Monique Lagdameo and Abigail Binay-Campos, and Makati councilor Tosca Camille Puno as guests of honor. After all the Christmas trees were lit, carols, as sung by 180 grade school students, filled the air.
The participating schools are De La Salle Santiago Zobel, Divine Healer Academy in Cabid-an, Sorsogon, Everest School Manila, German European School, Mahatma Gandhi International School (MGIS), MGC New Life Christian Academy, Miriam College, PAREF Southridge School, and Singapore School Manila. Vote for your favorite tree by clicking “Like” on Dusit Thani Manila’s Facebook fan page, then “Like” the photo of your choice.
Cash prizes from Esquire Financing, Inc. and Dusit Thani Manila will be donated to the top three winners’ chosen charity. Guests can cast their votes through ballot forms available for every purchase worth P500 at the hotel. Voting ends at midnight of December 25. Please join us in choosing the best tree of hope this Christmas!
A Parisian evening for media friends
The country’s most esteemed friends from different dailies, publications, broadcast, and digital media recently gathered at the newly-refurbished Isla Grand Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La Manila. Dressed in their best flapper outfits, over 200 guests celebrated a “Paris in the 1920s” evening with a lot of fun, surprise numbers, and an overwhelming raffle draw. The hotel’s artistic and visionary team, led by the hardworking general manager Henry Lee, converted the Isla Grand Ballroom into a 1920s party place complete with silk drapes, crystal chandeliers, lamps, art deco-inspired stage plus a baby grand piano and jazz ensemble. General managers of the several Shangri-La properties surprised the audience with a Charleston dance number which delighted everyone. Authentic French cuisine was served, complemented by overflowing Moet et Chandon, Hennessy Cognac and Grand Marnier. Some lucky guests also won very special prizes such as free accommodation at Shangri-La’s different locations in the Philippines and around the world. Congratulations to the brilliant EDSA Shangri-La team for this magnificent party!