Filipinos love the Christmas season more than the summer season. Despite the rainy weather (and traffic and jampacked malls and public areas) during this time of year, we simply love the cool breeze, sparkling lights, and the reunions that this season comes with.
Our friends in the hospitality industry have come up with their themed lighting ceremony, celebration packages, and charity to make this season extra special. I was lucky to attend some of the ceremonies and events and catch up with friends that I hadn’t seen in a while. Here are some highlights of the season:
Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s White Christmas
Park Inn by Radisson Davao was one of the first hotels to light up their tree. This year, the color theme was white, gold, and silver to symbolize their campaign ‘Cherish the Bliss of Christmas’. This year, Park Inn is also launching the Cookie for a Cause which is their fundraiser for the Davao School for the Blind.
During the program, guests were entertained by En Avant Dance & Arts Centre and Dolce Chordarum Strings. The simple yet meaningful event ended with a dinner at Vanda featuring some of Park Inn Davao’s signature dishes.
NCCC VP Davao’s Candy Land
Way ahead of everyone, NCCC VP (formerly Victoria Plaza) lit their Christmas Tree even before Halloween! But hey, we Filipinos start our Christmas season as early as September so technically, NCCC VP was already behind schedule. This mall is an iconic landmark every Christmas because they also light up a gigantic outdoor tree that becomes a popular attraction to families at night when it’s shining bright along JP Laurel Avenue.
Inside, the tree and many candy canes filled their activity area. The colors are traditional red, white, and green and are filled with lights and floor decors.
During the program, we were entertained by song and dance numbers from Event Essentials and Muzic’s Kool. Cocktails were offered to guests who came during the ceremony.
Dusit Davao: Your Home for the Holidays
Immediately after our short vacation, our plane landed just enough for me to change attire and prepare for dusitD2 Davao’s lighting ceremony which had us all in green! Upon arrival, we are handed cocktails and bells, yes, bells! The cute detail made us curious about the program but I have to say Dusit’s program was very unorthodox and impressively seamless.
The countdown did not require the owners or VIPs to be in the center and it happened in the middle of the song! Very intelligently done, the key people were instead called in front for the toasting which I think was brilliant and refreshing.
It seemed like Music’s Kool had been dominating the entertainment of every big event as they were also present during the lighting ceremony with a different set of songs, outfit and no one would think they were all from Sir Jeremy’s group. Of course, in a true Dusit Davao fashion, we were able to try some of the dishes at Madayaw Cafe that will be served during the holiday buffet.
Simply Heartfelt Christmas at Acacia Davao’s Autumn Tree
Not all Christmases happen in a snowy winter. Some happen in a tropical or autumn season just like Acacia Davao’s theme this year. This is also the same season that Acacia Davao is celebrating their anniversary which was a memorable time as they opened shortly before the pandemic/ lockdown started. They have proven their resilience and relentlessness as they are still going strong after all the challenges they have.
This year, Acacia’s Christmas Lighting ceremony was a quick program that was made livelier with the AVB Choir and ended with a cocktail prepared by their food and beverage team.
Seda Abreeza Davao’s Grateful Christmas
Seda Abreeza’s Holiday celebration is ‘centered around giving thanks to people and things in life that make it beautiful’.
The annual lighting ceremony of Seda Abreeza is one event I always look forward to. If you have been to the previous ceremonies, this is always the hotel that had their guests dancing all night long. It seemed like the band always knew how to tickle the dancing toes of the attendees which makes their program memorable.
A Christmas Village at Eden Nature Park
I was surprised that not all Davaoenos I know have been to Eden Nature Park before so when my friends from Davao Digital Creators said that it was their first time to be there, it was like watching kids exploring a new place!
Eden’s Christmas Village is a treat that makes your holiday experience in Davao different. We usually have warm weather in downtown Davao but going to Eden is like visiting a different place–it’s relatively cooler due to the high altitude of the location. If you want this kind of winter-ish feeling, this resort is best for you without having to fly out to enjoy a cold Christmas.
Traditionally, Eden lights up a real pine tree which sits right in the middle of their welcome center. They also made a tunnel of lights, a parade of parols at the resort entrance and they have a huge nativity set inside.
