by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 10, 2023 | Events
As I entered the lobby of The Manila Hotel yesterday, it was impossible for me not to notice the large Christmas tree decorated in ribbons, bows, and balls in gold and red. Interspersed within its branches are twinkly lights that are unlit. But then, that is what I was there for … to see the tree when the Christmas lights are turned on. For The Manila Hotel, this will officially signal the start of the Christmas season.
The event begins with some Christmas carols sung by the Chorale of the Office of the President. As a choir member myself, I highly appreciate the effort they put in and I also couldn’t help but wince whenever I heard someone go out of tune. That being said, I think they gave a joyful performance!
I would have appreciated it more if not for the group of older women who somehow chose to stand around me when the event started and were chatting loudly amongst themselves. Sigh. How disrespectful! However, I was raised to show respect to my elders, no matter how rude THEY were, and just bit my tongue and tried to sidle away slowly and closer to the choir so that I can hear them more, and the chatty biddies less.
I looked over at them just to get a good look and since we were all wearing the same badges I couldn’t help but surmise that they, too, were members of the press. If I had to guess, they were probably from trad media and bosses (or bosses’ wives) as they gave off that kind of air. It doesn’t excuse the rudeness, though. Sigh again.
To be honest, that was the only blemish on an otherwise wonderful afternoon.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña
The Manila Hotel President, Atty. Joey Lina
Welcome messages were given by Atty. Joey Lina, President of the Manila Hotel, and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña.
As far as I know, The Manila Hotel was the first hotel to light up their tree for 2023. Unlit the tree was already beautiful but after several dignitaries were called in front each one stood in front of a podium that had a big red button.
After a countdown, each one pressed their red button simultaneously and the big, beautiful, gold-bedecked tree lit up!
Christmas truly comes early in the Philippines!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 9, 2023 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
The Manila Hotel unveils its exquisite Christmas Hamper selection that embodies the essence of thoughtfulness and indulgence. Specially crafted to spread holiday cheer, each hamper is brimming with a variety of signature treats and goodies that will surely delight your loved ones.
For those eager to secure these festive treasures early, The Manila Hotel is offering an early bird offer starting from October 25 to November 30, 2023. Choose from three distinct selections, each one tailored to suit different tastes and preferences.
Standard Hamper – Php 2,000 net early bird offer
- ‘Harana’ Pralines in Sinamay Box (9 pieces)
- ‘Wangis’ (The Manila Hotel façade chocolate bar)
- Santa Claus Chocolate (small)
- Christmas Cookies
- Fruit Cake (small)
- Gingerbread Man (big)
Deluxe Hamper – Php 3,200 net early bird offer
- Santa Ana Cabernet Sauvignon or Santa Ana Chardonnay (375 ml)
- ‘Wangis’ (The Manila Hotel façade chocolate bar)
- Christmas Cookies
- Gingerbread Man (big)
- Matte Gold Pralines(10 pieces)
- Assorted Nut Cluster
- Santa Claus Chocolate(big)
- Fruit Cake (big)
- Food for the Gods
Premium Hamper – Php 4,000 net early bird offer
- The Manila Hotel Regular Prestige Card
- The Manila Hotel Willy the Bear
- Pico Andino Cabernet (750ml)
- Pralines (6 pieces)
- Santa Claus Chocolate (medium)
- The Manila Hotel Coffee Drip
- The Manila Hotel Chocolate Bar with Almonds
- Banana Thins
These Christmas Hampers will be available at the regular rate of Php 2,500 net, Php 4,000 net, and Php 5,000 net, respectively, from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
For orders and inquiries, please call (+632) 8527-0011 or (+632) 5301-5500 or email re************@************el.com.
Terms and conditions apply.
DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-178795 Series of 2023
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, 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 the 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 that 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 Delicatessens that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 26, 2020 | Gift Ideas
Not all gifts come in boxes and wrapped in a bow. If you’ve been busy all year and haven’t found time to finish your Christmas shopping, you are not alone! It’s definitely not too late to get your family and friends something special before the year ends and show them your love.
Since we’re all advised to stay home this holiday season, you don’t have to go out to get these items. Here are some gift ideas that are just a click away, and that you can order or make virtually and send to your loved ones before the year ends:
A special playlist
If you don’t want to spend money on a present but still want to make it extra special and personal, craft a special playlist for your friend that will make them remember the good times you’ve spent together.
You can also include newly discovered songs or videos that you think they’ll love, or add in a few that you know will crack them up! Don’t forget to label it with a playlist name that’s very specific, quirky, or witty and share it via YouTube or Spotify!
