Marco Polo Plaza Cebu lit up last night, November 28, the Christmas tree that now dominates its expansive lobby to mark the start of the hotel’s annual “Festive Season” to celebrate the holidays.
The putting up of the Tree of Hope is a yearly tradition of the hotel in partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation. To mark the “season of giving,” people can donate through the Tree of Hope at P200 per Christmas ball, which are then used to adorn posts placed around the tree. Donors leave messages along with the balls.
Donations will be accepted until January 5. The funds that will be raised will be handed to beneficiaries and programs identified by the GMA Kapuso Foundation.
Tree of Hope partnership
“The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu and GMA partnership has touched so many lives,” said Mel Tiangco, executive vice president of the GMA Kapuso Foundation in a recorded video message shown during the tree lighting. She thanked those who donated money and encouraged people to extend their generosity to beneficiaries of the program.
The lighting up of the Tree of Hope is also a call for peace and goodwill, said Marco Polo Plaza Cebu general manager Julie Najar during the ceremony.
The ceremony was highlighted by performances by the Celestial Voices choral group and GMA singer and model Frenchesca Farr, who gave a lively rendition of “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Msgr. Roberto Alesna opened the ceremonies by blessing the Tree of Hope. A highlight of the event was the opportunity for the people to have their photos taken with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus near a mock fireplace put up at the lobby.
