MANILA, Philippines - Marriott Hotel Manila officially welcomed the festive season with its Christmas tree-lighting ceremony last Nov. 12. The focal point of the event was the life-size train made of gingerbread parked in the hotel lobby, which was fitting for photo souvenirs, and was filled with gingerbread treats. The guests who officially lit the Christmas tree were the young patients of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, the beneficiary of Marriott’s Spirit to Serve initiative this season. Amid all the merriment, Marriott Manila continued to exercise its corporate social responsibility, introducing to the crowd the stuffed bears for sale at P400 each. Beginning that day until December, the cuddly toys are available for purchase and proceeds will be used to buy oxygen tanks for the cancer-stricken children. Photo shows Marriott Hotel Manila general manager Bruce Winton (left, in tie) together with the kids of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, gathered around Santa Claus by the newly lit Christmas tree.