The usually-understated elegance of The Peninsula Manila lobby was ablaze with gigantic heraldic angels with trumpets, yards and yards of lighted garlands crowned with verdant wreaths. And at the center of it all — a desired background to capture in pictures of cherished moments of the holiday season — was their iconic Christmas Tree.

Suffice to say, the beautifully-bedecked area was magically transformed in time for A Season of Joy Christmas Concert, their 39th annual celebration.

Round tables had extended families of several generations, while square ones were surrounded by close and dear friends. Tabletops were covered in gilded cloth and centerpieces of gold and silver balls in the spirit of the season.

The grand evening extravaganza starred Philippine musical theater star Bituin Escalante and actor-singer David Ezra. The Manila Symphony Orchestra, under the helm of none other than National Artist for Music, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, serenaded the attendees with the overtures of “Beauty and the Beast,” “Superman,” “Magnificent 7” and “They’re Playing Our Song.” Joining them were the internationally-lauded Ateneo Chamber Singers.