Radisson Blu’s blue Christmas tree

Radisson Cebu Blu Hotel officially welcomed the merriest season through the annual lighting of the 32-foot traditional blue Christmas tree — one of the tallest in the city — at its massive lobby lounge.

On hand for the honors were Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia, SM Hotels and Convention Centers president Elizabeth Sy, Radisson Hotels Group South East Asia Pacific senior director of operations Deborah Haines and general manager Marko Janssen.

(FIRST photo) Radisson Blu Cebu general manager Marko Janssen with senior director of operations for Radisson Hotel Group South East Asia Pacific, Deborah Haines. (Second photo) Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia. (Third photo) SMHCC Elizabeth Sy, the columnist and Nes Jardin, former president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu likewise installed a dazzling façade of a village complete with canopy lights at its porte chochere, symbolizing the season’s message of fostering community and family togetherness.

This year, the property’s creative team explored German Christmas traditions in a Cebuano setting. Several stalls offered holiday goodies, such as delectable Zimtsterne star cookies, candies, fruity and nutty stollen, and other treats that feature festive flavors like peppermint, chocolate, gingerbread and seasonal spices.

Marife Yuson, Radisson Blu director of Sales and Marketing, and Perl Arienza.
Soprano Rachelle Gerodias (right) and Baritone Byeong In Park.
Amapola Garcia, Radisson Blu senior events manager, and Tonette Carcel of Tcarcel Events Planning.
Joy Santillan and Vivina Chiu.
Susan Sala and Rosebud Sala.
Irma Atillo, Teresin Mendezona and Elvira Luym.
Sonia Yuvallos, John Philip Lim and Tessie Javier.

The highlight of the celebration was the much-anticipated concert that brought together world-renowned classical artists soprano and baritone couple, Rachelle Gerodias and Byeong-In Park. 

The roster included musicians, such as Jose Gullas Visayas Chorale and Cebu’s very own and highly awarded Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra.

Julius and Nelia Neri.
Mark Mercado, violinist.

To cap off the ongoing event, the Radisson Blu Cebu Hotel, in keeping with a tradition that has withstood time, unveiled a life-sized advent calendar on display. Each day until Christmas Eve, a family from the SOS Children’s Village, a child-based beneficiary, is declared the winner. They will receive prized items based on their wish lists. A buffet lunch awaits them at the famed Feria Restaurant.