The Manila Hotel ushered in the most festive time of the year with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, transforming its Grand Lobby into a radiant showcase of Filipino holiday traditions. This year’s theme, Pasko sa Nayon, captured the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional Filipino Christmas, drawing guests and members of the media to a heartwarming afternoon of festivity and holiday splendor.

The hotel’s magnificent Christmas Tree, adorned with handcrafted ornaments, stood as the centerpiece of the celebration. Designed by The Manila Hotel’s Social Director and Design Consultant, Rachy Cuna, the décor pays homage to Filipino craftsmanship through intricate accents such as woven baskets, horse figures, and large puso ornaments inspired by the traditional hanging rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves. Dressed in rich hues of red, gold, and green, the display radiates both grandeur and cultural pride, hallmarks of The Manila Hotel’s enduring elegance.

The lighting ceremony was graced by The Manila Hotel’s Board of Directors led by Chairman Basilio C. Yap, President Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., Executive Vice President Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr., Director Atty. Salvador C. Medialdea, and Vice President for Sales and Marketing Marvin Kim Tan. Joining them were City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza, Department of Tourism Assistant Regional Director Ivan Agote, Director of Tourism Standards, Regulations, and Human Capital Development Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, Atty. Joan Padilla, Administrator of Intramuros Administration, and DTCAM Officer-in-Charge Cristal Bagatsing.

The joyous afternoon resonated with the familiar melodies of Christmas as the Office of the President Chorale filled the Grand Lobby with timeless carols, evoking a sense of nostalgia and shared joy that define the Filipino holiday spirit.

A Celebration of Compassion and Community

Beyond the glittering tree, the celebration reflected The Manila Hotel’s dedication to preserving Filipino culture and fostering a sense of togetherness.

“May our tree lighting ceremony remind us of what makes Christmas in the Philippines truly special—the comfort of Filipino food, the strength of community, and the joy of gathering with loves ones. It is a time to celebrate not only our traditions but also the meaningful connections that bring light to our lives,” shared Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

In the spirit of giving, The Manila Hotel also extended its annual support to the House of Refuge, continuing its commitment to share hope and kindness with children in need.

Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of home and heritage this holiday season at The Manila Hotel, and to delight in its festive displays and offerings inspired by Filipino Christmas traditions.

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About The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is located beside kilometer zero (0), where the City of Manila begins and is walking distance from the Philippines’ known landmarks: Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museums. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Since 1912, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms including three (3) ballrooms. Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and Manila Hotel Health Club. The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past. It also has an Art Gallery which offers a window into a contemporary world, captured through the objective point of view of different artists. It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights; Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila—it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and Delicatessen that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.

Hotel Contact: 

Marvin Kim Tan, Vice President for Sales and Marketing, +63 998 951 1912, k.tan@themanilahotel.com 

bOne Rizal Park, 0913, Manila, Philippines