CHOCOLATE Tinseltown is alive and real this Christmas at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, which recently unraveled its sweet Christmas celebrations with the lighting of its chocolate-inspired Tinsel Town Christmas tree.
Held at the sky lobby of the five-star hotel, the official Christmas tree lighting opened with the glorious voices of the Sisters of Mary Boystown choir, who serenaded guests with Christmas carols.
Event host Janeena Chan then introduced Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s general manager Frank Reichenbach, who welcomed everyone, saying, “We are very much delighted to untangle the joys of the season, inspired by the delight and bliss that sweet chocolates bring. This year, we take you back in time to a season of sweet greetings.”
The event also served as the venue for the official unveiling of the hotel’s Wings of Hope, a tree of Philippine Eagle stuffed toys aimed at saving and preserving the Philippine Eagle and at the same time raising funds for the hotel’s partner charity, Riversprings School of Jesus Loves the Little Children Foundation. The Philippine Eagle stuffed toys, priced at Php600, is meant to bring smiles to less fortunate kids this Christmas by sending them the toy, along with a heartfelt message from their sponsor/donor. It is now on its second year.
After a dance performance from the kids of Riversprings School came the official lighting of the 25-feet Chocolate-inspired Tinsel Town Christmas Tree led by Pasig City Mayor Robert Eusebio, Mr. Samuel Po, Marco Polo Ortigas’ GM Franck Reichenbach and the Riverspring School kids.
Besides the Chocolate-inspired Tinsel Town Christmas Tree and the Wings of Hope tree of Philippine Eagle stuffed toys, Marco Polo Ortigas treats guests to overflowing indulgent goodies and sweet delights made with love by the team behind the hotel’s chocolate factory. Chocolate characters and chocolate bars are available, along with moist cakes, freshly baked cookies, nuts and biscuits, Scottish fruit preserves, as well as premium and festive roasts and savories. How about Angus Prime Rib, Roast Goose, Honey Pineapple Spiced Glazed Ham, and Pork Belly, roasted to perfection, as takeaways for celebrations at home?
For those who are planning to enjoy a good meal at the hotel, Marco Polo Ortigas’ Cucina offers a lavish and savory feast with all-time favorite classics for sumptuous lunch or dinner. Over at Lung Hin, authentic flavors of Hong Kong await through treasured set menus that feature traditional dishes such as Pan Fried Foie Gras and Crispy Hong Kong Chicken, Baked Dragon Prawn in Cheese Sauce with Vermicelli and Dry Scallop XO Sauce Shrimp Fried Rice.
The hotel also shares the merry spirit of the yuletide season with different choirs serenading guests on all weekends of December. The performance of the Sisters of Mary Boystown during the official Christmas tree lighting started the weekly performances of choirs, including the Psalm of David Orchestra and the Children’s Joy Foundation, from Fridays to Sundays, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., for the whole month of December.
Santa Claus, riding his sleigh, visits the hotel every Sunday of December to listen to kids’ Christmas wishes and have pictures taken with those who have been good the whole year. There is still time to catch him on Christmas Eve, December 24, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; and on Christmas Day, December 25, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.
Then there is the long-standing tradition of celebrating the anticipated Holy Mass on December 24 at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; and December 31 at 8:00 p.m.
Guests who like to go on staycations can take advantage of Marco Polo Ortigas’ Christmas packages. Those who book their stay in premium accommodations from December 15, 2017 to January 14, 2018, except on December 24 and 31, get to enjoy exclusive benefits, including breakfast buffet for two adults and two kids under age 6, complimentary high-speed Internet access, and use of indoor infinity pool and fitness center.
For inquiries on Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Chocolate Tinsel Town: Sweet Christmas Celebrations and for reservations, call (632) 720-7777, email manila@marcopolohotels.com, or book online via www.marcopolohotels.com.
(Marco Polo Ortigas Manila can be found at Meralco Ave. corner Sapphire St., Ortigas Center, Pasig City.)
