Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila ushered in the Holiday Season when it switched on the lights at this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony held recently at the hotel lobby in the southern Manila suburb of Alabang.

The epitome of contemporary comfort in the south of Manila decked its halls with glittering decorations that revolved around this year’s theme Take Me to Christmas, Take Me to Crimson. 

The festive tree itself was festooned with a variety of ornaments that called to mind old-fashioned hot-air balloons soaring into the skies, bearing in them the heartfelt wishes of children of all ages.

A home for the Holidays

According to hotel general manager Arlene Tongco: “Why choose Crimson for your Christmas celebration? There’s the experience itself: here, the holidays are about more than just decorations, [as] they’re about creating memories that bring loved ones closer together. Whether you’re enjoying a festive escape in the city, planning a lively family gathering, or simply unwinding with seasonal food and beverage treats, we’re here to make every moment feel special.”

To begin the celebration, Tongco was joined at the foot of Crimson’s tree by Ivannovich Agote of Department of Tourism, Chroma Hospitality vice-president of operations Ria Sarrosa, councilor Allen Ampaya of Muntinlupa City, Filinvest Alabang Inc president Catherine Ilagan, and Santa Claus himself who made a surprise appearance at the event.

Letters of hope

This year, guests can travel the world for the Holidays at Crimson as the hotel connects them with friends and loved ones far and near with decorations that call to mind the spirit of adventure and the Great Escape.

The gallery on the eighth-floor lobby has been transformed into a sweet Journey to Joy wonderland where every corner is filled with festive cheer and thoughtful details that bring the season’s joy to life. 

Plus, for those yearning for something special and magical for the Holidays, they shouldn’t miss Santa’s Mailbox at Crimson. 

Here, one can send off their heart’s wishes and let a little holiday magic work its charm.

Santa’s Mailbox, according to Tongco, also has a significant meaning at Crimson for this year’s Holidays as it is tied up with the hotel’s beneficiary for 2024. 

Tongco said: “We’re making this season even more meaningful through our partnerships. With Letters of Hope in collaboration with SOS Children’s Foundation, let’s all work together to make holiday wishes come true by supporting children with the essentials they need.  Through our partnership with the Philippine Institute for the Deaf, we’re also opening up new internship opportunities, giving these young people valuable work experience here at Crimson.”

Music and magic

Aside from the tree lighting itself, attendees heard all about the amazing lineup of activities slated to happen at Crimson for Christmas and the New Year.

These included bountiful feasts to share with family and friends, as well as the colorful salute to the New Year, Pop of Color, which ushers in 2025 on the evening of 31st December.

While guests enjoyed an excellent grazing buffet, the angelic voices of the De La Salle-Zobel Chorale and a special performance by the Philippine Institute for the Deaf rang through the lobby, warming the hearts of listeners with both old and new songs for the Season of Hope.