IN THE SPIRIT of the merriest season of the year, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo lighted up the Christmas tree together with beloved friends and their families.
The event’s theme was “Coming Back Home.”
The region’s first and biggest international hotel with 326 rooms, invited its corporate partners, club Marriott members and guests with their kids for Marriott’s momentous tree lighting countdown ceremony.
Upon guests’ arrival, everyone was treated to cocktails and hors dóeuvres while waiting for the start of the program. Then to surprise everyone, KSynch sang a beautiful rendition of the song “A Wish on a Christmas Night” in acapella to jump start the ceremony.
The event’s host and the hotel’s Events manager Ms. Gail Bangeles called in the Director of Operations Ms. Maia Israel to officially welcome and thank everyone for their presence and support for the hotel’s second tree lighting event. She talked about the value of coming home for Christmas and seeing the entire festivities with child-like eyes of wonder and excitement. She lastly encouraged everyone to hang a Christmas ornament on the hotel’s tree for every P50 worth of donation to help the kids supported by Save the Children Foundation, the hotel’s official charity partner.
Speaking of children, leading this year’s lighting event were Joaquin “Jake” Fong, son of Iloilo Business Park’s vice president for Sales and Marketing, Ms. Jennifer Fong; joining him was Napoleon “Thirdy” Jesus Golez III, son of Club Marriott Ambassador Ms. Sheilla Golez-Tiongco, and as well as Jelana “Nana” Dee Uy, daughter of Congresswoman Jam Baronda and Davao based businessman Oyo Uy. The three kids were accompanied by their parents and by Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo’s Director of Sales Ms. Joy Alonte, Director of Operations Ms. Maia Israel, Asst. Director of Finance Mr. Marlon Galo, and Human Resources Manager Ms. Rosalyn Sardon.
At the count of three, the hotel’s tree was lit and showered by a burst of confetti. This year’s set-up comes complete with a life-size gingerbread fireplace that was made more festive with gifts coming from Toy Mart, the hotel’s official event partner.
More surprises started to appear as hotel waiters come into action giving kids gingerbread cookie decorating sets allowing all including the parents to get creative as they design their very own cookie. Sharon Mani, F&B Manager, shared with everyone what all guests should anticipate during the holidays in the hotel. At the middle of the fun, the joyous occasion was made even more exciting with the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Claus dropping by all the way from the North Pole. Everyone took the time to get pictures with them all throughout the night to really capture the moment.
Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo invites everyone to come, visit and experience all the hotel’s offers all throughout the season. Check out all their upcoming events in their official Facebook fan page and room promotions through www.courtyardiloilo.com to know more about them. For inquiries, reservations, and bookings please call (033) 330-7600 or text 09178158904./PN
