Deck a Tree, Share a Dream (Savoy Hotel Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

 Give A Gift That Gives Back

Savoy Hotel Manila, the 6-time consecutive winner of the Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel as well as 2-time winner of Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel during the World Travel Awards, believes that thoughtful gift giving should go beyond the presents.  For them, Christmas becomes even more special when every little gesture carries a greater purpose and that one of the most meaningful gifts you can give this Christmas is not something wrapped in a box but, rather, a small ornament that can helps make a child’s dream possible.

 Check out "Savoy Hotel Makes it Six in a Row"

Savoy Hotel Manila

This season, instead of a grand lighting of a huge Christmas tree, they decided on a Christmas tree that celebrates creativity, sustainability, Filipino craftsmanship, and the joy of giving back.  Rather than the more festive centerpieces, their Christmas tree would tell a story of how materials can be given a new purpose and how simple ideas can become something beautiful through imagination and teamwork, a tree thoughtfully crafted from recycled pine wood and adorned with colorful Filipino handicrafts.

 

Creativity and Teamwork Behind the Christmas Display

Behind the displays are the creativity and dedication of Savoy Hotel Manila’s Engineering (who skillfully built the trees) and Housekeeping (who thoughtfully and creatively designed them) Associates. Their collaboration reflects a simple but important idea: sustainability does not always begin with grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with looking at what we already have and finding ways to make something worthwhile out of it. 

The story does not end with the tree as they added a more personal touch to this year’s celebration - handmade wooden Christmas tree ornaments, individually painted by the Associates from different departments. Inspired by beloved Filipino Christmas symbols and traditions, the designs feature familiar favorites such as the parol (Christmas star), the Nativity, and Filipino food, among others. Each ornament reflects the creativity, camaraderie, and shared Christmas traditions that bring the Savoy Hotel Manila family together.

 

Handmade wooden Christmas tree ornaments

These ornaments, available for only PHP100 each, offer guests an opportunity to take home a little piece of the hotel’s Christmas story while sharing something even more meaningful as proceeds from their sale will go to Pangarap Foundation, helping support its programs and nurture the dreams of children. The foundation is a non-stock, non-profit social welfare institution, founded in 1989, that focuses on protecting, nurturing, and empowering male street children, out-of-school youths, and disadvantaged families. 

It is a thoughtful way to make Christmas gift giving more purposeful. Whether you are decorating your own tree, looking for a simple token for someone special, or choosing a gift that reflects what you value, every ornament becomes a reminder that even the smallest purchase can contribute to something bigger.

 

Painted ornaments, made with heart

And perhaps that is what makes a gift truly memorable—not only the joy it brings to the person who receives it, but also the difference it makes in someone else’s life. At Savoy Hotel Manila, sustainability and the Filipino spirit of generosity come together in a celebration that encourages everyone to give a little more thoughtfully. Through creativity, Filipino craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to helping the community, the hotel hopes to inspire more people to make room for gifts that carry meaning.

This Christmas, as you choose the gifts you wish to share, consider giving something that tells a story and helps create a brighter one for someone else. 

Savoy Hotel Manila: 101 Andrews Ave., Newport City, 1300 Pasay City, Metro Manila. Tel: +63 (02) 5317-2869.  E-mail: stay@savoymanila.com. Website: www.savoyhotelmanila.com.

Pangarap Foundation: 2503 Taft Avenue cor. Escobal St., Pasay City, 1300 Metro Manila.  Tel: (02) 8834 1061.

Spa Review: B Calm Spa (Belmont Hotel Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

B Calm Spa

Aside from the cozy rooms and great food, any stay in Belmont Hotel Manila is not complete without trying out the hotel’s B Calm Spa (also styled as B-Calm Wellness Spa) located at the second floor.  This isn’t your typical big, multi-cubicle spa as it just occupies a room as big as a regular hotel suite (Suite 2004) and, just like these suites, it has two massage beds plus a bathroom, making it great for couples such as my wife Grace and I.  After an early breakfast, we promptly made it there for our 10 AM appointment.  The masseuses on duty were Beth and Dyan.

