Admiral Hotel Manila–MGallery marked the start of the holiday season with a fun-filled tree lighting ceremony at its sophisticated Filipino-Spanish lobby restaurant, El Atrio Lounge. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna also graced the event, which promised to bring the luxury boutique hotel’s guests closer to experiencing a truly “Pinoy” Christmas.
With its theme “Once Upon a Filipino Christmas” in place, Admiral Hotel Manila–MGallery is set to offer its guests an elevated “Pinoy” Christmas, not just through its festive decor, but also in terms of gastronomy, mixology, wellness and helping create a sustainable community.
Mayor Lacuna led the tree lighting ceremony together with Admiral’s hotel manager for rooms Marie Buenaobra and hotel manager for F&B Operations Quentin Renard. Also present at the event were Coron, Palawan Mayor Mario Reyes, Jr., Coast Guard Commodore Genito B. Basilio, Director of Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center, guests, partners and friends from the media.
“We wish to celebrate all the wonderful festive stories from your most cherished moments of the Christmas season, whether it’s a new memory or a rekindled old one. From the most beautiful places you visited to the sumptuous meals you enjoyed and the traditions you shared with loved ones,” Admiral Hotel General Manager Matthieu Busschaërt said.
The choir from The Philippine Coast Guard (Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center Performing Arts) serenaded the guests with a lineup of festive songs while the Admiral’s very own, Aleah Almanzar from the Housekeeping Department, showcased her talent with a special song number accompanied by pianist and music arranger, Alejandro Melbourne Laurente.
Manila Festive Tales Art Exhibit
Admiral Hotel also partnered with Nepatalie “Rico” Aunzo, who goes by the moniker Pedrong Masipag, to create 10 masterpieces to be exhibited at El Atrio Lounge until Jan. 15, 2024. Each acrylic painting on 36” x 36” canvas will reflect the memorable tales and stories of Filipino Christmas celebrations in Manila and In the Admiral Hotel. A preview of three pieces from the collection was done to invite guests to the exhibit. Proceeds from the art pieces sold will be donated to the hotel’s chosen organization, Childhope Philippines.
Along with its annual Christmas Tree lighting event, Admiral Hotel also launched the initiative dubbed “Hope with an Angel” as the hotel aspires to share the spirit of Bayanihan and this light of hope with the street children. Angel figurines made of recycled bottles are available for sale, as well as other Admiral Hotel holiday greeting cards and sticker booklets. This initiative will help raise funds for Childhope Philippines.
