ORGANIZING AND HOSTING CHRISTMAS GIFT-GIVING AND FEEDING IN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

 Location:  Tabaco, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

The school children beneficiaries of the gift-giving and feeding

This particular gift-giving and feeding which I organized and hosted by actually funded by my best friend, Rome A. Frias and his brother, Dr. Adrian A. Frias with Saint John Elementary School as its beneficiary dated December 15, 2019.

Receiving my certificate of appreciation from Dr. Frias and the school principal

This particular school is located in Barangay Tabaco, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City with Mr. Grover M. Asequia as the school principal.  There were 75 grade 1 pupils mostly Badiaos who were the recipients of the outreach program giving them pairs of shoes, candies, chocolates, biscuits and other goodies, spaghetti, fried chicken and overflowing ice cream sponsored by Nestle.

FEASTING ON AN EAT-ALL-YOU-CAN YAKIMIX BUFFET RESTAURANT

 

MANILA PENINSULA AND SHANGRI-LA MAKATI IN CHRISTMAS HOTEL HOPPING

 Location: Ayala corner Makati Avenues,  Makati Business Center, Makati City, Philippines

Approaching Shangri-La Makati Hotel

Christmas is more vibrant at hotels where Christmas lights make up the night landscape of its facade and interior.  This was what we did with my pregnant wife last December 29, 2019 after enjoying the Gallery of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens.

The classic lobby of Manila  Peninsula

Manila Peninsula is just across Makati Avenue. It is a 5-star luxury landmark hotel which opened in 1976.  It features an outdoor swimming pool, 8 dining options and a spa. It has a favorable location since it is just a stone's throw to Glorietta, Landmark and Greenbelt malls.  It is located within Makati Central Business District which is still a part of the rich barangay of Urdaneta.

Part of the classic lobby of Manila Peninsula

It was a relaxing stay at the lobby listening to the instrumental music of Richard Clayderman like the Ballade pour Adeline, Winter Sonata, Boulevard Des Solitudes, The Sound of Silence and the rest of its long playing album.

Manila Peninsula's iconic man-made cascading water falls and fountain

Philippines is indeed fortunate that of the 10 Peninsula Hotels, which is considered a world's leading luxury hotel brand, one is being operated in the country named as Manila Peninsula.  This hotel brand is owned and operated by The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH).  Other peninsula hotels operating are in Hongkong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Paris and Bangkok.  Three more are under development in London, Istanbul and Yangon.

My wife and I at Shangri-La Makati

Going to Shangri-La Makati  Hotel is just across Ayala Avenue.  It is one of the four Shangri-La hotels in the Philippines with the other three named as Edsa Shangri-La, Shangri-La The Fort (BGC) and Shangri-La Mactan.

My wife at Shangri-La Makati

Shangri-La Makati has its advantage being at the center of Makati Business Center.  Glorietta Mall, Landmark Mall and Greenbelt Mall are just walking distance from its location.

REMINISCING THE GALLERY OF LIGHTS OF THE AYALA TRIANGLE GARDENS

 Location: Paseo De Roxas Street corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Philippines

This day marks the anniversary of my visit to the Ayala Triangle Gardens’  Gallery of Lights, where I was with my pregnant wife then.  Look at my blog post of Ayala Triangle Gardens on a non-Christmas time.  Ayala Triangle Gardens is a 2-hectare landscaped urban park in Makati City of the Metropolitan Manila, Philippines. As its name suggests, it is indeed a triangular public garden and courtyard in the center of the Makati Central Business District.  It  was named after its owner and developer Ayala Land, and was opened to the public in November 2009.

Witnessing its somewhat sound and  lights show coined as the ‘Carol of Lights’ is really a 3D spectacular show to behold showcased at the dome of Tower One and Exchange Plaza totally free of entrance fee for everybody.  It opened then on November 12, 2019 and ended January 12,2020 and being showcased every half hour from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M.  It was indeed a long-running treat to everyone feasting on the jaw-dropping lights and sounds show coupled with magical music theme.  Actually,  this has been an annual celebration already,  but not during this pandemic time.