Check out "Hotel and Inn Review: Belmont Hotel Manila"

 

The spa offers standard massage treatments like Swedish Massage (a classical, therapeutic body massage designed to relax the entire body, improve circulation, and ease muscle tension using light-to-firm pressure, Php1,450 for 60 mins., Php1,950 for 90 mins. and Php2,200 for 120 mins.), Thai Massage (an ancient healing art that combines acupressure, assisted yoga poses, pulling, and rocking to improve joint mobility, and Indian Ayurvedic principles to relieve muscle tension by easing lower back pain, joint stiffness, and muscle fatigue and improve flexibility, and focuses on energy pathways or "sens" lines to reduce stress and boost physical energy, Php1,450 for 60 mins., Php1,950 for 90 mins. and Php2,200 for 120 mins.), Hot Stone Massage (uses smooth, iron-rich and water heated, typically between 110°F and 145°F to retain warmth for a long time, volcanic basalt stones placed on key parts of the body (along the spine, stomach, chest, face, palms, or feet) while the therapist uses Swedish or deep-tissue massage techniques with the warm stones, or used directly by the therapist to melt away deep, chronic muscle tension, improve circulation, reduce stress, and calm the nervous system, Php1,500 for 60 mins., Php1,950 for 90 mins. and Php2,200 for 120 mins.), Combination Massage (Php1,450 for 60 mins., Php1,950 for 90 mins. and Php2,200 for 120 mins.) and Foot Massage (improves blood circulation, lowers stress, and eases muscle soreness, uses various techniques, including toe bends, knuckle work, and gentle rotations, Php1,350 for 60 mins., Php1,750 for 90 mins. and Php2,200 for 120 mins.).

 

Decorative towel origami

We both wanted a balanced mix of stretching and oil relaxation in one extended session, so we chose the Combination Massage which blends multiple therapeutic styles into a single session to target both deep relaxation and specific muscle tension, enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery to stiff or sore tissues and ease joint stiffness, chronic aches, and mental fatigue all at once.

 

Prior to the massage proper, our session started with the warm and relaxing Foot Bath Ritual which holds an important place for therapeutic and relaxation purposes as it helped to soften, deodorize, comfort and smoothen our feet, inside and out. Our feet were first soaked and our calves were then massaged, with pressure applied to stimulate the nerve reflexes to promote good blood circulation. 

 

Foot Bath Ritual

Rather than a one-size-fits-achieve routine, the Combination Massage was tailored to our body's immediate needs. The common techniques combined include Swedish Massage (they used long, flowing strokes and gentle kneading to melt away surface stress and promote relaxation), Thai Massage (incorporated passive yoga-like stretches, joint mobilization, and acupressure points to improve flexibility), Deep Tissue or Shiatsu (they applied focused pressure to release stubborn knots, deep muscle tightness, or blockages), and Foot Reflexology (they focused on pressure points in the feet to balance energy and reduce fatigue). 

 

As my tight muscles were relieved by the massage this, as well the calming background music (which shifted my nervous system into a rest-and-digest state), almost lulled me to sleep.  Our session ended with a gut-soothing glass of their caffeine-free, all-natural signature Jasmine Tea, a herbal-infused tonic that helps with digestion and anti-inflammation. 

 

The spa also offers their Signature Filipino Massage treatments such as the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage (a therapeutic body treatment, it uses hand-carved, solid rock salt crystal stones, instead of traditional basalt stones, that gently exfoliate the skin and impart a soothing, grounding warmth and are gently heated and used as an extension of the therapist's hands to glide, knead, and press along the back, shoulders, arms, and legs to ease muscle tension, melt away deep-seated tension and promote well-being, Php3,000 for 90 mins. and Php3,400 for 120 mins.), Kape at Tanglad Scrub (a unique Filipino-inspired body scrub utilizing local coffee grounds as a natural physical exfoliant to buff away dry, dead skin cells, and lemongrass to provide a refreshing, aromatic experience while helping to soothe and invigorate the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and energized after treatment, Php2,250 for 90 mins. and Php2,650 for 120 mins.) and Tanglad Aromatherapy Ball Massage (a specialized treatment that blends traditional Filipino wellness philosophies with the targeted healing benefits of soothing lemongrass aromatherapy, Php2,550 for 90 mins. and Php3,050 for 120 mins.).

 

Janat Jasmine and English Breakfast Tea

Treatments can be done in-facility or directly in your guest room ("in-room massage"). Advance booking is recommended. Many hotel room packages (such as long weekend or staycation bundles) include a 15% to 20% discount on B-Calm Spa services and Café Belmont. 

B Calm Spa: Belmont Hotel Manila, Newport Blvd, Newport City, Pasay City, 1309 Metro Manila. Tel: +63 2 5318 8888. E-mail: stay@belmontmanila.com.  Open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM. Website: www.belmonthotelmanila.com.

Opening of Hiraya: The Colors of Life Exhibit (Belmont Hotel Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Hiraya - The Colors of Life Exhibit

Last November 4, 2026, Hiraya: The Colors of Life, a recurring and ongoing, multi-edition lobby art and cultural exhibit series hosted by Belmont Hotel Manila in collaboration with Fili Artists, opened at Café Belmont.  

