MANILA, Philippines - As the Christmas capital of the world, the Philippines prides itself as having the longest, most cheerful Yuletide celebration.
The Philippines is a country built on strong family ties and lifelong friendships, and Filipinos honor these important relationships in reunions held during the holiday season.
The country’s traditions allow Filipinos to see their loved ones who come home from all over the globe. As clans are comprised mostly of countless relatives, a reunion cannot possibly be accommodated at the ancestral house, can it?
If you are looking at a grand celebration this year for the reunion or any other family-related bash, go for the biggest — and the best — the Philippine International Convention Center.
Famous as it is for being the venue for the biggest and most important business and social events, this historic landmark can also play host to huge gatherings among intimate and familiar people.
Celebrations can be held at the Plenary Hall, Reception Hall, The Forum or in one of the many event venues at the Delegation and Secretariat buildings. Spaces there are flexible enough to be transformed into almost any number of settings for any kind of parties.
The five-story Delegation building, for one, has more than a dozen event venues to choose from aside from two new banquet halls, while the Secretariat building houses a banquet hall, eight event venues, an executive fine dining restaurant and a cafeteria that can sit up to 500 people.
Also found within the complex is the PICC Forum, a multipurpose facility with raw space that can be redesigned easily to suit an organizer’s needs. Why not make it your own Winter Wonderland or Christmas Village if you’re up to it?
The Reception Hall, an exquisite hall with extensive red carpet and gigantic chandeliers and a permanent stage plus dressing rooms for live shows and special events, can accommodate 2,500 guests for a sit-down dinner or 5,000 for a cocktail reception. There’s no cause for worry as you can make it your own private playground.
The PICC is well-secured round the clock with closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. It is also equipped with baggage X-ray machines and metal detectors, and roving security guards to ensure safety and security in and around the complex.
For persons with disabilities, the PICC is equipped with ramps, porchlifts and elevators to assist them when moving about. It also has an ATM machine and bank services, as well as sufficient parking spaces that can accommodate as many as 400 vehicles or even buses and shuttles to ferry around the guests.
Strategically located at the heart of Manila, the PICC is definitely easy to reach. Its close proximity to the international airport, major hotels and exciting nightlife, shopping malls and tourist spots, make it an ideal event venue choice.
No party or event will ever be small or large. All you have to do is visualize your event and surely, the PICC has the ideal area for you — Christmas or not.