The premier beach resort destination Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast officially welcomed the advent with a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony held at the Pico Beach Plaza, last November 24, 2018.
The festive season is already felt in most part of the country with colorful lanterns and bright sparkly lights festooning the busy streets of the metro; classic yuletide songs floats in the air making everyone giddy with anticipation.
At Pico de Loro Cove, the sound of the soft waves crashing fills the air with the right melody for this holiday. Vacationers lounge on the soft sands facing the sea with their cocktails, while everyone moved closer to the shore in the late afternoon to catch the majestic sunset display—November usually has the best showcase. At sundown, people gathered towards the plaza near the giant Christmas tree. The warm breeze was replaced with cool air almost telling that the Christmas season has finally arrived.
President for Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club, Rita Dy and General Manager for Pico Sands Hotel, Maggie Garcia led the ceremony with a warm welcome followed by the lighting of the tree. The Himig Batingaw Choir, a local chorale group hailed in Imus Cavite serenaded the crowd with classic Filipino carols. And the homegrown talents of Pico de Loro, regaled everyone with a dance parade as they serve the night’s cocktails.
The Christmas tree stands 30-feet tall and tastefully decorated with mostly organic materials found anywhere along the 42-hectare property’s verdant trails such as twigs, branches and coconut spathe. Abaca ropes, silk flowers, and reused Christmas balls were entwined to create garlands adorning the tree. It was then illuminated with 3000 led lights with blue accent lights at each corner.
“It is the most festive and largest tree we’ve put up, by far. And, it’s such a sight to see when you are heading over to the beach. But, I’m even more proud to share that this tree is also a showcase of our staff’s handiwork and artistry,” declares Garcia.
It was obviously Pico de Loro Cove’s lush natural surroundings that inspired this year’s décor—the mountains with its abundant flora and fauna. Wooden reindeers sprawled at the garden; origami of little birds made of coconut leaves in beautifully hand-painted bamboo vessels were used as table centerpieces. Pico Sands Hotel’s lobby centerpiece is made of twisted twigs arranged like a fountain embellished with baby coconut fruits at its vase.
Garcia’s message is simple, “let’s celebrate mindfully and truly focusing on what’s important—our families and loved ones; build more happy memories with the kids and enrich your own family traditions.”
