AN AUTHENTIC Filipino Christmas with a special twist.

In its efforts to reach out to more balikbayan (retuning residents) across the globe, the four Ascott International properties of Ascott Makati, Somerset Millennium, Somerset Olympia and Somerset Salcedo, have prepared a truly authentic Paskong Pinoy celebration. By doing this, Filipinos who have come home to celebrate the holidays in Metro Manila with their families are treated to local Christmas traditions that they have surely missed away from home.

At the Ascott Makati, the classic Paskong Pinoy touches go beyond the festive Filipiniana-inspired décor adorning the impressive lobby.

To officially open the Christmas season, Ascott Makati recently held its annual tree-lighting ceremony.

The event was held in partnership with World Vision, a charity organization for children that Ascott International has been supporting since 2008.

To raise funds this year, handcrafted miniature Christmas lanterns or parol made of capiz shells were sold at P100. The proceeds were donated to Ascott International’s sponsored communities in Zambales province.

“This Christmas, we are excited to celebrate the holidays in true Filipino fashion,” says Ascott Makati general manager Lew Yen Ping.

“By buying a parol or two, you not only light up your homes with these beautiful lanterns, you also light up the lives of these children,” she added.

Showing support that evening were World Vision celebrity endorsers Miriam Quiambao and Sam Milby, who have both been actively sponsoring the children of World Vision.

From Nov. 17 to Dec. 24, guests can look forward to a special Misa de Gallo breakfast corner at Café on the 6th featuring signaure Filipino dishes famous this time of the year, such as bibingka, puto bumbong and sapin-sapin.

To imbibe the warmth of home, a welcome snack of ensaimada and tsokolate will greet guests in their rooms. And for that lasting impression upon check-out, all Ascott International properties will be giving their guests farewell treats: Mini boxes of native sweets such as polvoron, yema, and pastillas.