Midas Hotel’s Annual Tree Lighting and First-Ever Iconic Artists Award: A Merry Night of Recognizing Filipino Artists
Exceptional Filipino artists are known to be represented worldwide. From music to arts to fashion to film and beyond, Filipino artists are well-recognized.
The festive season starts as early as September in the Philippines; so, with just a few weeks left before Christmas, I bet everyone is already occupied decorating their Christmas trees and planning their menu for the yuletide season!
Midas Hotel‘s Gigantic Christmas Tree
On that note, Midas Hotel unveiled their fabulous Christmas Tree last November 26, 2014 – an intimate Christmas tree lighting ceremony yet full of laughter and love as they gave recognition to some of the iconic artists in the country.
Headed by Midas Hotel’s Vice President, Mr. Rene Nunez, Associate and PR Brand Director, Erwin Dona, Columnist-Entertainment Icon, Ricky Lo, and other iconic artists, a toast was given for the successful Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Moet & Chandon champagne was the official drink of the night.
It was a night full of enchanting moments as Santa surprised everyone while being serenaded by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra:
This is what happens when there are a lot of photographers at the event: people don’t know where to look!
Great food, good friends, and Christmas medley songs – what more could you ask for?!
Midas Hotel’s initiative to commemorate homegrown talents made this evening even more special. Would you like to know who they are?
These genuinely talented Filipino artists studied overseas, but decided to come back to the Philippines where their hearts belong. “Home is where the heart is,” says Avel Bacudio. Camarines Sur’s pride, Avel Bacudio started from the bottom up. He worked as a janitor and designer’s assistant before working harder to reach his ultimate goal: to be a renowned Filipino fashion designer. Well, here it is, Avel! With your determination, you were able to represent the Filipino spirit of never backing down!
I was humbled when he mentioned this in his speech: “The first time I received an award was from Jimmy Choo (where he won as the Asia’s Most Influential Designer by Mercedes-Benz STYLO Fashion Week) , iba pala talaga ang feeling kapag kapwa mo ang nagbibigay ng parangal.” (It’s always the best feeling in the world when a fellow Filipino recognizes your talent.)
Everybody knows, if the design is dainty, stunning and quaint, it must’ve been done with a woman’s touch, just like what these women did to Midas Hotel’s interiors!
Formerly known as Hyatt Regency Hotel, The Almarios kept the adobe walls and revamped the lobby.
After honing their 15-year experience in Los Angeles, California, Sisters and interior design princesses Cynthia and Ivy Almario decided to come back to Manila to contribute their signature designs to the Filipino audience.
They shared how they kept the history of the hotel intact without compromising their pursuit for design solutions and taste.
The next awarded person is known as the music mogul of the Philippines: Mr. Maestro himself, Ryan Cayabyab.
Awit Award’s Lifetime Achievement and Gawad CCP Awardee for Music, Ryan Cayabyab, has contributed almost half of his life composing meaningful songs like Tuwing Umuulan at Kapilang Ka and Maalala Mo Kaya. Although Mr. C, already received numerous recognitions, receiving Iconic Artist award still felt special as the hotel’s love for OPM songs and artists is unconditional.
Mr. Ryan Cayabyab thanked Midas for this initiative and their continued love for OPM songs and Filipino artists.
Mr. Brilante Mendoza, who won the award for Best Director for his film Kinatay, was also cited as one of the Iconic Artist Awardees by Midas Hotel.
Although Brilante Mendoza was out of the country receiving another award, his colleagues were there to represent him.
Kenneth Cobonque, a multi-awardee and 2007 Time Magazine’s “rattans first virtuoso” was one of the awardees, as well. Unfortunately, he wasn’t there to receive the award, either.
After that, a sumptuous buffet dinner was served at Yanagi, Midas Hotel’s Japanese restaurant. More about Yanagi here. It was indeed a merryful night of camaraderie. proving that Christmas is more fun in the Philippines!
Don’t you agree? Also, who is your favorite Filipino artist? Share your answers in the comment box below!
