MANILA, Philippines - The spirit of Christmas is in full swing again at Makati Medical Center as it brings festive holiday cheer to patients and visitors via its spruced-up facilities.
Decked with red and white decor and glittering bright lights, the country’s leading hospital has been transformed into a vibrant holiday feast for the eyes, with stars, paper doily chandeliers, and red paper balls hanging from the ceiling, and white twigs adorning walls. But the celebration is more special this year: not only is this a merry Christmas for MakatiMed, it is a merry one for Mother Earth as well.
In keeping with its “Going Green” efforts, MakatiMed celebrates a “Green Christmas” this year. Save for the acrylic reusable Christmas balls, all of the materials used for decorations — the used twigs, paper doily chandeliers, paper stars and balls, fabric flowers and leaves, and energy-saving LED lights — are Earth-friendly.
Guests, upon entering, are also sure to be taken in by a dazzling 15-foot Christmas tree, which has already been lit during a simple ceremony with the MMC Choir, composed of medical and corporate personnel, serenading attendees and the timeless and much-loved belen.
“While most attending physicians want to get their patients home for the holidays and recuperate in familiar surroundings, some need to be cared for in the hospital. But it doesn’t mean they can’t join in the festivities,” said MakatiMed president and CEO Rosalie R. Montenegro. “Through our décor, we want to encourage patients, staff, visitors and families who are with us during this time and remind them that no matter what, when or where, Christmas is — and always will be — worth celebrating.”
MakatiMed’s patients and guests are also encouraged to offer daily Advent sacrifices through the simple “promises” contained underneath the Child Jesus at the Christmas belen.
With the entire hospital bearing wonderful reminders of the Season of Giving, it is clear that MakatiMed is well and ready to usher in the most celebrated time of the year.