General manager Rupert Hallam, who is spending his first Christmas at the property, said in a Nov. 15, 2025 press release: “In the Philippines, where the holiday season is the longest in the world, Christmas is nothing short of spectacular. At Conrad Manila, we bring this brilliance to life through every detail — from dazzling décor and festive feasts to the heartfelt hospitality that defines our guest experience.”
The big picture
The ceremony doubled as a holiday concert, featuring premier soprano Lara Maigue, the internationally acclaimed UST Singers, and the orchestra ensemble Bernie Pasamba Strings and the Music Masters.
Local and corporate leaders lent added heft to the event. Among the guests were Pasay City Rep. Antonino Calixto, Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano, SM Prime Holdings Executive Committee chair Hans Sy, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) president Elizabeth Sy, SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles, and members of the diplomatic community.
Between the lines
The tree lighting also served as the reveal of Conrad Manila’s holiday décor program styled by Randy Lazaro—anchored by a classic 16-foot-tall crystal Christmas tree flanked by two smaller trees in the lobby and a giant Gingerbread House at Bru Coffee Bar that targets families and younger guests.
Holiday offers
Supporting the launch, Brasserie on 3 rolls out festive buffets from Nov. 11 to Dec. 30, plus special spreads for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day brunch, New Year’s Eve dinner, and Manila’s “longest brunch” on Dec. 25 and Dec. 31.
China Blue by Jereme Leung, recognized by the MICHELIN Guide Philippines, is offering set menus for Christmas and New Year reunions, while C Lounge stages a festive afternoon tea buffet and a disco-themed New Year countdown with fireworks over Manila Bay.
Bru Coffee Bar’s Sparkling Hampers and holiday cakes, Conrad Spa’s massage voucher bundles, the “Shimmer, Sparkle, Stay” accommodation package, and the hotel’s year-end events menus round out the commercial push aimed at converting tree-lighting buzz into room nights, covers, and gift sales throughout December.—Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
