The newest property of the SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) joins in full force the organization’s Christmas celebrations, for the very first time. Lanson Place Mall of Asia recently ushered in the holiday season through “Season of Lights,” their inaugural Christmas tree lighting ceremony, where a company of praiseworthy musical artists serenaded the hotel’s VIPs and appreciative guests.

Newly-appointed general manager Nils Rothbarth extended a warm welcome to the attendees. District of Pasay congressman Antonino Calixto shared felicitations and good wishes for the season. Meanwhile, SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles offered gratitude for the past and looks forward to the growth of the property in the future.

The holiday-decorated lobby transformed into a theater musical extravaganza to marvel.

The celebration began with the “Turning Point,” a bold piece performed by Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters, a decades-old orchestra that is one of the most sought-after music ensembles in the country.

“You Are the Light,” a favorite among worship services, was presented by the internationally-awarded Imusicapella, a church choir based at the Imus Cathedral and the St. Peregrine Chapel, under the experienced baton of its founder Tristan Caliston Ignacio.

Tenor Arman Ferrer, a star in the musical theater firmament, exploded with “Pure Imagination.” The Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Walang Sugat and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ Rama, Hari lead belted a memorable rendition which moved the audience.

His forever musical theater partner Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, who has recently just concluded her well-reviewed full-house Part of My World concert at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez Theater, soon took the stage with “Human Heart” from Once On This Island. Oh yes, she was impeccably dressed in an eye-catching green gown, fitting for the yuletide season!

The complimenting duo then joined forces for “I See the Light,” a popular melody from the Disney animated film Tangled. The younger ones in the audience, supplemented by the kids of guests, immediately perked up upon hearing the opening notes of the song.

Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters made a reprise with “A Christmas Festival,” a foundational tune with which all other holiday medleys are compared to and most cannot surpass its influence.

Imusicapella’s returned with the classic “Joy to the World,” a tune everyone knows by heart — but on this particular evening, beautifully shared in acapella, demanding everyone’s admiration.

For the final act, all the musical artists teamed up for “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” a sorely-missed carol, which highlights the birth of Christ the newborn King.

The green Christmas tree stands brightly at the Lanson Place Mall of Asia lobby, adorned with multiple golden lights, a commitment to the colored motif of the property, as it merges these celebrations with the country’s most lauded musicians. One can only but wonder on what next year’s exciting theme and superb musical cast will be.