Christmas arrived early at Diamond Hotel Philippines with the recent Christmas Tree Lighting. Those who lighted the tree were bilateral relations and ASEAN affairs acting deputy undersecretary Hans Mohaimin Siriban of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), assistant secretary for the DFA’s office of American affairs Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, Department of Tourism (DOT)-NCR regional office director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Tourism Promotions Board corporate secretary Jemimah Nissi M. Tiambeng, Diamond Hotel general manager Vanessa Suatengco, and, of course, Santa Claus!

Making the event more festive were performances from Bayanihan, the National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines (beautiful costumes, congratulations!), and the Summer Wind Choir. The lighting ceremonies were also graced by the children of Malate Catholic School. 

Guests experienced a Modern Filipiniana theme that was luxurious in style but still felt like home. The colors of gold, mocha, and white brought the theme to life as created by event stylist FJ Sionson. Native-inspired ornaments, traditional parol, and other decors were used to highlight local artistry and excellent Filipino craftsmanship.

The giant Christmas tree sprang to life with all sorts of Filipiniana décor and lights, a real delight to see it glowing brightly at the Corniche lobby. Yes, dear readers, I love the spirit of the season, the glitter and the sounds Christmas brings!

To digress...  Last weekend I got an early Christmas gift from my kids. They “allowed” me to go up to our home, Bella Vista, in Tagaytay. My four-year-old apo Disney was with us so it was a fun weekend for this “Wowa.” Also, my hardworking Michael who looks after the house, set up our Christmas Village! His wife Nating and son JM trimmed our tree and, when we went home, the village was nearly done and yes, daddy Sonny would have loved it!

The only deterrent in going up to Tagaytay is the traffic at the area of the PNP school in Silang. The road, which DPWH has set out to widen, is unfinished, and it narrows around the PNP compound. Going down is the same bottleneck, ask me not. When can be have decent functioning road networks to make traveling in our beautiful countryside pleasant? The city on the ridge has tight roads too, that we can understand but why is it that Mayor Tolentino does not put her traffic police to work at crossroads, especially on weekends and during this season?

But back to Diamond Hotel’s festivities, aside from the elegant decorations, sumptuous savories, and indulgent sweets, the entertainment wanted, according to Vanessa, to spread the spirit of Christmas by bringing joy to their guests through impeccable service and holiday offers. They are also giving back to the community by spreading holiday cheers to their chosen charity Better World Tondo and Kanlungan ni Maria.

I also liked the “sleigh” of Santa Claus, who was dressed in a Pinoy shirt and red pants with his farmer’s nipa hat. His beard was authentic too. The “sleigh” was a roofless kalesa decked in pretty flowers! Congratulations, Manila Diamond Hotel team and Vanessa!

Next, let’s watch out for Sofitel's tree lighting ceremonies on Nov. 17, and next Sunday, the much-awaited International Bazaar by the different embassies and the DFA at the World Trade Center. Come early. Doors open at 9 a.m. Lines may be long! The wife of DFA secretary Pamela Louise Manalo heads the bazaar this year with Consul Heads of Mission led by Ritta Laakso of Finland. Proceeds of the bazaar will go to scholarship programs and other worthy projects.