Modern life can often feel busy, with time seemingly passing at an ever-faster rate. With the approach of the festive season, The Peninsula Manila and its sister hotels – the homes of the holidays – is encouraging guests and visitors alike to practice mindfulness by slowing down, reflecting, and enjoying the present moment while surrounded by those they love.

To welcome the holiday season, The Peninsula Manila has announced a calendar of fun activities and experiences for all to enjoy – including bountiful, festive-themed brunches; gingerbread decorating classes led by the hotel’s professional pastry chefs; and live story-telling sessions of The Peninsula’s digital storybook for children, “The Gingerbread Man’s Tale”, available for complimentary download via Peninsula.com’s festive webpage beginning in mid-November.

Sharing Holiday Chee

The protagonist of this year’s story – which has been specially written for The Peninsula Hotels – is the Gingerbread Man. A familiar sight adorning decorated trees, the Gingerbread Man represents the “Stories from Within the Tree” chapter of The Peninsula Hotels’ three-year festive campaign titled ‘Stories from the Tree.’ In keeping with last year’s “Stories from Under the Tree” and next year’s “Stories from the Tree Top,” this year’s theme is about sharing the joy and fun of the season.

Accordingly, the magic of the festive season will be celebrated at each of the ten Peninsula hotels around the globe with giant Christmas trees erected in the grand lobbies, and resplendent decorations on view for all to enjoy.

Embracing Acts of Kindness

Often, the joy and fun of the season is felt most strongly by the children in our lives. In support of those less fortunate, the six “Stories from the Tree” characters will be available to purchase at each hotel in the form of tree ornaments and pins, with P 250 from each purchase donated to local youth empowerment charities. This year, The Peninsula Manila has chosen Hands On Manila Schools’ “Galing Mo Kid” program that mentors high-achieving public school students.

Since the festive season is the perfect time to reflect and make memories with loved ones, The Peninsula Manila has lined up a range of activities to make celebrating this year’s holiday an unforgettable experience.

FESTIVE TREE LIGHTING

The festive spirit arrives on November 8 when children from the Make-A-Wish® Foundation Philippines light up The Lobby’s 45-foot-tall Christmas tree, and the musicians of the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra strike up their instruments to play holiday music. The resulting scene, which resembles a holiday greeting card brought to life, beautifully heralds the start of the season.

Date:   Friday, November 8

Place:   The Lobby

Time:   5:30 pm

GINGERBREAD STORE

Starting November 8, guests may make holiday dining reservations, order Christmas hampers, or take selfies with friends at The Lobby’s good-enough-to-eat gingerbread store.

Open daily from 9:00 am – 8:30 pm

SANTA AND PETER BEAR AT THE LOBBY

It can be a challenge finding Santa – but not at The Peninsula Manila, where he makes regular appearances along with his Peninsula-mascot companion, Peter Bear. Young guests (and the young at heart) can talk to him as he walks around The Lobby, and take photos with him during caroling nights, Santa’s Workshop, and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

CAROLING AT THE LOBBY

No happy-hour experience in Manila embraces the holiday spirit quite like The Peninsula Manila’s Christmas caroling performances, which take place every Friday evening at The Lobby and feature a rotating cast of choirs…

Dates: November 15, 22, 29

December 6, 13, 20

Place:   The Lobby

Time:   6:30 pm to 7:15 pm

CELEBRATIONS: 36 Years of Christmas Concert at The Pen

One of Manila’s most beloved festive holiday traditions, the annual Christmas Concert at The Pen this year features Gerphil Flores (dubbed “Asia’s Golden Girl” for winning accolades in the inaugural season of Asia’s Got Talent), the University of Santo Tomas Singers, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under guest conductor Maestro Ruggero Barbieri.

Date:   December 8

Place:   The Lobby

Time:   5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Price:   P2,300 per person (with a set festive merienda, or light meal) or P32,000 for a table of 10 persons (with a set festive merienda and two bottles of Moët & Chandon). Proceeds benefit

The Peninsula Manila’s “Hope for the Philippines” fund, which provides continuing education and livelihood aid for families affected by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Families who participate in the annual Festive Peninsula Academy Gingerbread-Decorating Class can decorate an array of gingerbread cookies with help from The Peninsula Manila’s pastry team, while also enjoying holiday nibbles. Proceeds from the workshop will benefit Hands on Manilas’ “Galing Mo Kid” program that mentors high-achieving public high school students.

