Conrad Manila recently launched its holiday celebration into full gear at its recent Christmas Tree Lighting affair.
Dubbed as the Season of Splendor, the third level lobby was magically transformed into an even more elegant wonderland, with its ornate Christmas tree standing at 16 feet tall. The pine-shaped centerpiece, adorned with acrylic crystal beads as trimmings and ornaments, was inspired by a Swarovski variant designed with the concept Dazzling Christmas.
Angelic voices resounded in the air with renditions of “Away in A Manger” and “Pasko Na Naman,” plus Jose Mari Chan’s “Hear the Bells Sing” from the Young Voices of the Philippines, whose members were handpicked by Choirmaster Dr. Maria Theresa Roldan and husband Prof. Jude B. Roldan. The esteemed husband-and-wife team conducts and trains the YVP.
Formally launched in January 2020, the group is one of the scholar choirs of the Treble Choir Association of the Philippines. The YVP Children’s Choral Program likewise serves as a home where aspiring individuals from all walks of life can hone their talents through rehearsals, performances and festivals. Here, they learn to coexist with others, enjoy amazing opportunities, and become empowered and creative performers.
Hand-in-hand with the program were performances by the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB) led by Maestro Romeo San Jose. Their repertoire included Christmas tunes in their own interpretation, such as “Deck the Halls with Jingle Bells” and “O’ Swinging Town of Bethlehem.”
The lineup was first organized in 1978 with the singular purpose of nurturing the symphonic band tradition as a pillar of our national musical heritage.
Today, the PYSB is a versatile ensemble of 64 young, dedicated, talented, and skilled musicians from different provinces of Luzon from Batangas to as far as Nueva Ecija. This is the team’s first engagement after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
On hand were SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation president Elizabeth T. Sy, SMHCC vice president Peggy Angeles and general manager Fabio Berto to welcome special guests, which included Young Musicians Development Organization Chairman Irene Marcos — Araneta, Pasay Congressman Hon. Antonino Calixto and Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano and SM Prime Holdings Inc. chairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy.
Conrad Manila Philippine Youth Symphonic Band.
To bring out the holiday spirit, from 15 November onwards, Conrad Manila has launched its offers to “eat, drink and be merry” through several in-house holiday promotions.
Brasserie on 3 showcases its annual special Christmas and New Year’s Eve Buffet, while The Bru Coffee Bar is transformed into a life-size gingerbread house filled with take-me-home artisanal goodies and the C Lounge is set to be the stage to dance to live music while enjoying specialty beverages.
China Blue by Jereme Leung highlights a curated nine-course set menu named Treasures of the Orient, which consists of premium savory roasted duck, succulent lobsters, and the freshest catch of the day.