THE holiday season in Manila just got a whole lot brighter as Okada Manila, the city’s Grand Icon, kicked off the Yuletide festivities with a dazzling display of lights and magic at its Grand Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The entire property, from the Fountain foyer to the Crystal Corridor, now radiates the enchanting glow of the “Harmony of Lights,” marking the beginning of a month-long celebration that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Picture this: a 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with larger-than-life confectionery-inspired ornaments — oversized candy canes, ice cream, and cupcakes — that transform Okada Manila into a whimsical Christmas Wonderland.
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was not just a switch-flipping event; it was a star-studded affair featuring the sensational “Asia’s Limitless Star,” Julie Anne San Jose, the festive melodies of the Malabon Concert Singers, and a captivating opening act by the Okada Manila Entertainment Group. Top executives, including the charismatic Wendy Ni, Okada Manila’s vice president for strategic marketing, led the official lighting ceremony with a warm welcome to guests.
The holiday magic doesn’t stop with the tree lighting. Enter the much-anticipated Christmas Village, aptly named the “Home of Wonder,” at the Crystal Pavilion. With a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Sharlene Batin, regional director of the Department of Tourism-Metro Manila, the village opened its doors to a mesmerizing Lights Show and Interactive Fairy Baubles. From the whimsical North Pole Suite to the delightful Chocolate PLAY House, every corner of the village promises an enchanting experience that transports guests into a world of festive joy and wonder.
Okada Manila also invites guests to indulge in a month-long Christmas shopping spree at the longest-running Noel Bazaar at the Crystal Pavilion (Nov. 10 to Dec. 17). This shopping extravaganza promises a treasure trove of delightful holiday gifts, delectable treats, and unique goodies. Weekly events, including captivating performances by Kapuso celebrities and the famed “Celebrity Ukay-Ukay,” ensure that each visit brings something new and exciting.
In the spirit of giving, Okada Manila presents a variety of holiday retail, hotel, and restaurant seasonal offerings and staycation packages. From the relaxing Festive Family Getaway, complete with foot massages for parents and PLAY vouchers for the kids, to the grand Bespoke Celebrations by the Bay, offering a suite or villa experience with a sumptuous family-style dinner for 10 to 30 people, there’s something for every celebration.
The culinary delights at Okada Manila add the perfect finishing touch to this festive extravaganza. Indulge in seasonal cakes like the Gingerbread House and Merry Journey cakes at the Lobby Lounge, accompanied by Christmas-themed milk chocolate reindeer and snowman. Kiapo adds a touch of tradition with Festive Platters and classic holiday favorites, including Simbang Gabi fare of puto bumbong and bibingka.
Okada Manila’s “Harmony of Lights” has not only set the stage but transformed the entire venue into a symphony of joy, dazzling visuals, live entertainment, and heartwarming activities. This celebration is more than an event; it’s an invitation for families and friends to come together during this magical time of the year. With each flicker of light, Okada Manila promises to ignite the spirit of the season, creating memories that will be cherished long after the last ornament is taken down.
