The Ascott Limited – Philippine Cluster has been partnering with Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga every Christmas for the past three years to provide the gift of nourishment to less privileged children in public schools, streets and conflict areas. They aim to increase awareness and maximize the ways for others to help in the cause as well.
This is ushered in thru their tree lighting ceremony wherein one of their seven properties (these include Ascott Makati, Ascot Bonifacio Global City, Citadines Millennium Ortigas, Citadines Salcedo Makati, Somerset Alabang Manila, Somerset Millennium Makati and Somerset Olympia Makati) takes the lead and the rest of the properties follow suit in the coming days – this year the front-runner is Ascott Bonifacio Global City.
Their lobby was transformed into a Winter Wonderland with a towering Christmas tree covered in snow as well as polar bears and reindeers on display.
Attendees were treated to the musical stylings of harpist Ms. Holly Paraiso, the Gawad Kalinga Children’s Choir as well as the UP Concert Choir, and was hosted by celebrity-athlete Ms. Michele Gumabao.
Ms. Holly Paraiso
Mechanics for donations were shared to kick-start the fund-raising efforts of the largest serviced residence brand worldwide – “All guests or even walk-ins can lend a helping hand thru purchasing Christmas ornaments from any of our Ascott Hosts here or thru our reception area for a minimum of Php100.00 and all the proceeds will go to Kusina ng Kalinga.
Ms. Sue Ponnudurai, General Manager for Ascott Bonifacio Global City
After their purchase, you may opt to place your names on the back portion or remain anonymous and hang the ornament on the Christmas tree; this minimal amount can already provide six (6) nutritious meals so every donation counts” said Ms. Sue Ponnudurai, General Manager for Ascott Bonifacio Global City during the event. This year, the ornament they produced is a snowflake complimenting Ascott Bonifacio Global City’s theme.
During the event, Mr. Luis Oquinena, Executive Director for Gawad Kalinga, was also present to give his message to those that have taken the time and have shared their blessings.
Luis-Oquinena-GK-Executive-Director
The night ended with numerous donations from attendees that included media partners, corporate clients, and in-house guests, making it a wonderful start to the fund-raising period.
For those interested in joining this cause, you may visit any of The Ascott Limited properties around Metro Manila as mentioned above – all you have to do is approach their accommodating Guest Service Officers located at their reception area and they will be able to assist in your donation. They will be accepted from November 21, 2017, until January 5, 2018, after this period, all proceeds will be turned over to Gawad Kalinga.
For further information, feel free to call their marketing department at +63 2 755 8858 or via email at
ian.agbayani@the-ascott.com.
