At Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting is always a much-awaited affair. One year, the décor paid homage to the turtles which regularly visited its shores to lay precious eggs. The following season turned nautical, with hints of sails and seashells woven into the celebration.

For 2025, however, the focus is on a life form deeper in the landscape, anchored in the cove’s own lifeblood — the mangroves.

Long before they became symbols of resilience in festive displays, mangroves have engulfed most of Philippine coastlines for centuries. These intertidal forests, with their tangle of roots rising from saline waters, continue to stand as fervent guardians between the land and sea.

In coastal communities, these trees protect settlements from the strongest gusts and buffer storm surges. It even softens waves that would otherwise creep steadily into the shoreline and ultimately cause soil erosion.

Across the archipelago, mangroves are consistently known as nurseries of life: sanctuaries for fish, crustaceans, giant clams, egrets, and herons, whose thriving colonies depended on coexistence.

It was only fitting, then, that Pico de Loro — home to a 10-hectare mangrove forest — dedicated this year’s theme to these silent yet productive protectors. As part of the resort’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainability, Christmas trees around the cove were adorned with eco-friendly trimmings. This honored harmony and connection, with mangroves represented as steadfast sentinels whose branches reached outward like arms embracing the inhabitants.

General manager Maxi Gavino welcomed guests with an uplifting message, saying, “This year, our theme —’ #FeelTheHolidaySparkle’ — invites us to rediscover the beauty that shines when we nurture what truly matters. Our inspiration comes from the mangroves, nature’s quiet protectors that bring life and light to our surroundings. When mangroves thrive, they become home to fireflies — tiny sparks that illuminate the night, reminding us that even the smallest lights can create something truly wondrous together.”

The evening gathered Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club chairwoman Elizabeth T. Sy, president Rita Dy, SM Leisure and Resort Residences Business Unit head Shirley Ong, head of Design and Planning Harvey Sy, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. executive vice president Peggy Angeles, and senior vice president for Operations Cathy Nepomuceno. Together, they all pushed the all-important button which lit up the upcycled grand Christmas tree.

In keeping with the eco-conscious thrust, decorations were crafted from recycled and locally sourced materials gathered within the property and surrounding areas. Their designs featured wood scraps, foxtail palm twigs, Talisay fruit, acacia seeds, mangrove branches, mud crabs, and driftwood centerpieces — fragments of the environment wonderfully transformed into meaningful holiday expressions.

The hardworking team responsible for all the artistry involved was led by Housekeeping manager Renante “Mr. Rey” Navarro, who had been with Pico de Loro Cove for 15 years. Since his latest promotion in May 2024, he has steered the department with professionalism and heart, raising the bar for excellent service while fostering a culture of thoughtful creativity.

Working alongside him were Housekeeping supervisor for Sustainability and Decorations Florencio Garcia, supported by the dedicated housekeeping and public area attendants: Cyrus Tito, Mervin Gonzales, Rogie Mendoza, Jeff Montealegre, John Erick Lazarte, Arvin Demora, and John Aaron Sadiasa.

Guests were serenaded by soprano duo The Nightingales, with a wide, expressive vocal range, while children basked in the charm of mascots Picoy the Parrot and Tiny the Turtle.

A preview of the menu from the soon-to-open Lagoa Restaurant offered a delightful glimpse of what was to come, meticulously curated by chef Leah Magallanes, chef Jayme Natividad, and the culinary crew.

Dinner unfolded with spreads of longganisa wontons, samosas, empanaditas, lutik, Thai beef salad, galbi jjim, chicken galantina, pata tim, vegetable curry, Mapo tofu, yakisoba, pandan rice, kimchi rice, pescado mayonesa, lechon pork belly, roasted Batangas beef ribs with adobo sauce, and a series of desserts ranging from brazo de mercedes to gelato in ube, queso and langka. Pandan iced tea and buko sago served as refreshments.

As the attendees enjoyed the evening’s many offers, the Mangroves carried on with their mission — to protect the shores and inhabitants from the natural harshness of the Earth.

“We celebrate the community that brings Pico de Loro to life. To our club members, loyal guests, and dedicated team members, thank you for making this place a true home for many,” Nepomuceno concluded.

Nes Jardin produced and directed the evening’s affair.

¡Viva, Pico de Loro officers and staff!