Lighting the tree, we have (from front to back) Joaquin “Jake” Fong, Napoleon “Thirdy” Jesus Tiongco III, Jelana “Nana” Dee Uy, Dir. Of Sales Ms. Joy Alonte, Dir. Of Operations Ms. Maia Israel, Iloilo Business Park Vice President for Sales and Marketing Ms. Jennifer Fong, Club Marriott Ambassador Ms. Sheilla Golez-Tiongco, Davao based Businessman Mr. Oyo Uy, Asst. Dir. Of Finance Mr. Marlon Galo, and Human Resources Manager Ms. Rosalyn Sardon.

In the spirit of the merriest season of the year, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo lights up the tree together with beloved friends and family with the theme Coming Back Home. 

The region’s first and biggest international hotel with its 326 rooms, invited its corporate partners, club Marriott members and its guests with their kids for its momentous tree lighting countdown ceremony. 

To surprise everyone, KSynch sang a beautiful rendition of the song “A Wish on a Christmas Night” in acapella to jump start the ceremony.

Director of Operations Ms. Maia Israel welcoming everyone to the event

Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo’s Event Manger, Ms. Gail Bangeles and F&B Manager Sharon Mani

The event’s host, also the hotel’s Events Manager, Ms. Gail Bangeles called in the Director of Operations, Ms. Maia Israel to officially welcome and thank everyone for their presence and support to the hotel’s 2nd tree lighting event. 

Israel also talked about the value of coming home for Christmas and seeing the entire festivities with child-like eyes of wonder and excitement. 

She lastly encouraged everyone to hang a Christmas ornament in the hotel’s tree for every P50 worth of donation to help kids supported by the Save the Children Foundation, the hotel’s official charity partner. 

KSynch singers, a sub group of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, Inc.’s Kinaadman Chorale

Parents and kids enjoying the gingerbread cookie decorating activity

Mr. and Mrs. Claus dropping by while everyone was having fun decorating their own gingerbread cookies

Leading this year’s lighting event were Joaquin “Jake” Fong, son of Iloilo Business Park’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Ms. Jennifer Fong; joining him was Napoleon “Thirdy” Jesus Golez III, son of Club Marriott Ambassador Ms. Sheilla Golez-Tiongco, and as well as Jelana “Nana” Dee Uy, daughter of Congresswoman Jam Baronda and Davao based Businessman, Oyo Uy. The three kids were accompanied by their parents and as well by Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo’s Director of Sales, Ms. Joy Alonte, Director of Operations, Ms. Maia Israel, Asst. Director of Finance, Mr. Marlon Galo, and Human Resources Manager, Ms. Rosalyn Sardon. 

At the count of three, the hotel’s tree was lit and showered by a burst of confetti that made everyone more excited. 

This year’s set-up comes complete with a life-size gingerbread fireplace that was made more festive with gifts coming from Toy Mart, the hotel’s official event partner. 

Ms. Jennifer Fong and son, Jake Fong together with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Mr. Oyo Uy with daughter Jelana “Nana” Dee Uy holding her gift sponsored by Toy Mart handed by Mr. and Mrs. Clause

Managerial Committee of Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo (from left) Dir. Of Sale Ms. Joy Alonte, F&B Manager Mr. Sharon Mani, Executive Chef Chachpol Suaisom, Housekeeping Manager Mr. Michael Delmar, Dir. Of Operations Ms. Maia Israel, Asst. Chief of Engineering Mr. Jonas Carillo, Asst. Dir. Of Finance Mr. Marlon Galo, Maintenance Manager Renan Villagracia, Marketing Manager Mr. Nico Velasquez

More surprises started to appear as hotel waiters come into action giving kids gingerbread cookie decorating sets allowing all including the parents to get creative as they design their very own cookie. 

Sharon Mani, F&B Manager, shared with everyone what all guests should anticipate during the holidays in the hotel. 

At the middle of the fun, the joyous occasion was made even more exciting with the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Claus dropping by all the way from the North Pole. Everyone took the time to get pictures with them all throughout the night to really capture the moment. 

The Tiongco family (from left) Mary, Maria Cecilia, Thirdy, Mom Ms. Sheilla, Dad Dr. Napoleon, and Judith Marie

The icons of Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Claus 

Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo invites everyone to come, visit, and experience all the hotel’s offers all throughout the season. Check out all their upcoming events in their official Facebook fan page and room promotions through www.courtyardiloilo.com to know more about them. For inquiries, reservations, and bookings please call (033) 330-7600 or text 09178158904.