This Gallery of Lights 2019 has been equipped with new design concepts of lighting  director Voltaire de Jesus and Luther Garmia, with classic Christmas staples which tickles the fancy of everyone of reminiscing Christmasses when everyone was still kids and evolving as grown-ups.

This danceable and classical lights and sounds show vary in tunes of three different medleys from a Filipino medley by Von de Guzman familiar to kids of our times when we do have carolling at the neighborhood and beyond; another one is a techno-inspired piece from Tris Suguitan, and the last one is the jazz-inspired tunes of the Big Band medley from Mel Villena.

What makes this 3D video amazing are its dome projection of immersive images inspired on famous churches’ ceilings like that of  Vatican and historic churches with colorful stained glass windows of famous cathedrals.  This digital graphics is the masterpiece of Epson Philippines as designed by G.A. Fallarme and conceptualized by Henk-Gert Lenten.

I really miss this Gallery of Lights this year.  Hoping this will be showcased again as the pandemic is over for the next Christmas in 2021.

MISSING THE DAZZLING LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW OF MERALCO LIWANAG PARK

 Location:  Meralco Center, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

The lights and sound show of Meralco Liwanag Park

Today, is the anniversary where I last visited Meralco Liwanag Park.   My family used to visit this Christmas attraction for the last three consecutive Christmas season from 2017, 2018 and 2019.  It may not proper to say that I missed to visit it this year, because there was no such thing this year due to the pandemic.  When I scanned through my picture archives and search the same pictures in my blog posts, I notice that I did not have postings about this attraction, though I happened to visit it thrice. No doubt, December is my busiest month, and I normally fail to compose and post blogs on this month.

The MERALCO Headquarters (Photo courtesy Meralco Corporate Profile)

What does really Meralco mean?  This question is specifically addressed to my foreign blog readers. Well, MERALCO is an acronym for Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company which  was its original company name until 1919.  It is the largest private sector electric distribution utility company in  the Philippines servicing its customers for 117 years already in 2020.   Its services covers 36 cities and 75 municipalities.  Its franchise area of over 9,685 square kilometers includes the country's industrial, commercial and population centers where at year-end 2018, it recorded a market capitalization of P357.3 billion.

The Giant Belen

I knew that this post is already history.   But at this moment, I am being reminded of  the saying that goes, "absence makes the heart grow fonder."  Yes, I believe, I really missed witnessing again another MERALCO Liwanag Park which was not showcased this year due to pandemic.  As an act of gratitude to Meralco, I am posting these pictures to let the company know that I am one of the those tens of thousands who was amazed by this  attraction.

The Three Kings

To be specific, Meralco Liwanag Park is consist of 1.2 million LED bulbs which mesmerizingly dazzled at the facade of the main building of its company's headquarters at Ortigas Center in Pasig, with a Smart Cities theme, a bright exterior covered with colored lights that sync with music in a show that play  every 30 minutes.

The Tunnel of Lights

The main attraction that guests queue endlessly is its actual electric train, which runs on  an oval track.  Guests take time to board the train as most of the guests would like to ride on it. There are also giants sculptures of the famous Belen;  a church mockup; a bahay-kubo made of recycled copper wire; a maze where guests can walk through; giant three kings; the magical lights show of the main building façade; a tunnel of lights; the Christmas Eco-Village; the magically light-adorned trees and many others.

A season's greetings of dazzling light

As crowd in this attraction is so huge, pictorials is quite difficult.  I usually take photos on a close-up basis to avoid capturing the photo bombers.  It is so difficult to control the sea of crowd.  One may need patience to wait for the right timing of capturing pictures with lesser guests flocking in every attraction.

The  sea of crowd excited waiting for the light and sound show

If this project was only showcased this pandemic time, no doubt, guests will be uncontrollable.  It might result to higher rate of COVID 19 transmission.  As this attraction is becoming a family tradition to visit it,  this would again be restored for showcase in the forthcoming Christmas season if pandemic is already over.

The corridor of lights

My family and I took us so long waiting for our turn to board the train.  Kids and adults were on a long line disregarding the feeling of exhaustion standing for more than an hour just to experience what is in store in boarding a Christmas train.

