The Heritage Hotel Manila Illuminates the holidays with “A Filipino Christmas: Honoring Traditions, Celebrating Togetherness”

The lobby glowed with Filipino-inspired ornaments, a towering tree, and a beautifully crafted Nativity scene, all set to the familiar charm of OPM Christmas melodies last November 6th. Guests gathered not just to witness a lighting ceremony, but to feel the season officially begin.

With this year’s theme, “A Filipino Christmas: Honoring Traditions, Celebrating Togetherness,” the hotel leaned into what truly makes our holidays special. Instead of big spectacle, it celebrated heritage, warmth, and community, reminding everyone that a Filipino Christmas shines brightest when tradition and togetherness take center stage. The theme paid tribute to the country’s rich heritage and the timeless values of family, faith, and community that define the Filipino way of celebrating Christmas.

The hotel lobby glowed with festive charm as guests, corporate partners, and media friends gathered to witness the symbolic lighting of the hotel’s giant Christmas tree and Nativity scene — both beautifully adorned with Filipino-inspired trimmings and native ornaments. Throughout the hotel, the joyful melodies of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Christmas carols played in the background, completing the heartwarming atmosphere of a truly Filipino celebration.

The evening opened with a stirring performance by the Our Lady of the Airways Chamber Singers, whose annual advocacy extends the spirit of Christmas to the community by sharing groceries and gifts with indigent families in Pasay.

In his welcome remarks, General Manager Farid Alain Schoucair expressed gratitude to the guests and highlighted the hotel’s pride in celebrating the traditions that make the Filipino Christmas uniquely heartfelt. This was followed by inspiring messages from Honorable Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto- Rubiano and Vice Mayor Mark Anthony Calixto, who both shared words of hope, unity, and joy for the season.

 

The highlight of the evening was the Ceremonial Tree Lighting, led by General Manager Farid Alain Schoucair, Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Vice Mayor Mark Anthony Calixto, and Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, who together illuminated the grand Christmas tree — a glowing symbol of light, hope, and Filipino togetherness.

Following the program, guests were treated to a special Christmas Dinner Buffet at Riviera Café.

With music, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness filling the air, The Heritage Hotel Manila once again marked the beginning of the Christmas season — a celebration that truly captures the warmth and joy of Paskong Pinoy.