After two years of hiatus, Marriott Philippines kicked off the holidays with a market-wide tree and lantern lighting activity dubbed as “Paskonstelasyon”: The Marriott Bonvoy Constellation of Holiday Celebrations.
The unique term is a portmanteau of two meaningful words: “Pasko” or Christmas, and “Konstelasyon” or Constellation which means a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern. This also symbolizes the growing presence of Marriott properties in the country and how it is interconnected with the same heart for the festive season, strengthened by its unifying travel program, Marriott Bonvoy.
The event started with a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony in Marriott Courtyard Iloilo. Guests were serenaded by the calming voices of the Kinaadman Chorale while treated to a sumptuous feast at the Al Fresco area. A special modern contemporary performance was also presented by the team of Novy Bereber under Sayaw PD, Dance for Parkinson’s nonprofit organization.
Inspired by local indigenous materials Abaca and Anahaw, Sheraton Manila Hotel’s Christmas tree and décor featured gold and green trinkets that symbolizes life and abundance created the festive atmosphere. Together with the hotel’s General Manager Anna Vergara, the ceremony was graced by the presence of Honorable Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, together with Newport World Resorts’ President and CEO Kingson Sian, and the rest of the senior leaders of Sheraton Manila Hotel.
Right after the lighting of the tree and “The Soiree Star”, renowned theater royalties Gab Pangilinan and Myke Salomon, with the First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater, Ms. Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, stalwart of Philippine theater, Mr. Michael Williams, and award-winning saxophonist Josh Espinosa performed Marriott’s official holiday theme “Moments with You”.
This was followed by a feast in S Kitchen prepared by the team of Executive Chef Kiko Santiago and to a one-of-a-kind Soiree: The Musical Gathering. Everyone was serenaded by the featured thespians with close to the heart songs together with well-known pianist and musical director, Maestro Rony Fortich.
Ending the week of festivities was the flagship, Marriott Hotel Manila.
The day commenced with the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the “Paskonstelasyon”: The Art of Giving Exhibit, organized by Rotary Club Passport One Marikina, followed by the “Paskonstelasyon”: The Golden Santa Story, Storytelling and Gingerbread Making Activity with the kids and beneficiaries from Save the Children Philippines and Pasay Social Welfare and Development Department.
The ceremonial lighting of the tree and the Marriott Bonvoy “Brilliant Star” was led by Multi-property Vice President in the Philippines of Marriott International Bruce Winton, together with Ms. Universe 2011 3rd Runner Up, and now Ms. Universe Philippines Chariman Shamcey Supsup- Lee, and husband entrepreneur Lloyd Lee with their children, and Department of Tourism Regional Director for National Capital Region Sharlene Batin, with the rest of Marriott Manila’s Executive Committee.
This season is also the best time to share blessings. “Paskonstelasyon”: Charity Ornaments can be purchased from the Marriott Bakery for only P150 per piece. Proceeds from the ornaments that were sold will go to Save the Children Philippines.
