Christmas proclaims itself as many things: the most wonderful time of the year, bringer of glad tidings and good cheer, a season that brings out the child within, among other warm-in-your-tummy associations.
Yes, it is all that and more – but, it is also a season of seemingly endless activity and obligation. And, if you focus on all the trappings, it is all-too easy to get hopelessly lost in the red-and-green frenzy.
Amidst the head-spinning holiday hustle-and-bustle of the season, Manila’s premier hotel, the Makati Shangri-La, gives us oh-so-sweet reasons to love Christmas.
Gingerbread, for a cause
Mr. Gingerbread Man, a classic element of a beloved childhood Christmas, takes centerstage at Makati Shangri-La this festive season. Step into the hotel lobby and be greeted by the delicious aroma of cinnamon and spice wafting from the giant gingerbread house underneath the grand dome. The edible house is a small Christmas miracle, in itself, as it was lovingly handcrafted by the hotel’s pastry chefs who worked through the night over a total of 20 days. Ginger bread loaves, Christmas jams, fruitcakes, and more are available for sale within the large confection’s yummy walls.

The sweetest purchase you can make, perhaps, is a Gingerbread Star, which you get to hang on the hotel’s Christmas Tree. The proceeds from every cookie star sold (priced at P500) will go to Makati Shangri-La’s EMBRACE Kids, to support the medical, financial, and emotional needs of a group of critically ill children.

Christmas eats and treats
Holiday cheer awaits you with the hotel’s many events lined up for December. Leading up to Christmas Day, enjoy Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., serenaded by a live orchestra. Rate starts at Php 1,850 ++.

For a delightful evening of Noel-themed performing arts, catch A Sweet Christmas Story, a show by the Philippine Ballet Theater, on December 9 at the Lobby Lounge. This promises to be a showcase of elegant dance, set to the tunes of classic Christmas songs. Tickets are at Php 2,500 ++ per person inclusive of dinner.
And, to bring the Christmas fun onto your table, grab a Holiday Hamper filled with traditional Yuletide goodies at Sinfully Circles.
Sweet staycation
Looking for some R&R amidst the Christmas hubbub? Consider going on a Gingerbread-inspired staycation at Makati Shangri-La Manila. Relish the respite and revel in various activities for the whole family such as a tipi tent experience, arts & crafts and cookie decorating classes.
Make your Christmas all the merrier and sweeter at Makati Shangri-La Manila!

For more information on the hotel’s festive offers, please access the E-brochure at bit.ly/ASweetChristmas2017.
 
By ANGIE DUARTE
Photos by ANDIE D. SYYAP
Andie Syyap Photography’s Facebook page and Instagram