“Christmas has always been about the people we share it with. This year, we wanted to bring a little European Christmas charm to Grand Westside Manila Bay while keeping the warmth of a Filipino Christmas at the heart of our celebration. More than the lights and decorations, it's about family, friendship, gratitude and finding ways to share our blessings with others.” ~Joe Xavier Fijardo, General Manager of Grand Westside Manila Bay
One of the loveliest ways to welcome the holiday season is through a beautiful Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Grand Westside Manila Bay certainly made the occasion memorable with a celebration filled with festive entertainment, Christmas carols, and the unveiling of its enchanting Christmas Village.
Inspired by the charm of European Christmas markets and the warmth of Filipino Christmas traditions, this year's holiday theme, "A European Christmas Village, A Filipino Heart," brings together everything we love about the season — beautiful decorations, thoughtful gifts, delicious food, and meaningful moments with family and friends.
Christmas is a season that brings people closer through festive music, meaningful traditions, delicious gatherings, and the joy of sharing. It is a time when simple moments become cherished memories and the spirit of generosity reminds us of what truly matters.
Capturing this festive atmosphere, Grand Westside Manila Bay held its Christmas Tree Lighting celebration on November 12, welcoming distinguished guests, business partners, members of the media, and friends for an enchanting evening inspired by the theme “A European Christmas Village, Celebrated with a Filipino Heart.”
The special occasion was attended by several notable personalities, including Hon. Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez, Mayor of Parañaque City; Hon. Councilor Pablo “Paolo” A. Olivarez II, First District of Parañaque City; Undersecretary Capt. Stanley Ng of the Department of Tourism; Ms. Anna Liza Vergara, Managing Director of Megaworld Global Hospitality; and Pastor Dr. Rafael Alfonso. Also present were executives from Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, tourism and hospitality industry representatives, corporate partners, and valued hotel guests.
Mayor Olivarez delivered a message during the celebration, marking an important occasion for both the hotel and its home city of Parañaque. With 1,528 rooms, Grand Westside Manila Bay is recognized as the largest hotel in the Philippines in terms of room count, further contributing to the growing hospitality landscape of Entertainment City.
The hotel's Christmas transformation beautifully combined European holiday aesthetics with beloved Filipino traditions. Guests were welcomed by sparkling lights, charming gingerbread houses, festive greenery, and European-inspired market stalls, complemented by traditional Filipino parols. Adding to the enchanting atmosphere were the soothing melodies of a live harpist.
During his welcome remarks, Joe Xavier Fijardo, General Manager of Grand Westside Manila Bay, shared the inspiration behind this year's festive celebration, which brings together the timeless charm of European Christmas traditions and the warmth and hospitality that Filipinos are known for.
One of the evening's most anticipated moments came when Grand Westside Manila Bay executives and distinguished guests gathered for the ceremonial toast and Christmas Tree Lighting. As the Christmas tree illuminated the hotel, its warm and festive glow officially welcomed the season of celebrations, togetherness, and meaningful holiday memories.
Adding to the heartfelt atmosphere was a special performance by Minstrels Rhythm of Hope - Little Singers, whose beautiful Christmas carols filled the venue with the joy and warmth of the holidays. The celebration also welcomed special guests Yna Angela Uy, Ms. Chinatown Global Philippines 2026, and Jyron Ngo, Mr. Chinatown Global 1st Runner-Up, who joined the festivities and shared in the Christmas spirit.
A Village of Giving
Beyond the beautiful decorations and festive celebration, Grand Westside Manila Bay introduced A Village of Giving, its Christmas community initiative dedicated to supporting the children of Minstrels Rhythm of Hope – Little Singers.
Inspired by the message “Little Gifts. Big Smiles.”, the initiative embraces the Filipino tradition of sharing blessings and spreading happiness, especially among children and families during the Christmas season.
Minstrels Rhythm of Hope provides children from disadvantaged communities with opportunities to nurture their musical talents, develop confidence, and continue their education. Having the young singers perform during the Christmas Tree Lighting made the celebration even more meaningful, allowing guests to appreciate the talents and stories of the children behind the initiative.
From November 12 to December 21, 2026, hotel guests, visitors, and associates are invited to share gifts and donations through a dedicated donation house located beside the Christmas tree in the hotel lobby. All contributions will be given to the children in time for Christmas, making the season brighter for those who need it most.
A Season of Festive Flavours and Traditions
The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony also signaled the start of Grand Westside Manila Bay's exciting holiday activities. Guests can discover the Christmas Village Market, where seasonal gifts, festive cakes, and beautifully prepared holiday hampers bring the charm of a European Christmas village to Entertainment City.
The holiday celebrations continue at Café by Westside, with special dining experiences including Christmas Eve at the Village and A Golden New Year's Eve Feast. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's festive dining favorites, World of Flavours, Grill & Rhythm, and Sip ’n Splash, with a special 3+1 dining offer.
As the year comes to a close, the hotel will host A Golden Midnight, a spectacular New Year's Eve countdown celebration at its 5th Floor Open Deck. Special holiday stay packages are also available, giving families and friends more opportunities to enjoy the season together.
Combining the enchanting atmosphere of a European Christmas village with the genuine warmth of Filipino hospitality, Grand Westside Manila Bay invites everyone to celebrate the holidays through memorable dining experiences, meaningful traditions, and moments of togetherness.
About Grand Westside Manila Bay
Located in Westside City, Entertainment City, Parañaque, Grand Westside Manila Bay is a 1,528-room hotel under Megaworld Hotels & Resorts and the largest hotel in the Philippines by room count. The hotel offers contemporary accommodation, dining experiences, leisure facilities and versatile event spaces, complemented by warm Filipino hospitality.
For reservations and enquiries, visit www.grandwestsidemanila.com.




















































