Ruby Red Christmas
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The traditional Tree Lighting ceremony held on November 6 officially launched the holiday affair, where 20 children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines, together with Resident Manager Yves Thoma, Peter Bear and Santa Claus, lit up the 45-foot-tall Christmas tree and all the Christmas trimmings. Children of all ages marveled at the majestic scenery as the hotel lobby sparkled in ruby elegance.
On December 12, the hotel’s much-awaited Christmas Concert at The Pen, an annual musical tradition that has been part of The Peninsula Manila history for 32 years. This 2015, part of the proceeds raised benefited the continuing efforts of The Peninsula Hotels’ “Hope for the Philippines” fund.
On that evening, The Lobby’s cathedral-like walls echoed with music by some of the world’s greatest composers. Classics like Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” Strauss’ “Radetzsky March,” Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” Handel’s ever-popular oratorio “Messiah” – including the “Hallelujah Chorus” – were all brought to life that magical night by Rachelle Gerodias (soprano), Brigitte Van Hagen (soprano), Byeong – In Park (baritone), the 50-voice University of Santo Tomas Singers and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Ruggero Barbieri, with Freddie Santos as concert director.