An iWantTFC premium subscription
The holiday break is the perfect time for binge-watching! If your loved one is on the hunt for new shows to follow or intends to catch up with their favorite ABS-CBN show, you should sign them up for a premium, ad-free access to the iWantTFC streaming service, the biggest library of Filipino content! With over 1,000 movies, live channels, full episodes of classic and currently airing ABS-CBN shows, Thai boys’ love shows, and originals, one will never run out of things to enjoy on iWantTFC! Plus, a premium subscription only costs P119 a month.
Tickets to concerts on KTX.ph
Treat your loved one and their family to a concert without them having to go out of the house! Let them enjoy great live music while helping others in need by buying them a ticket (P1,200) to the special benefit Christmas concert titled “Our Grown-Up Christmas List,” featuring musical theater royalties Gian Magdangal and Carla Guevarra-Laforteza who will sing songs about “home, love, family, and friendship.”
Access to the show is available for 48 hours from December 24 (8 PM) to December 26 (8 PM).
Your friend can also usher in the New Year on December 31 starting at 7 PM by watching Resorts World Manila’s “The Grand Countdown to 2021,” which will offer performances by Morissette, Jed Madela, Jona, and Jon Santos.
The general admission ticket costs P600 and gives the holder access to the show only, while the special ticket costs P1,200 and gives the holder access to the show and a chance to win exciting gifts.
Digital scrapbook
Instagram carousel posts are a good way to show your appreciation for someone, but why not make it more fun and unique by crafting a digital scrapbook of your favorite photos together? You can DIY your own design and layout using Photoshop or use free templates available online!
Cover of a song you want to dedicate to him/her
In the mood to sing your heart out? Pick up an instrument and give your loved one an intimate performance of their favorite song! If your group or family wants to surprise someone, you can also use a social karaoke singing app like Smule to let you all cover a song separately without sharing a microphone!
Unleash the performer in you and upload the video of your song cover on social media or just send it to your friend for their safekeeping.
Gaming skins or in-game goodies
Got a competitive friend who’s into Mobile Legends or League of Legends? The holiday season is the best time to spoil them by getting their gaming champions or their weapons a festive makeover, or by purchasing them event passes! If you’re not sure what to gift them, you can just send them over currencies in their favorite game.
A personalized video greeting from your loved one’s favorite Kapamilya star
If your goal is to make your loved one shocked or surprised by your gift, you should definitely go for a personalized video greeting from their favorites! Just head over to FanLove.ph, a new online video shoutout request platform that allows you to book a special video message or a song dedication from over 50 Kapamilya stars. You can also enjoy their special holiday promo if you book from 24 December 2020 to 07 January 2021.
Book a personalized video greeting from your favorite Kapamilya artists such as Elisse Joson, Belle Mariano, Loisa Andalio, LouDre, KiaNo, KarJon, FumiYam, and many more by visiting FanLove.ph! For updates, like www.facebook.com/fanlove.ph or follow @fanlove.ph on Instagram and @fanloveph on Twitter.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 22, 2020 | Gift Ideas
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without gift-giving. It’s one of the easiest ways to share the love and spark some joy among family and friends. However, with all the challenges we faced this 2020, our priorities have become clearer. So, this Yuletide season, instead of the usual toys or trinkets, you can give your loved ones something useful and significant during these times.
As you prepare for a socially distanced Christmas celebration, AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, offers some perfect gift ideas for your upcoming monito-monita.
Hobbies and passion kits.
Hobbies can help ease anxiety, beat stress, and give joy while helping one spend time in a creative way.
With community quarantines in place, you may know several people who have discovered a hidden talent or hobby during the lockdown. You can cheer on your family or friends as they take on this new skill or hobby by giving them tools or appliances that they may need to pursue their newfound passion.
Some great options include pans, pots, spatulas, or small appliances for the new baker, garden tools for plantitas, or paint sets and brushes for the late-bloomer artist.
As indoor plants continue to be a growing trend, your plantitos and plantitas would highly appreciate these greeneries as many of them find comfort in taking care of them.
Self-care products.
Many people have become anxious about the unprecedented health crisis. Try giving them self-care kits that can lighten the mood and make your loved ones forget their worries. A few therapeutic items you can put in the self-care kit include mandala coloring books, essential oils, chocolate bars, and skincare products.
Home office gadgets.
The pandemic has forced a lot of employees to adapt to a new working environment. This Christmas, you can help them achieve a comfortable workspace at home by giving them essential supplies as gifts. Gadgets, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone, are terrific options. For more affordable budget options, you can also give them computer accessories, file storage, a planner, seat cushion, or other items for their desks. These gifts would surely relieve some stress and increase their productivity at home.
Financial protection.
The pandemic has emphasized the importance of being prepared for life’s unforeseeable circumstances. With all the unexpected situations this year, it would be a great relief to know that there is a way to ensure protection for your future or that of your family. Insurance, for one, can help with this and offer peace of mind.
AXA Philippines recently launched MyLifeChoice, an investment plan that can be personalized to your needs and budget.