Ribbon cutting

Designed to support world-class Filipino talents and bring art outside traditional gallery spaces, Hiraya (from an ancient Filipino word meaning “imagination,” “the power of the mind” or “the fruits of one’s hopes, dreams and aspirations”) featured 18 paintings from 7 Fili visual artists - Mr. Ruel Concepcion, Ms. Karen Hernandez, Mr. Louie Maipid, Ms. Carla Rimmington, Ms. Heidi Rodis, Ms. Kristine Joy Padua and Ms. Erian Gallardo.  The last two were present at the opening.  The 18 paintings on display are:

• Beyond the Abyss (Heidi Rodis, 24” x 36,”mixed media and acrylic paint on canvas, Php40,000)
• Life in Spring (Diptych by Kristine Joy Padua, 16” x 20,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php40,000)
• In Humble Things (Karen Hernandez, 22” x 36,”acrylic paint on canvas, Php40,000)
• Golden Stillness (Louie Maipid, 36” x 24,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php40,000)
• Incredible Potential (Kristine Joy Padua, 20” x 30,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php1,111,111)
• Blush in Bloom (Erian Gallardo, 8” x 10,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php15,000)
• Garden Joy (Erian Gallardo, 8” x 10,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php15,000)
• Swans in Flight (Diptych by Kristine Joy Padua, 42” x 60,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php120,000)
• The Sparrow (Kristine Joy Padua, 20” x 30,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php40,000)
• Provide (Kristine Joy Padua, 40” x 20,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php40,000)
• Joyful Dance of Two Betta Fish (Ruel Concepcion, 31.5” 47,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php40,000)
• Within the Frame (Louie Maipid, 19” x 15,” watercolor, Php10,000)
• Sunkissed (Louie Maipid, 75” x 15,” watercolor, Php15,000)
• Swan Lake (Louie Maipid, 11.75” x 15,” watercolor, Php15,000)
• Celebrate (Kristine Joy Padua,19.5” diameter, mixed media and acrylic paint on canvas, Php25,000)
• Bagras (Kristine Joy Padua, 24” x 36,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php40,000)
• The Sun Also Rises (Kristine Joy Padua, 72” x 48,” acrylic paint on canvas, Php85,000)
• A Moment of Peace (Carla Rimmington, 11.7” x 16.5,” oil pencil with ink, Php10,000)

 

L-R: Beyond the Abyss (Heidi Rodis), Life in Spring (Diptych by Kristine Joy Padua), In Humble Things (Karen Hernandez) and Golden Stillness (Louie Maipid)

On display at the hotel lobby as well as in Café Belmont, all exhibited artworks are open to hotel guests and the general public, with most displayed artworks available for acquisition through the hotel team. You can also browse the collection online via the Hiraya Colors of Life Catalog.  The exhibit will run until December 31, 2026.

 

L-R: Ms. Mayanne Malapote (BHM General Manager), Ms. Kristine Joy Padua, Ms. Erian Gallardo and Mr. Rupert Tancioco (BHM Director of Operations)

The exhibit was spearheaded by Belmont Hotel Manila Manager Ms. Mayann Malapote and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Cluster General Manager Socrates “Sonny” S. Alvaro as a platform to uplift Filipino creatives.

 

Ms. Mayanne Malapote (BHM General Manager)

Fili Artists is a non-profit collective of Filipino visual artists, from across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, whose works celebrate the diversity, creativity, and stories of local talent. Through Hiraya, the hotel hopes to provide a platform for these artists to share their work with a wider audience and allow their guests to experience the beauty of Filipino art within our hospitality space.

 

Mr. Reniel Padua (Assistant Director of Fili Artists)

They are widely known for bringing local art out of conventional galleries and into luxury spaces. They have held notable back-to-back exhibits across prominent hotels such as Swissôtel Clark, Marriott Clark, Hilton Clark, Sheraton Manila Bay, and Diamond Hotel.

 

A Moment of Peace (Carla Rimmington)

Through their featured works, the artists and organizers invite viewers to appreciate ordinary moments, embrace new experiences, and discover the extraordinary stories behind every individual's journey. Beyond celebrating artistic expression, the exhibit also serves a greater purpose giving back to the youth.

 

Beyond the Abyss (Heidi Rodis)

In her welcome address, Ms. Mayann Malapote shared “At Belmont, hospitality is about more than providing a place to stay. It is also about creating experiences, and bringing people together, and giving our guests meaningful ways to connect with the community around us. ‘Hiraya’ reflects us, making room for creative passion and expression using our hotel lobby. With Colors to Life, we are pleased to showcase 18 paintings by seven Fili artists. Each brings a way of seeing and interpreting the world," She added "Together, these works remind us that beauty can be found in the familiar. That a different perspective can move us and that creativity has the power to start conversations."