Yes! we were next to board on the forthcoming train

As the next batch of passengers, we were already seated comfortably at the train's departure area.   We can hear the honking of the train.  Accommodating the guests for the train ride was so systematic. It was on a first to line up first to ride basis.

Finally! I was on board

Indeed! patience is a virtue.  It took us one hour and 35 minutes to have our turn for the train ride.  I did not regret it.  After all, everybody who wanted to be at the train lined up religiously.  All were on equal footing. That's why, to finally ride on it is really a prize.

What an exciting free train ride

Unfortunately, in our group of four, my wife was left because being pregnant, she was not allowed to board the bumpy and shaking train ride.  She was left on the boarding area capturing some photos for us while we were on board.

Disembarking the train

The exit point was at the other end and clearly, riders are not allowed to board again the train unless they go back again to the end of the line.  I can see no special treatment even if kids are begging for another ride, their companion adults will insist not to since the line is too long to wait.

The entrance to the Christmas Eco-Village

The Christmas Eco-Village used recyclable materials and  it draws a thick crowd, with the guests trying to scrutinize what materials consist a certain figure or structure on this part of the park.

Part of the Christmas Eco-Village

The creatively crafted figure at the Christmas eco-village

The figure is consist of used bottles

SANTUARIO DEL STO. CRISTO PARISH

 Location: 183 F. Blumentritt Street, San Juan City, Metro  Manila, Philippines

The imposing church's facade

One of the nearby places I have frequented to during the lockdown was this place, the Santuario Del Sto. Cristo Parish or formerly known as the Church of San Juan del Monte.  It has a Baroque architectural style or much the same as an Earthquake Baroque style. This was also the place that my wife and I has been frequenting to when she was still pregnant with our son between  August 2019 till January 2020 where she had her delivery  on February 2, 2020.

The church interior

This church is just around 2 kilometers from our residence in Mandaluyong, and by jeepney public transport, it is just one trip.  I am planning to take with me my 10-month son to this church to experience its lush green garden at the back.

Still at the church's interior

The last time I visited this place was last December 24, 2020 with my grand daughter from my nephew in the name of Ayessa Namocatcat along with my wife.  It was such a refreshing afternoon stroll.

Capturing my moment at the church's facade

I have visited this church for 9 times already, but was only able to attend one holy mass. In a few instances, my wife and I would stop at this point going to San Juan Park where we do have our jogging session.

The passage to the convent and to the open garden cemetery

As a background, the church and convent were built in 1602 - 1604 by the Dominican Province of the Most Holy Rosary on a site donated by Capitan Julian de Cuenca.  Both buildings were burned during the Chinese uprising of 1639.  The new church and convent was constructed in 1641, but was later set on fire in July 1763 during the British occupation of Manila.  The present church and convent was constructed in 1774 which were used by the insurgent forces of the revolution of 1898.  This Sanctuary is the seat of the Cofraternity of Santisimo Cristo de San Juan del Monte which was approved by Pope Innocent X on March 4, 1648.

The pathway towards the convent

There is an inner garden leading to the convent through a concrete pathway.  The priests that I have frequently meet going to the convent are very accommodating as well as the staff.  I discovered the place when I asked the guard where I can find a comfort room.

A shade just next to the clean comfort rooms (Model: Stephanie, my wife)

When the direction was given to me by the guard, I explored going inside and pass thru the convent and eventually to the  external open garden with shades where church organizations members can conduct there meetings.

The lush green external open garden

Part of the external open garden

Staying at the shades with benches is such a refreshing experience.  It is so peaceful there and you will just hear the chirping of the wild birds.

The internal open garden or cemetery

From the lush green external garden connects  another part of the compound, the cemetery. I happened to see some loved ones visited their dead relatives and light a candle on their tomb.  I did not ask but I think, these tombs might be open for rental for sale.

Such a hassle-free cemetery

By the way, the church offers Resurrection Chapel for funeral to the public with a fee of P2,000.  Schedule of wake is based by appointment with the Parish Office.