Date:   Saturday, December 15

Place:   The Lobby

Time:   9:00 am to 11:00 am

Price:  P2,600 (for one child under 12 and one adult)

P1,300 (per additional companion)

FESTIVE DINING

December 24

The Upper Lobby Merienda Buffet Time: 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm Price: P2,900 (includes a glass of Champagne) P2,300 (adults) P1,150 (children under 12)

The Lobby Dinner Buffet Time:   6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Price:   P4,500 (adults) P2,250 (children under 12)

 

Spices À la Carte Lunch & Dinner Time:   11:30 am – 2:30 pm 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm Price:   P2,300 (adults) P1,100 (children under 12) Minimum consumption	Old Manila Five-course Set Dinner Menu Time:   6:30 pm – 11:00 pm Price:   P7,500 (with free-flowing Champagne, wines, cocktails, and spirits) P6,000 (adults)
Escolta Christmas Roast Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Price: P4,500 (with free-flowing                                                                                                       sparkling wine) P3,200 (adults) P1,600 (children under 12)	Lobster and Seafood Dinner Time: 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Price: P5,300 (with free-flowing Champagne, wines, cocktails and spirits) P3,800 (adults) P1,900 (children under 12)

December 25

The Lobby Breakfast Buffet Time: 6:00 am – 11:00 am Price: P1,700 (adults) P950 (children under 12)	The Upper Lobby Merienda buffet Time: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm Price: P2,900 (includes a glass of Champagne) P2,300 (adults) P1,150 (children under 12)
Old Manila Regular À la Carte Lunch Time: 11:30 pm – 2:00 pm	Five-course Set Dinner Time: 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm Price: P6,000 (with free-flowing Champagne, wines, cocktails, and spirits) P4,500 (adults and children)
Spices À la Carte Lunch & Dinner Time:   11:30 am – 2:30 pm 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm Price:   P2,300 (adults) P1,100 (children under 12) Minimum consumption
Escolta Christmas Roast Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Price: P4,500 (with free-flowing                                                                                                       sparkling wine) P3,200 (adults) P1,600 (children under 12)	Lobster and Seafood Dinner Time: 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Price: P 5,300 (with free-flowing Champagne, wines, cocktails and spirits) P3,800 (adults) P1,900 (children under 12)

 December 31

The Lobby

 “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” Gala Ball and Dinner

Dress to the nines in the splashiest New Year’s Eve party that pays homage to the pop showman who practically invented the colored sunglasses market – Sir Elton John.

Time: 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Band: 9:00 pm – 2:00 am

Price: P15,000 (adults)

P7,500 (children under 12)

Spices À la Carte Lunch & Dinner Time:     11:30 am – 2:30 pm 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm Price:     P2,300 (adults) P1,100 (children under 12) Minimum consumption
Old Manila À la Carte Lunch Time: 11:30 pm – 2:00 pm	Six-course Set Dinner Time: 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm Price: P9,500 (with free-flowing Champagne, wines, cocktails, and spirits) P7,000 (six-course dinner)

 

Escolta Brunch Buffet Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Price: P4,500 (includes free-flowing sparkling wine) P3,200 (adults) P1,600 (children under 12)	New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet Time: 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm Price: P6,000 (with free-flowing Champagne, wines, cocktails, and spirits) P4,500 (adults) P2,300 (children under 12)
Salon de Ning Madame Ning’s New Year’s Eve Party Time: 10:00 pm – 4:00 am Price: P3,200 with a select open bar and canapés. Reservations are recommended for private themed room bookings.

 January 1

The Lobby Breakfast Buffet Time: 6:00 am – 11:00 am Price: P1,800 (adults) P950 (children under 12)	The Upper Lobby Merienda Buffet Time: 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm Price: P2,900 (includes a glass of Champagne) P2,300 (adults) P1,150 (children under 12)
Spices À la Carte Lunch & Dinner Time:     11:30 am – 2:30 pm 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm Price:     P 2,300 (adults) P 1,100 (children under 12) Minimum consumption	Escolta Breakfast buffet Time: 6:00 am – 10:30 am Price: P1,800 (adults) P950 (children under 12)

 

