If you’re in the Philippines, it’s never too early to celebrate Christmas! That’s why Yuletide season has already been officially welcomed at Okada Manila as early as November. The premier lifestyle and entertainment destination ushered in the Philippines’ favorite time of the year with the press launch of its latest attraction, The Garden – an open space with a spectacular view of Manila Bay.
Alongside the unveiling of The Garden, Okada ramped up the holiday festivities with a grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony along The Fountain Foyer, where guests were serenaded by Chorus Vocales Philippines, Hazel Faith, and Monique Lualhati. The night ended with an amazing performance by Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan at The Cove.
We know that sounds like a lot to take in, so let us give you a list of things to add to your holiday to-visit list before the year comes to a close:
1. Take a photo with Okada’s capiz Christmas tree
Okada Manila officially welcomed the Christmas season last Saturday (November 17, 2018) with a grand tree lighting ceremony. The spotlight’s on its 28-foot tree made out of 38,008 of the finest capiz shells from Cebu.
2. Sing and dance to the season’s music
Get in the holiday vibe with remarkable choir performances from the heavenly voices of the award-winning Himig Rizalia! Hear your favorite Christmas songs rendered with heart-melting vocals and excellent choral direction on all weekends of December until the 23rd. Watch out for surprise dance numbers as well!
3. Make Christmas special for kids—and kids-at-heart
Santa Claus is coming to town at Okada Manila—and he’s ready to listen to Christmas wishes from kids and kids-at-heart! Okada Manila is hosting a meet-and-greet with jolly old Saint Nick himself at Santa’s Cabin by the Crystal Corridor junction on selected dates starting November 17 until December 25, from 3 to 5 PM.
Holidays are bound to be more fun with the Yuletide Kiddie Jam at PLAY (weekends from November 17 to December 16, and daily from December 21 to 25). Kids will get to enjoy activities such as storytelling time with Santa, Christmas caroling, and fun games. Kids can come in their Santa outfits to get a complimentary pass for both child and guardian for their next visit, as well as 50% off on a six-month MOON Pass.
PLAY also has fun activities in store during its Best Friends Day on December 2 and Kasambahay Appreciation Day on December 9. Both events include exciting activities like arts and crafts, Pinoy Henyo, Zumba, and more.
4. Watch the Musical Fountain come to life
The biggest multicolored dancing-water fountain takes refuge at the heart of Okada Manila. New shoes are up every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 10:00 PM, enhanced by an immersive projection mapping onto the glass surface as millennial-favorite music play on full blast. It’s a must see every time you visit Okada since they have new songs on their stereo daily.
5. Relax, rejuvenate, and get party-ready for exciting gifts!
If the season is becoming too hectic, head on over to The Retreat Spa and let their team of experts take care of all your grooming and wellness needs. Choose from a variety of Yuletide Spa Gift Sets to bring the relaxation home. These festive jute box hampers come with a complimentary treatment voucher that you can use on your next visit or gift to a loved one.
Need to glam up for your holiday parties? The Retreat Spa salon offers exclusive packages that will ensure you’ll be party-ready in no time. Yuletide Glam Packages start at PHP 2,500 plus guests can enjoy 25% off add-on services like manicures, pedicures, root touch-ups, and hair treatments. There’s no such thing as too much merrymaking with the Hangover Recovery Package that will hydrate and re-energize you for the next celebration!
6. Visit a life-size Gingerbread House
Starting November 15, Okada Manila guests will get to enjoy delightful homemade treats created by Executive Pastry Chef Josef Teuschler, in a life-size Gingerbread House. It looks so yummy, you’d want to take a bite and bring a piece back at home. Good thing that you can purchase some inside!
7. Watch the sunset at The Garden
The Garden is a newly opened lush space which offers guests a front-row seat to breathtaking views of the Manila Bay sunset. Ideal for family gatherings at the resort, guests who want to escape the concrete jungle, and for anyone looking for the perfect outdoor venue for celebrations and events, The Garden is a sprawling spread of greenery within Okada Manila. Guests will completely enjoy this brand new facility once it officially opens to the public.
“The Garden is more than an outdoor space—it’s an integral part of Okada Manila where guests can enjoy life’s best moments under the sky with people they treasure the most,” said Ivaylo S. Ivanov, Okada Manila’s Vice President for Hospitality.
This is located at the Upper Ground Floor of the Coral Wing in Okada Manila.
8. End the year with a blast!
Catch up with family and friends over a scrumptious meal as Okada Manila’s signature restaurants bring special treats to the table.
Enjoy hassle and worry-free holiday feasts at Kiapo with special set menus that will bring mouthwatering flavors to your Christmas reunions, as well as the Ultimate 8 Samgyeopsal from Goryeo which will deliver the most delectable Korean experience for the whole month of December. You’ll never run out of festive dining options from a wide range of international cuisines as Enbu, La Piazza, Medley, Red Spice, Lobby Lounge, and Yu Lei serve up their holiday specials.
As the year draws to a close, the fun doesn’t stop as you can still enjoy nights of revelry, drinks, and world-class music acts at Southeast Asia’s largest indoor beach club and nightclub, Cove Manila. This beach party destination will celebrate its all-star anniversary with the three-part party series, Crescendome, which will bring in world-renowned DJs for 3 consecutive weeks: Tiesto on November 30, DJ Snake on December 7, and Afrojack on December 15.
Come New Year’s Eve, with last year’s grand fireworks setting the standard, Okada Manila is set to make it bigger than ever, with something very special planned along the entire venue and for its guests.
Visiting Okada soon? Let us know if you’re in the area by tagging Manila Millennial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on upcoming events and promotions, visit:
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