Wednesday, December 13, 2006 The symbols of christmas By Nelia G. Neri
ONE of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas is the omnipresent Christmas tree with its shimmering lights, fancy trimmings, and gift boxes underneath. And then there’s bearded Santa Claus with his reindeers and bag of goodies! Angel figures also bring to mind the spirit of Christmas. Most fitting and significant symbol, however, is the Belen (the tableau depicting the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger) because it focuses on the real reason for the celebration.
Still, it’s the Christmas tree that wins hands down as a favorite centerpiece in homes and hotels during the festive season.
Private homes, especially those with children, put up the trees and the Belens as early as November. As for the hotels, it seems that the ceremonial lighting up of their Christmas trees has become de riguer.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort had its traditional tree-lighting ceremony with Gov. Gwen Garcia doing the honors assisted by Lapulapu City Mayor and Mrs. Arturo Radaza. It is a colorful tree adorned beautifully with native materials.
Attendees during the affair were the wards of the Batang Opon Foundation who all got treats from hotel GM Tim Wright.
Musical numbers came from the Children’s Joy Choir and Shangri-la’s own Mactan Idols. Dinner at Acqua for guests and media friends capped the Christmas kick-off.
***** It was a big-do for the very first Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Marco Polo Plaza. Dramatic and solemn, the ceremony started with the dimming of the lobby lights and the lighting of candles. Gov. Gwen Garcia then turned on the switch. Providing background music was the St. Jude Choir. And then there was the ballet presentation performed by students of the Ballet Center under the direction of Gregory Aaron.
After a while Santa Claus took over the stage and gave gifts to the kids of the hotel employees. Cocktail time found a parade of waiters with trays of wine marching to the tune of the Little Drummer Boy.
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“Christmas is For Children” was how the Cebu City Marriott Hotel dubbed its simple Christmas Tree Lighting affair. As in previous years, hotel GM Karl Hudson invited kids from the SOS Children’s Village for an early Christmas party. It was also gift-giving time.
Special guests were media friends who played “Santa Claus” along with Karl and his associates, and the Ecclessia Caebuana Children’s Choir who added to the Christmas spirit with their serenade of Christmas favorites.
The group of “Santa Clauses” ended up at the Garden Cafe for a buffet dinner which included Indian specialties....yes, the hotel has “imported” two Indian chefs from the Marriott Hotel-Bombay.
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Among the most imposing Christmas trees in town is the towering fixture in the midst of the grand lobby at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. It surely is a sight to behold!
The hotel has lined up activities from Dec. 16 to 24...Misa de Gallo at 5 a.m. at the mezzanine floor, and Christmas Serenade at the Lobby Lounge starting at 6:30 p.m. On Christmas Eve there’s Misa de Aguinaldo at the Atlantic Hall, 10 p.m.; and on the 25th, Mr. and Mrs. Santa make an appearance at the Gourmet Walk at 3 p.m.