Escolta New Year’s Day Roast Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Price: P4,500 (w/ free-flowing sparkling        wine) P3,200 (adults) P1,600 (children under 12

Lobster and Seafood Dinner Time: 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Price: P5,300 (w/ free-flowing Champagne, wines, cocktails, and spirits) P3,800 (adults) P1,900 (children under 12)

HOLIDAY HAMPERS

The Santa Hamper

Price: P 6,000 net

Signature Peninsula Pageboy Hat Hamper	Almendra Turrón
Trapiche Vineyards Malbec, 750ml	Helios Blueberry Jam
Chocolate Amaretto Panettoncino, 100g	White Chocolate Bar
Roasted WhiteChocolate Cashew Spread	Jamón Grand Reserva, 80g
Homemade Grissini in Dark, Milk, White Chocolate, 250g

The Sweet Indulgence Hamper

Price: P 10,500 net

Signature Peninsula Pageboy Hat Hamper	Milk Chocolate Bar
Trapiche Vineyards Chardonnay, 750ml	Dark Chocolate Bar
Peninsula Heritage Collection Mug	Coco Sugar Peanut Spread
Peninsula Chocolate Truffles in Festive Box, 8 pcs	Sagada Roast Coffee
Chocolate Amaretto Panettoncino, 100g	Almendra Turrón Peninsula Festive Magnet
Homemade Gingerbread Cookies, 300g
Jamón Grand Reserva, 80g

The Peninsula Gourmet Hamper

Price: P18,800

Signature Peninsula Pageboy Hat Hamper	Homemade Assorted Macaron, 6 pcs
Romio Prosecco DOC Extra Dry, 750 ml	Homemade Fruit Cake
Trapiche Vineyards Malbec, 750ml	Jamón Gran Reserva, 80g
Peninsula Page Bear	Panettone Alto Santa Claus, 500g
Peninsula Page Bear Key Ring	First Harvest Gift Set (3 jars)
Peninsula Festive Magnet	Sagada Roast Coffee
Homemade Hot Chocolate Brew in a Signature Peninsula Tin	Milk Chocolate Bar Dark Chocolate Bar
Homemade Gingerbread Man	White Chocolate Bar
Peninsula Chocolate Truffles in a Festive Box, 8 pcs	Homemade Gingerbread Cookies, 300g

Complimentary delivery service is provided to Makati City, Mandaluyong, and Bonifacio Global Cities for purchases of over P15,000. Purchases of less than P15,000 are subject to delivery fees depending on location.

Holiday Room Rates and Packages

An array of special rates and packages featuring holiday-themed amenities allow guests to enjoy all The Peninsula Manila has to offer.

 Pen Days of Christmas

Guests who partake in this package will enjoy:

• Daily breakfast buffet for two adults and two children under six at Escolta
• For guests staying in suite rooms, a 50% discount on the second room booked, plus complimentary breakfast buffet for two adults and two children under six at Escolta.
• A 20% discount at all food and beverage outlets (except on December 24 and 25)
• A Peninsula Boutique gift voucher worth P2,000
• A special Christmas-themed welcome amenity (one per room)
• Complimentary Peninsula shuttle service to nearby malls
• Complimentary use of The Peninsula Manila Fitness Center and Spa facilities, including swimming pool
• Complimentary Peninsula shuttle service to nearby malls
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and local city phone calls

Rates start at P9,200 for a Deluxe Room, not including tax. This room offer is available for stay dates between November 15, 2019 and January 10, 2020, except for December 29 and 31.

New Year’s Eve Revelry

Guests who partake of this package will enjoy:

• “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” New Year’s Eve Dinner for Two at The Lobby valued at P30,000
• A chance to win a two-night stay at the award-winning Peninsula Tokyo with breakfast for two at The Lobby (one raffle ticket per stay)
• Daily breakfast buffet for two adults and two children under six in Escolta
• A special New Year’s Eve-themed welcome amenity (one per room)
• Complimentary Peninsula shuttle service to nearby malls
• Complimentary use of The Peninsula Manila Fitness Center and Spa facilities, including swimming pool
• Complimentary Peninsula shuttle service to nearby malls
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and local city phone calls

Rates start at P30,000 for a Superior Room, not including tax. This room offer is available for stay dates between December 29 and December 31, 2019.

Stay hungry,

thehungrychef

Nathaniel Uy