Various hotels and resorts had their Christmas tree lighting ceremony around Cebu as the festive spirit and spark within the city has been ignited once again.
The Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, mindful of its 25th anniversary, unveiled not one, but three gigantic Christmas trees adorned in silver, white and teal.
Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia and Emirates Airlines Cebu head officer Raymund Hicarte, joined by the property's officer-in-charge resident and operations manager Bryan Yves Lasala, lit up the magnificent Yuletide trees to mark the beginning of a magical holiday.
The lighting ceremony featured performances by the Voice of Cebu Chorale, a premiere chamber choir composed of students and young professionals in Cebu City, plus heartwarming portrayals of familiar characters, such as the Ice Queen and the Villagers by the Dream Catchers, plus characters from the animated film Madagascar.
As part of its commitment to giving back, the hotel likewise made a substantial donation to the Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko foundation, a non-profit non-government organization which assists indigent Filipinos in their medical needs.
The Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort stuck to its theme of Cheerful Moments, as it heightened its mission to deliver joyful memories ever since it opened two years ago.
It even introduced a Christmas Village curated by the women of Zonta Club Cebu 1, with proceeds going towards projects focused on women's rights, fighting gender-biased violence and caring for underprivileged children.
And what is a celebration without music? To add to the jolly atmosphere, the hotel hosted performances by various groups, such as the children's protection rights advocate Children's Joy Foundation, the Lapu-Lapu City-based Jules Chevalier Music Ministry String Ensemble, and the much-lauded, decades-old University of Cebu Chorus.
General manager Dottie Wurgler Cronin emphasized the resort's dedication to enhance the experience for the community, especially with Christmas on the horizon.
Aside from the enchanting festivities, both hotels declared they are ready with special offers for individuals, families and friends during the Advent season.