The grand lobby of Conrad Manila, with a panoramic expansive view of the bay, sparkled with splendor as the hotel officially ushered in the Yuletide season with its much-awaited Christmas tree lighting ceremony held recently. Themed “Bright Holidays, Brilliant Memories,” the evening was filled with warmth and love, joy and song — just as the holidays are meant to be celebrated.

The new general manager Rupert Hallam hosted his first Conrad Christmas in Manila.

In his earlier remarks, Hallam —born in Britain but a proud Australian citizen — shared how he has come to admire the country’s long and festive commemoration of the season. “These two nations love Christmas,” he noted, “but I still can’t believe the Philippines starts celebrating in September… new to me but very welcome as Christmas is a time of camaraderie and happiness!”

Hallam likewise contemplated on Conrad Manila’s milestones. “As we light our trees tonight, we also reflect on the brilliance of the year that has passed,” he said. “We have been awarded Michelin-selected for China Blue by Jereme Leung, back-to-back wins at TTG Travel Awards as Best Business Hotel, and World Travel Awards’ Philippines’ Leading Conference Hotel for seven consecutive years and lots more… Without all your support this could not have happened.”

Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, and Pasay Congressman Antonino Calixto, together with Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings; Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; and Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation were in attendance.

This distinguished ensemble pressed the ceremonial button, and in one dramatic dazzling moment, the lobby was bathed in light, as Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters struck up the exuberant “Kumukutikutitap.”

The majestic 16-foot-tall Christmas tree was a familiar sight in Conrad’s festive tradition and is now surrounded by two elegantly adorned smaller trees. Made of shimmering glass, mirrored ornaments, and cascading icicles, the tree gleamed under the soft glow of the chandeliers.

The evening was likewise graced by members of the diplomatic corps, namely, Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown PSM, Austrian Ambassador Johann Brieger, Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain, Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, and Singaporean Ambassador Constance See.

They were joined by representatives from the embassies of Belarus, Brazil, Thailand, and the United States.

Peggy Angeles led the ceremonial toast. With champagne flutes raised high, she invited everyone to honor not only the start of the Christmas season but also the enduring spirit of togetherness that Conrad Manila continues to nurture, as we also remember those unfortunately affected by the earthquakes, typhoons, and floods.

The evening transitioned seamlessly into the much-anticipated concert. Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters serenaded with the Overture from The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a refined start which set the tone for the performances to come. Soprano Lara Maigue followed with a commanding rendition of “Queen of the Night,” her coloratura brilliance captivating the audience.

The spotlight then focused on the much-lauded University of Santo Tomas Singers, conducted by Maestro Fidel Calalang Jr. Their version of “La Vie en Rose” charmed with its Parisian tenderness, while “Circle of Life” from The Lion King brought a surge of energy and emotion that filled the space with energy, enthusiasm and emotion.

Pasamba’s ensemble made a reprise with “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson, as they wove together familiar carols into a jubilant medley. Maigue’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” added sparkle to the evening lighthearted version.

In between numbers, Maigue shared her thoughts: “As we usher in the Yuletide season with the many blessings we’ve received this year, let us pause and reflect on the essence of the Christmas season. The birth of Christ signals hope, peace and shared humanity for everyone.”