Easter at The Manor

MANILA, Philippines - Camp John Hay figures prominently in many Baguio memories. Generations have spent vacations here, remembering particularly happy times at The Manor. No surprise then that their best Manor times happened during birthdays, anniversaries, summer, the Christmas season, and Easter.

The time of Easter, as well as the days surrounding it, attracted generations of kids at The Manor. We know of fellow grownups who cherish lifelong memories of Easter egg hunting and lunches with their parents in more, well, simple times.

“In the old days, everybody knew about Baguio,” The Manor managing director Heiner Maulbecker begins. “People have their memory of Baguio. There is a new generation out there who just has to have that Baguio memory. Some of the kids nowadays ask, ‘What can we do?’”

If they come to The Manor in time for the Easter celebration, the answer will be: a lot. The Manor has lined up fun-filled outdoor activities and entertainment for the whole family. “There is something for everyone,” Maulbecker promises.

For starters, Easter activities until April 24 unfold at The Manor Garden. There are mascots, clowns, face tattoos, magic and puppet shows, and other entertainment. Kids and their family and friends can partake of party fare, from popcorn to candied apples.

The Manor Garden is also the venue for the Morning Aerobics by Body Base Aerobics Center and the festive sounds of the Baguio String Quartet. The Enchanting Serenade takes place at the Rose Garden featuring harpist Holly Angel Paraiso and guitarist Noli Aurillo. It will also host “All That Jazz with Cris Medina” and will include seafood buffet dinner.

Over at the Suites’ Lobby Bar, there will be light snacks, beverages, summer coolers, and the live sounds of Sonny & Jun. The 19th Tee features High Altitude Disco, with disco-goers getting to enjoy unlimited San Miguel Beer.

The Edralins Band dishes out 60s music on Maundy Thursday while the Powerpuff Corn Band take charge with reggae music on Black Saturday.

Over at Little Camp John Hay, kids will share a blast at the “Little Campers at Little Camp” where they will listen to campfire storytelling, cook out with hotdogs and marshmallows, and learn lessons on basic survival. The package comes with a survival kit and the use of a tent.

Things reach fever pitch on Easter Sunday as The Manor presents the much-awaited Family Easter Egg Hunt at the Bell Amphitheater at Camp John Hay. There is the always-fun “Family Picnic” where families and friends partake of the food in their picnic hampers. It is a chance for quality family time, and is enhanced by an egg hunt, loot bag, live entertainment courtesy of Yin-and-Yang, and picnic basket.

Indulge in an Easter seafood buffet at Le Chef, and enjoy freshly picked strawberries (inset) at the Rose Garden.

A stay at The Manor will never be complete without savoring the local and international dishes at Le Chef, headed by Chef Billy King. It’s time to indulge in some old-time favorites at the daily buffet breakfast at the main dining area; strawberry sensations at the Rose Garden; ice cream at the Gazebo Bar; freshly made chocolates and pastries at the Le Chef Delicatessen; and native cakes, chocolate de batirol, and delicacies from the “Easter Garden Merienda” at the Friendship Garden.

On Good Friday, The Manor is having its Seafood Lunch and Dinner Special while Easter Sunday will showcase the Easter Sunday Lunch Buffet.

Sponsors for the Easter activities at The Manor are San Miguel Brewery, Tanduay Rhum, Sitel (Baguio), and Rocky Mountain Café.

Even if the family decides to explore more Camp John Hay activities while billeted at The Manor, boredom will be kept at bay. Consider the Treetop Adventure, the Butterfly Sanctuary, bird watching, Shalan ti Kabadjo, and many more.

Relax and enjoy at the Piano Bar.

The Manor general manager Ramon Cabrera says, “Camp John Hay is synonymous with Baguio. We are blessed with that mindset. We put all the activities happening within the camp. People will know and remember that we do have something to offer as a destination.”

Cabrera adds: “Plus, you experience the best service from our staff. They have perfected personalized service, and proven time and again that they embody service in action.”

As to why The Manor has managed to become a favorite after all these years, Maulbecker declares: “We always reinvent ourselves. We give people reason to come back.”

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The Manor is located at Camp John Hay, Loakan Road, Baguio City. For more information, call (074) 424-0931 to 43, (02) 845-0892 or (02) 845-0911, e-mail at sales@cjhhotels.com or visit www.cjhhotels.com.