Pico de Loro lights up sustainable Christmas tree

Pico de Loro has lit up its symbol of joy and jubilation: An all-weather outdoor Christmas Tree, which was personally crafted using the innate bounty of the earth, the whole structure being all-natural. The officers and the staff utilized everything and anything they could get their hands on, painstakingly collecting and patiently pouring into their labor of love that is the 30-foot evergreen tree.

The inspiration behind this year's creation? None other than local birds! With an approximately 150 different classes in the area, these birds show up during various months to roost on tree branches, hum a few notes, forage for food and perch on the balconies of the residences.

Pico de Loro's Housekeeping supervisor and chief designer Florencio Garcia, together with the Engineering team led by chief engineer Paul King, is the brains behind the sustainable tree. In fact, they created the aggregate structure from scratch, resorting to dried leaves, bamboo stems, coconut husks, discarded fruit peels, nipa palm and talisay seeds. In a bid to become fully-sustainable, they employed empty aluminum cans, plus redeemable remnants from what typhoon "Odette "had ravaged. The undertaking was realized in three months' time — from conceptualization all the way to the routing of the electrical connections for the illuminations.

To continue with the celebratory spirit, stage and film actor Vien King serenaded guests with heartwarming holiday melodies and classic hits. Meanwhile, the Children's Joy Foundation, Inc. headed by Jennalyn Platon — some members of which likewise performed Yuletide carols — received gifts from the management of the property. They were also the recipients of the proceeds from the fundraising sales of several Green Christmas products, which were lovingly handcrafted by the Housekeeping Department led by Cheryline de la Cruz.

Present at the affair were Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club chairperson Elizabeth T. Sy, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club president Rita Dy, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation senior vice president for Operations Walid Wafik and Costa del Hamilo vice president for Project Development Imee Francisco. Delivered messages from the night emphasized the true meaning of the season but most importantly, how to best give back to the community.

The event continued with a gathering of homegrown delicacies, fruity local drinks and specialty cocktails prepared by executive sous chef Charles Marinduque and his food and beverage colleagues.
The well-attended evening was orchestrated by Nestor Jardin, former CCP president and now consultant of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.

The beachside property in Nasugbu, Batangas, popular for its white sands and a diverse range of activities, is committed to an all-natural Holiday season through its A Holly Jolly Holiday Christmas festivities.