As in past holiday seasons, this year's Christmas Tree Lighting at the Radisson Blu was a most-awaited and well-attended event.

Standing tall at 32-feet-high, this year's stunning majestic Christmas tree was decked with dazzling decorations enhanced by hundreds of lights, gold ornaments in numerous sizes and shapes, and huge blue loops and knots.

Amiable general manager Björn-Henning Buth welcomed and thanked Cebu's exalted set for its continued trust and loyalty to the hotel for the past several years.

Present at the ceremonial lighting of the lobby's centerpiece were SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. president and chairman Elizabeth Sy, SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles and guest of honor, Cebu City North 1st District Rep. Rachel Marguerite del Mar.

The guests cheerfully helped themselves to a sumptuous spread of hors d'oeuvres created by the hotel's beaming chefs.

The guests applauded the musical numbers rendered by the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra led by manager, concert master and violinist Marc Mercado, the Mandaue Children and Youth, and versatile tenor Arman Ferrer.

Indeed, it was a wonderful and magical affair that brought to the core the spirit of Christmas to one of the most beautiful hotel lobbies in Cebu.