With AXA MyLifeChoice, not only are you protected for life’s unexpected events, but you also receive an investment fund, which you can use for your long-term goals or for your family. It may seem unusual, but the gift of security for your family, especially during these times, is something that is valuable even beyond the holiday season.
To know more about AXA MyLifeChoice, visit http://bit.ly/MyLifeChoiceProtect1.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 19, 2020 | Events
The on-going global pandemic did not stop Filinvest City from making the Christmas season more joyous and meaningful as it recently held its “Be the Light” virtual event, making the community still feel the wonderful holiday vibe even in the comforts of their own homes.
Kicking off the celebration by paying tribute to frontliners and modern-day heroes, Filinvest City’s Be the Light show highlights the true meaning of Christmas — giving thanks, sparking hope, and continuing to inspire possibilities as we all look back at the last few months of community quarantines and unprecedented changes.
Don Ubaldo, Filinvest City vice president for townships
“The year 2020 has made us focus on what is important—the people who matter to us and those who make a difference in the community,” noted Don Ubaldo, Filinvest City vice president for townships. “That is why, this year, we dedicate our Christmas celebration to the people in the frontlines. They are the people who made this celebration possible. With this gathering, we want to inspire everyone that all of us can be the light this Christmas season.”
Filinvest City further encouraged the community to be the light and always look at the brighter side as it hosted a Christmas video-making online contest dedicated to community frontliners. People from the community, who want to showcase their talents in video-making, storytelling, and production, joined the contest and shared stories of inspiring workers in Filinvest City.
Contest winners
During the event hosted by Sam YG, contest winners were announced … Angela Pangilinan, a Muntinlupa resident and professional digital marketer, won the top prize with her video which told the story of the determined, long-time security guard, Arnel Pastor. Her entry was also dubbed the People’s Choice Award for having the greatest number of shares on Facebook. Pangilinan took home a total of ₱25,000 in cash.
Meanwhile, finalist Justine Sarmiento, an HR Manager from Sucat, received ₱15,000 in cash with the inspiring quarantine story of John Christian Bantug, housekeeping personnel in a condo in Filinvest City. Lastly, receiving ₱10,000, Precious Joy Matorre, a frontliner herself from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), dedicated her entry to Queency Reyes, a medical technologist in RITM. The frontliners featured in the winning entries also received a ₱5,000 worth of Noche Buena package from Filinvest City.
Musical performances
The show also featured musical performances from some of the country’s biggest OPM bands. Fans were able to sing along from their own homes as Silent Sanctuary, Gracenote, and Sandwich performed Christmas songs and some of their respective hits including “Ikaw Lamang,” “It’s Okay to Not be Okay,” and “Betamax.”
Filinvest City is known to be the go-to Christmas destination in the metro south and it continues to light up the garden city this year amid the pandemic. Viewers of the show were able to catch glimpses of the holiday decorations all over the township, including the dazzling lights and the 30-foot Christmas tree at the Spectrum Linear Park. And in light of honoring today’s heroes for their courage and sacrifice to serve and protect the community, Filinvest City unveiled its official tribute video to frontliners featuring the song “Kaleidoscope World” by Francis Magalona.
Through the Be the Light virtual event, Filinvest City aims to not only spread even more joy and inspiration this season, but also to initiate a movement that will leave a significant impact on the community as the world navigates through these trying times.
Rewatch clips from the “Be the Light” Christmas event by liking and following @FilinvestCityOFFICIAL on Facebook. For more information, visit www.filinvestcity.com.
If you don’t want to spend money on a present but still want to make it extra special and personal, craft a special playlist for your friend that will make them remember the good times you’ve spent together.
Treat your loved one and their family to a concert without them having to go out of the house! Let them enjoy great live music while helping others in need by buying them a ticket (P1,200) to the special benefit Christmas concert titled “Our Grown-Up Christmas List,” featuring musical theater royalties Gian Magdangal and Carla Guevarra-Laforteza who will sing songs about “home, love, family, and friendship.”
Your friend can also usher in the New Year on December 31 starting at 7 PM by watching Resorts World Manila’s “The Grand Countdown to 2021,” which will offer performances by Morissette, Jed Madela, Jona, and Jon Santos.
If your goal is to make your loved one shocked or surprised by your gift, you should definitely go for a personalized video greeting from their favorites! Just head over to FanLove.ph, a new online video shoutout request platform that allows you to book a special video message or a song dedication from over 50 Kapamilya stars. You can also enjoy their special holiday promo if you book from 24 December 2020 to 07 January 2021.
Some great options include pans, pots, spatulas, or small appliances for the new baker, garden tools for plantitas, or paint sets and brushes for the late-bloomer artist.
AXA Philippines recently launched MyLifeChoice, an investment plan that can be personalized to your needs and budget.
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