When we read about Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, we often imagine grandeur and the twinkling of lights. For Ascott Makati, the occasion became an opportunity to give back not only to the community but also to the earth. They took a different route by moving away from hiring designers, creating lavish displays, or sourcing new materials for décor.

This year’s Christmas tree was the same one used in previous years. Some of the ornaments were repainted by the engineering team, and several of the silver balls were crafted from snack wrappers collected by the staff. They also stepped away from the traditional green and red palette and introduced a theme called Merry, Blush and Bright.

For Ascott Makati, providing exceptional service is only one part of its mission. The team also hopes to support children and the environment. To start the season of giving, Ascott launched this year’s Project Blush and Bright, selecting eight children to fulfill their Christmas wish lists. This set the tone for a more meaningful celebration within the property and paved the way for a wider collaboration with Best Buddies Philippines, which invites guests and community members to become someone’s Santa by granting the wish lists of children with special needs.

During the tree lighting event, representatives from Meralco’s renewable energy arm, M Power, attended to formally present a certificate of recognition to Ascott Makati for achieving 100 percent renewable energy use across the property. This milestone reinforces the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and responsible operations.

Ascott Makati general manager Cecille Teodoro explained that this year’s theme represented “blush for gentleness, and compassion the brightness for optimism and our responsibility to care for what really matters.”

The celebration highlighted Ascott’s advocacy through the Ascott Cares program, which focuses on responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship. The event also marked the launch of the Give a Gift program for this year’s chosen charity, Best Buddies Philippines, which supports children with special needs.