Joyful Dance of Two Betta Fish (Ruel Concepcion)

 

Mr. Reniel Padua, Assistant Director of Fili Artists and husband of featured artist Kristine Joy Padua, said "We stand before you as people who would like to pay it forward, who want to give back to the youth. So these artworks really will fulfill the dream of these youth, to really further their education and to really make them well-rounded individuals as a whole." He added, “The Fili Artists, the artists who painted these, were actually once beneficiaries of the summer education program themselves. I, myself, is also a beneficiary of that summer education program. And we here, we stand before you as people who would like to pay it forward, who want to give back to the youth.”  Fili Artists announced that all proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go toward its two-week summer education program and other youth initiatives.

 

Swan Lake (Louie Maipid)

For sale inquiries, contact ms. Ruth Alexis Cruz at mobile number (0939) 290-7820 or email cruzruthalexis@gmail.com, and Mr. Virgilio Antonio at mobile number (0917) 529-9555 and (0925) 589-9555 or email manilagoldencity@gmail.com. Facebook: FILI ARTISTS.  Instagram @FILIARTISTS.

 

Incredible Potential (Kristine Joy Padua)

Cafe Belmont: Belmont Hotel Manila, Newport Blvd, Newport City, Pasay City. Mobile number: +63 2 5318 8888 E-mail: info@belmontmanila.com.

The Manila Hotel's Christmas Tree Lighting 2026

 

The Manila Hotel Christmas tree Lighting 2026

Last November 4, 2026, The Manila Hotel, the oldest premiere hotel in the country, ushered in the most festive time of the year with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, transforming its historic, high-ceilinged Grand Lobby into a radiant showcase of Filipino holiday traditions. This year’s theme, "Aspinatin" / "Paskong Sariling Atin," celebrating Filipino heritage, culture, and holiday traditions, captured the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional Filipino Christmas, drawing guests and members of the media to a heartwarming afternoon of festivity and holiday splendor.

 

The Christmas tree

The magnificent, elaborately-decorated Christmas Tree, the centerpiece of the celebration, was designed by resident floral architect Rachy Cuna (Manila Hotel’s Social Director and Design Consultant).  Featuring a golden ilang-ilang theme (inspired by the hotel's Café Ilang-Ilang) and vibrant giant, red pamaypay (the traditional Filipino anahaw fan) leaf weaves, it radiated both grandeur and cultural pride, hallmarks of The Manila Hotel’s enduring elegance as its décor pays homage to Filipino craftsmanship through intricate accents.

 

The Christmas tree seen upon entering the hotel

The lighting ceremony was graced by The Manila Hotel’s Board of Directors, led by Mr. Basilio C. Yap (Chairman), Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. (President) and Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr. (Executive Vice-President).  The event was graced by the City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Ms. Maria Bernardita Angara‑Mathay (Department of Tourism Secretary), Mr. Pedro Laranjeira (Director of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Directorate of MNEC), Mr. Moon Joonsik (Embassy of the Republic of Korea), Mr. Andres Valdez (U.S. Embassy) and Ms. Cristina “Cristal” L. Bagatsing (Department of Tourism Culture and Arts of Manila Director).

 

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno

The event also featured Mr. Ben Siao and Mr. Jyron Ngo, champion and first‑runner‑up, respectively, of Chinatown Global Philippines 2026, as well as Ms. Yna Uy and Ms. Jamaica Co, champion and second‑runner‑up, respectively, of Miss Chinatown Global Philippines 2026.  The joyous afternoon resonated with the familiar melodies of Christmas as the Office of the President Chorale filled the Grand Lobby with timeless carols, evoking a sense of nostalgia and shared joy that define the Filipino holiday spirit.

 

The Office of the President Chorale

After the Christmas tree lighting, guests were treated to a lavish merienda spread of timeless local delicacies such as freshly-baked bibingka (fluffy native rice cakes topped with salted egg and cheese), traditional, comforting tsokolate de batirol (rich, frothy Pinoy hot chocolate), puto bumbong (steamed purple rice cake), palitaw (flat, sweet rice cake), warm taho (silken tofu with arnibal syrup and sago pearls), kutsinta (steamed rice cake) and classic, street-style Pinoy sorbetes (ice cream in ube, mangga and keso flavors).

 

Global Fusion Media at The Manila Hotel

Beyond the glittering tree, the celebration reflected The Manila Hotel’s dedication to preserving Filipino culture and fostering a sense of togetherness.  In the spirit of giving, The Manila Hotel also extended its annual support to the House of Refuge, continuing its commitment to share hope and kindness with children in need. Children here delivered a special dance presentation. Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of home and heritage this holiday season at The Manila Hotel, and to delight in its festive displays and offerings inspired by Filipino Christmas traditions.