A decade of brilliance lights up Conrad Manila this Christmas
CONRAD Manila ushers in the holiday season with its ‘A Decade of Brilliance’ Christmas Tree Lighting Program. From left: Peggy Angeles, executive vice president, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, mayor of Pasay City; and Rupert Hallam, general manager of Conrad Manila.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CONRAD MANILA
Sixteen feet crystal Christmas Trees, flanked by an array of elegantly decorated lighted displays, took center stage at Conrad Manila’s Main Lobby as the hotel recently ushered in the Yuletide season.
The well-attended affair was more memorable as the luxury property commemorated its 10th anniversary with a festive gathering aptly themed A Decade of Brilliance. It likewise marked the launch of its newest events venue, Dewey.
Invited incoming guests came to the strains of familiar Christmas carols and tunes and were greeted with bespoke drinks and holiday canapés. The evening brought together members of the diplomatic corps, industry and business visionaries, cultural literati, civic and social movers, and distinguished patrons.
CONRAD Manila’s ‘A Decade of Brilliance’ Crystal Christmas Trees styled by Tiger Lim.
A TOAST with guests and the diplomatic corps: From left: Peggy Angeles, executive vice president, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; H.E. Marc Innes-Brown PSM, Ambassador of Australia to the Philippines; H.E. Constance See, Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines; Anna Marie Ablan, Honorary Consul of Belarus in the Philippines; Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Mayor of Pasay City; H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain, Ambassador of India to the Philippines; Rupert Hallam, general manager of Conrad Manila; Tan Foo Koeng, First Secretary of the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines; Fred Olivo, First Secretary and Supervisory General Services Officer of the US Embassy in the Philippines; and Rangsant Srimangkorn, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Thailand in the Philippines.
CONRAD Manila facade’s Yuletide decor.
Conrad Manila general manager Rupert Hallam rendered the celebratory welcome remarks. Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano followed with a Christmas message.
The much-awaited lighting ceremony brought Mayor Rubiano, Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, and Hallam together before the curated village of the Christmas Trees. As they pressed the button to illuminate, the multi-awarded Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) immediately burst into the everlasting tongue-twister of an icon Kumukutikutitap, by Philippine National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab — a distinctly Filipino Pasko touch!
Angeles, joined by the guests of honor and members of the diplomatic community, led the ceremonial champagne toast.
A Christmas concert then featured three exceptional artists and musical groups.
The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Jeffrey Solares, opened with the third movement of Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64.
Renowned soprano Rachelle Gerodias — a soloist in several operas and musical theater productions here and abroad — thrilled everyone with a beautiful rendition of Rejoice Greatly from Handel’s Messiah. Next was multi-awarded cultural ambassadors Imusicapella, an internationally acclaimed choir from Imus, Cavite, conducted by Maestro Tristan Calisto Ignacio. The choir belted Ian Gabriel Corpus’ Laudate Dominum and Cayabyab’s Paraiso/Better World, a composition which resonated with the spirit of the season — unity, peace and hope.
The orchestra returned with Leroy Anderson’s Christmas favorite Sleigh Ride, followed by Gerodias with Felipe Padilla de Leon’s Payapang Daigdig. Imusicapella brought another famous holiday mainstay with the upbeat All I Want for Christmas.
For the finale, the entire cast merrily joined voices in the heartfelt Angels from the Realm of Glory.
After the concert, guests proceeded to the eighth floor for the much-anticipated debut of Dewey, Conrad Manila’s newest rooftop events venue. Named after Admiral George Dewey — the only person in US history to hold the rank Admiral of the Navy — he was responsible for the decisive naval victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.
For old timers, Dewey Boulevard was the thoroughfare by the sea wall. I fondly remember this is where we stood while we waited for Pope Paul VI — the first Pope to visit the Philippines — to pass by from the airport. Today, the avenue is known as Roxas Boulevard.
SOPRANO Rachelle Gerodias belts out a Christmas carol.
DEWEY, Conrad Manila’s newest events venue.
IMUSICAPELLA Choir
THE Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra.
A short audio-visual presentation, A Decade of Brilliance, revisited the hotel’s journey since opening its doors 10 years ago.
Dewey offers flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, a private garden and floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking Manila Bay. Designed for landmark celebrations and corporate gatherings, it provides a new setting to enjoy the hotel’s hospitality.
A cocktail reception topped the evening, with a buffet specially prepared by Executive Chef Nicolas de Visch and Conrad Manila’s culinary team. Overall direction by Nes Jardin.
Saxophonist Marc Vincent provided the musical accompaniment which fit the season, as the guests chatted the night away amid the warm Yuletide spirit.