Christmas dreams come alive at COD Manila

From left: Belle Corp. Chairman of the Executive Committee Willy Ocier, Ms. Angel Genning, COD Manila SVO and COO Kevin Benning, Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez and spouse Janet, Parañaque Rep. Eric Olivarez
From left: Belle Corp. Chairman of the Executive Committee Willy Ocier, Ms. Angel Benning, COD Manila SVO and COO Kevin Benning, Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez and spouse Janet, and Parañaque Rep. Eric Olivarez

City of Dreams Manila recently welcomed the holiday season with a spectacular lighting ceremony of its 32-foot tall Christmas tree located at the urban resort’s main entrance. Adorned with over 10,000 glistening LED lights and ornaments, the tree is the resort’s centerpiece this holiday season.

Dubbed as “Christmas of Dreams,” the event featured a spellbinding performance by Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, who rendered some of her hits as well as classic Christmas songs. The ceremonial tree lighting was officiated by Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez and his spouse Janet, Parañaque First District Congressman Eric Olivarez, Belle Corp. Chairman of the Executive Committee Willy Ocier and City of Dreams Manila Chief Operating Officer Kevin Benning and spouse Angel.

The Christmas tree sets the tone for the holiday décor around the property, including the three luxury hotel brands Nuwa, Nobu and Hyatt Regency. Danish designer Creation Group conceptualized and designed the décor, which was executed by Tema Design Philippines. Creation Group is one of the world’s leading companies in the field of animated figures and mechanical display solutions and is renowned for designing amusement parks, malls, family entertainment spaces and hotels and restaurants.

Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez graces Manila City of Dreams' Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez graces Manila City of Dreams’ Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Benning says that the Christmas tree lights and the other décor will be harnessed with solar power, upon the installation of a solar rooftop at the parking building, a first among integrated resorts in the country.

To make the season more festive for families, City of Manila is also staging a grand holiday parade on all weekends of December 2019, including December 24, 25 and January 1 every 5 p.m. The parade features well-loved DreamWorks characters joined by a magical retinue of animated Christmas ornaments. The Electro Groovers, who are DreamPlay’s King Julien Dance Off Year 4 Grand Champion as well as gold winner at the World Supremacy Battle-Junior Division in Australia, will also take part in the festive parade.

“The Chrismas of Dreams comes alive at City of Dreams Manila, as we bring an exciting line up of custom holiday events for everyone to enjoy with their families and loved ones that make us a fitting destination to spend the most wonderful time of the year,” said Benning.

Regine hits the high notes
Regine hits the high notes

He continued: “Significantly, Christmas is more meaningful this year at City of Dreams Manila, which marks a milestone in December for being the first integrated resort to launch the 1.2 megawatt solar panels at the resort’s parking building rooftop with Meralco’s Renewable Energy subsidiary, Spectrum.”

As part of the yuletide celebration, a Trolls-themed holiday dubbed as “Trolls Holla Day” will be held at DreamPlay from November 30 to January 1. The Trolls VIP Package is at P1,499 and includes an all-day pass at DreamPlay’s attractions with express check-in and attraction entry: passes at Cooking with Gingy’s Holla Day activity and at DreamWorks’ Holla Day Movie; a photo session with Poppy and Branch; and other sweet treats such as Special Christmas Trolls Tree cookies and a Trolls candy milkshake.

Time to bring out the child in you.
Time to bring out the child in you at Manila COD

Located at the upper ground floor at The Shops at the Boulevard, DreamPlay is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends (Friday to Sunday). During the festive season, from December 16 to January 3, DreamPlay is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Thursday); and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

For ideal celebratory treats and gift ideas, Café Society is offering Christmas favorites such as puto bumbong bread, Christmas cookies, fruit cakes, Panettone favorites and other Christmas homemade items. Traditional Christmas hampers and create-your-own holiday hampers are also offered. Meanwhile, temptingly delightful handcrafted chocolate Santa Claus confections and other playful chocolate treats are available at The Garage’s Chocol8. Café Society’s and Chocol8’s delectable sweets are offered until December 31.

Holiday merrymaking with live entertainment becomes more memorable with featured singers Jinky Vidal and Jeric Medina at CenterPlay, the contemporary bar at the main gaming floor on December 2 at 10 p.m.

For inquiries, call 8800-8080 or email at guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com

The Christmas countdown begins
The Christmas countdown begins

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