Hope is brimming in the hearts of Filipinos during the Christmas season.
To celebrate ‘the Filipino in us,’ Rachy Cuna, the style and social director of The Manila Hotel, focuses on ilang-ilang as the Christmas design of the Grand Dame. Oversized ilang-ilang flowers made of compressed paper are hung from the ceiling of the hotel’s lobby, restaurants and outlets. Even the 20.20 ft. Christmas tree is bedecked with giant ilang-ilang, abaca parols and red ribbons.
“Manila Hotel is a heritage hotel and we want to highlight the culture of the Filipino people. Since I joined them, I tried to focus on Philippine symbols, symbols that are truly ours, symbols that are truly Filipino. These are everyday symbols that Filipinos are familiar with.
Pinning his hopes on all things inspiring and inspirational, Rachy gathered oversized gold-leafed ilang-ilang flowers. “And what is Filipino Christmas without a parol?” he emphasizes. The Pinoy lanterns on the Christmas tree of the hotel are fashioned from abaca fibers, all in their natural glory. Vines and balls are aplenty and they are made of indigenous materials only Rachy’s eyes can spot. Desiccated mango leaves are also used instead of holly.
“Come Christmas, The Manila Hotel is a destination for families to witness the Christmas spectacle at the hotel. For many, it is a must, a tradition to experience Christmas at the hotel,” says Kim Tan, the hotel’s sales and marketing director.“Here’s hoping that every Filipino will always celebrate Filipino Christmas with a hopeful, happy heart. Merry Christmas,” Rachy smiles.
When one hears of Escolta Street in old Manila, one hears of a glamorous commercial district with its beautiful architectural...
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