“Over the years, the towering Christmas tree and fascinating holiday decorations surrounding Waterfront Insular Hotel’s lobby have stood as holiday beacon for families whose fond memories of Christmases past have been kept alive,” the towering, gentle GM Bryan Yves Sato Lasala told the guests which had gathered and filled the central lobby of the hotel for the annual Christmas tree lighting last warm Wednesday, November the 13th, at 5:30 p.m.
“From children marveling at the sight of the festivity, families united over merienda cena, the delightful smell of bibingka and puto bumbong in the air, to Yuletide carols that herald the season.
“Indeed, Waterfront Insular Hotel is one holiday greeting card that comes to life in this merry season of loving and giving…
“Christmas is that time of the year that brims with anticipation and excitement; and each year, we try to do it differently. Taking inspiration from our Annual Appreciation Party held last August, this evening we welcome the season with bold and bright colors to bring out the warmth and wonder of the holiday season,” he added.
Just as GM Bryan finished his welcome speech, young members of the Voices of the South in colorful Filipiniana attires entered the lobby while singing from the heart well-loved Christmas carols. The talented group only reminded me that, indeed, Christmas is for children.
While the Voices of the South chorale was singing, GM Bryan Yves Sato Lasala, Sales & Marketing Manager Jennifer Romero, Waterfront Hotels and Casinos’ Group Marketing Communications Manager Rossana Unson, and the hotel’s Department Heads and Sales & Marketing staff were joined by the guests-of-honor for the special event, which included Councilor Ralph Abella, the ever friendly and hardworking City Tourism OIC Regina Rosa “Generose” Tecson, and President of the Davao Events Supplier Association Elinor Marcelino in the curtain reveal of the fully decorated Christmas tree.
Oh yes, the Christmas tree was shining brightly with 50 Moroccan lamps and matching holiday ornaments beautifully scattered all over it. Brightly colored lanterns were festively hanged and lighted on the ceiling of the hotel lobby as well which added to the truly Pinoy Christmas attraction.
“More than the merrymaking, we also take a moment to make room for a worthy cause and dedicate the season for children with cancer. On behalf of the Waterfront Insular Hotel-Davao and the House of Hope Foundation, our partner for 12 heartwarming years now, I would like to invite you to join us this coming November 26 for a fundraising gala titled ‘HOPE: the Heart of Christmas.’ With this initiative, we hope to raise funds for the continued treatment and help these kids so they may live for many more Christmases to come,” GM Yves Bryan Sato Lasala appealed to the guests as he sincerely thanked them for gracing the special pre-Christmas affair.
The happy guests were then treated to an entertaining evening at the Vinta Bar. Oh yes, chef Anthony “Nino” Ante’s spread of gustatory goodies on the buffet tables set at the patio which featured a juicy jamon, made just like how our grandmothers painstakingly made Christmas hams in the past, was such a delightful pre-Christmas offering, indeed! Bravo, chef Nino. Being an Ilonggo with a sweet tooth, I just loved chef Nino’s pastries. Oh yes, I had to rush to the gym for a hard workout to burn all the chef Nino calories I consumed that early evening.
Thank you, Waterfront Insular Hotel-Davao GM Bryan Yves Sato Lasala and Marketing Communications Officer Eva Ces T. Gamalong, for inviting me.
