Lighting the Tree of Hope in This Season of Joy: SM Hotels highlight Filipino musicality

 

Vien King with the Opera Belles at Lanson Place

The ‘Season of Joy’ literally started with an enchanting night of music, Christmas songs, and festive lights at the Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila. 

Theater actor, television personality, and recording artist Vien King together with the trio of beauty, Opera Belles, and Conductor Bernie Pasamba with his team, the Music Masters, serenade guests during the hotel’s Christmas Tree Lighting Program on November 13.

The musical program started with Maestro Pasamba and his mini orchestra playing Allegro in G. It was followed by the rendition of Somewhere from West Side Story by Vien King with the accompaniment by Pasamba and the Music Masters.

Opera Belles took the center stage with their rendition of A Million Dreams. Nostalgic music further filled the air as the Opera Belles sang Golden from KPop Demon Hunter; Let the Bells Ring by Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters; A Perfect Christmas/Christmas In Our Hearts by King; and Santa Claus is Coming by Opera Belles. The finale comes with Ding Dong Merrily on High Music by Opera Belles and King. The live musical renditions were all conducted by the 4-time Grand Prix winner Imuscapella church choir, conductor Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters. 

Lighting the Christmas Tree at Lanson Place were, from left: GM Nils Rothbarth, Ms. Peggy Angeles, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto, Ms. Elizabeth Sy, and  Mr. Hans Sy. 

In between songs, Hotel GM Nils Rothbarth, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto, and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles welcome attendees and express their messages of love, joy, and hope for the Christmas season and beyond.

“The Season of Joy reminds us that happiness grows when shared. Whether through a kind gesture, a generous act, or the warmth of genuine hospitality, each of us can help make the world a little brighter,” said Rothbarth.

This year, Lanson Place continues its partnership with the Philippine School for the Deaf, supporting programs that enrich the lives of its students, the amiable GM added.

Joining the trio for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony were guests of honor led by SMHCC President Ms. Elizabeth Sy and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman Mr. Hans Sy.

Joining the merrymaking at Conrad Manila were, from left: Austrian Ambassador Johann Brieger, Peggy Angeles, Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See,  GM Rupert Hallam, Pasay City Rep Antonino Calixto Rubiano, Elizabeth Sy, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano, Hans T. Sy, Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown PSM, Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Harsh Kumar Jain, and  Rangsant Srimangkorn, minister and deputy chief of mission, Embassy of Thailand.

Below: Lara Maigue and the UST Singers filled the air with Christmas songs Conrad 

Meanwhile, Conrad Manila held its “Bright Holidays, Brilliant Memories” campaign two days ahead of Lanson’s.

Hotel GM Rupert Hallam, who is spending his first Christmas at the property said: “In the Philippines, where the holiday season is the longest in the world, Christmas is nothing short of spectacular. At Conrad Manila, we bring this brilliance to life through every detail — from dazzling décor and festive feasts to the heartfelt hospitality that defines our guest experience.”

At the heart of the program is the lighting of Conrad Manila’s classic 16-foot-tall crystal Christmas tree flanked by two smaller trees in the lobby and a giant Gingerbread House at Bru Coffee Bar.

Likewise, the ceremony doubled as a holiday concert, featuring premier soprano Lara Maigue, the internationally acclaimed UST Singers, and the orchestra ensemble Bernie Pasamba Strings and the Music Masters.

Arman Ferrer serenades attendees at Park inn By Radisson North EDSA

And then it’s “Stay Merry, Shine Bright” at Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA on November 19 with the debonaire Arman Ferrer and the UP Singing Ambassadors sharing good songs and happy memories of the coming holidays.

It’s a double milestone for Park Inn by Radisson Clark

Meanwhile, Park Inn by Radisson Clark lit its Christmas tree as it also marked its 10^th year presence in the hospitality industry in this side of Pampanga. Attended by SMHCC President Elizabeth Sy, Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes Devanadera, and Mabalacat Mayor Gerald “Geld” Aquino, the event featured holiday music performance by the Holy Angel University Chorale under Eric Robert Santos and soprano Myra Mae Meneses.

Ms. Elizabeth Sy (3rd from left) led the double celebration at SMHCC's property at Clark, Pampanga

“Today is not just about lighting the tree. It is about celebrating hope, unity, and friendship, General Manager Lorenzo Tang  said highlighting the property’s growth from 154 rooms to 254 since its opening a decade ago.

Angeles commended the hotel’s strong performance and adaptability through the years. She highlighted Park Inn’s role in strengthening Clark as a prime destination for business, tourism, and events. Devanadera acknowledged the hotel’s contribution to Clark being named Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination.

Both SMHCC and CDC hinted on  exciting developments for 2026.

Myra Mae Meneses performed with the Holy Angel University Chorale

SM hotels -- 10 properties across the country -- have been known for showcasing excellent local talents in their many events and activities through the years.  Managing company SMHCC makes sure to  invite everyone to gather, celebrate, and share joy in this season of warmth and togetherness in their Christmas Tree lighting events.

Have a Merry Christmas, everyone!