Contact Number

Landline No.  (63 2) 8724 5466

THE LUXURY OF THE 5-STAR EDSA SHANGRI-LA HOTEL MANILA

 Location:  1 Garden Way, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City 1650, Philippines

Edsa Shangri-La Lobby

A cousin of mine who is at her 60s asked me to inquire personally at two Shangri-La hotels in Metro Manila, one of which is in Makati.  She told me, she wanted me to have an ocular inspection of the hotel and to take photos on it.  After all, she said, websites usually give enhanced pictures.  Together with my wife, we decided to inquire first at Edsa Shangri-La.  It was on the afternoon of Christmas day, December 25, 2020.

While at the lobby with my wife

The receptionist at the Information desk was very accommodating and we wasted no time to ask all the questions we want to know including the compliance for the health protocols related to COVID 19 pandemic.  She handed us a business calling card and toured us around the hotel.

One of the six international restaurants of the hotel

Our inquiry was quite fruitful since the receptionist was able to tell us more likely what is being written on its website about the hotel.  She started by saying that Edsa Shangri-La Hotel is an 18-storey structure with 631 rooms and suites and 6 international restaurants and bars.  It is equipped with a Chi, The Spa, Health Club and city resort facilities. It has a lush green garden surrounding a state-of-the-art swimming pool.

Bakeshop and Lobby Shop

Of course, one of the concerns of my cousin is the restaurant.  She used to check-in at the Manila Hotel and Sofitel Hotel whenever she is in Manila but this time, she wanted to try a Shangri-La Hotel, of which I learned that there is another Shangri-la Hotel in Bonifacio Global City.   The second one concern is more on the accessibility of a convenience store or a bakeshop since she loves to eat cakes and pastries.

A captured pool state-of-the-art swimming pool nested at a lush green garden with my wife in the pic

Indeed, it is refreshing to be at the poolside, as the thick lush garden gives an aura of freshness and vitality.  Imagine, at the center of the busy metropolis, a place like this exist.  A typical hotel structural design. The location is a big plus as it in between two big shopping malls, the SM Megamall and the Shangri-La Plaza.  It is also a walking distance to Saint Francis Catholic Church.  And not only that, a walking distance to the mass transport Metro Rail Transit (MRT).  Of course, business centers including banks are in many numbers.

Aerial view of the hotel's swimming pool (Photo Courtesy Edsa Shangri-La Manila Hotel)

Due to pandemic protocols, roaming around the hotel to capture best pictures as a part of my ocular inspection is limited.  This is being imposed to avoid virus contamination of the area.  But despite of that, the assisting receptionist was still very accommodating giving me some helpful points, but giving me clear information, how far I can go around to capture pictures.

A tower wing deluxe room (Photo courtesy Edsa Shangri-La Hotel Manila)

One more thing that I was informed of was, the usual room viewing is not allowed during the pandemic time, since rooms are all disinfected and a person is only allowed to enter the room if he is check-in as a guest.  Thus, I was advised that I can make use of the website pictures for rooms to make my narrative to my cousin more vivid and convincing.

Still at the pool side

Since I am providing a helpful information, I would like to give the website where prospective guests can look or search into to get complete information of the hotel at Esda Shangri-La Hotel Manila to know specifically the rates. Even the locals can have staycation at the hotel.  However, hotels now requires a negative result of PCTR test and they have that at P1,800 per head including the infants and toddlers.  Guests can not check-in directly to the hotel.  They need to stay in a quarantine hotel first and have a negative PCTR test, before he can finally check-in to the hotel.

The Wine Cellar at the lobby

Indeed, staying at the hotel offers so much convenience with full access of the basic, luxury and business needs.  Guests are assured of safety since social distancing and health protocols are really observed in the entire hotel.  

The North Pole Wonderland Wall of Wishes

Indeed, business at the hotel, is as usual.  It just have to be noted that health protocols should be observed for the safety of everybody.  This is to include the strict wearing of face mask and face shield if the guests are inside the hotel's premises.

Leaving the hotel

For the prospective guests, they can reach the hotel thru its telephone number at (632) 8633 8888 or email at manilaedsa@shangri-la.com with address at No. 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City 1650, Philippines.

My wife and I moving to Shangri-La Plaza for late lunch