The Homes of Zee

Experience a Warm Christmas at Montebello Villa Hotel

The most wonderful time of the year has rolled around, and Montebello Villa Hotel joins in on the fun with their Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in 2019.

The most wonderful time of the year has rolled around, and Montebello Villa Hotel joins in on the fun with their annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Held on the night of November 7, all roads led to Montebello Villa Hotel to usher in the season with glee.

Upon entering the hotel’s main lobby, guests can already feel the holiday cheer. All the halls are decked with decorations, with the star of the night—the Christmas Tree—right in the center of the lobby.

“We’ve been preparing a lot for Christmas,” says Eve Marie Grace “Concon” Kintanar, Head of Sales & Marketing and OIC Hotel Manager. “The Filipiniana theme inculcates in our minds how important our Filipino roots are, to promote more on Filipino products, to promote more Filipino culture, and Filipino arts.”

Keeping true to its old world charm mixed with modernism, Montebello Villa Hotel incorporates the “Filipiniana” theme into their decor through an ingenious use of abaniko, a traditional Filipino fan made with dried anahaw (a type of indigineous palm) leaves, by folding it in half to look like a flower vaguely resembling the anthurium. Small parol (lanterns) made of capiz shells also hang on the tree’s green branches.

Designed by the hotel’s Executive Housekeeper, Rey Sebastian, the overarching theme of native-inspired decor has a touch of gold and silver. Sheer gold bows and ribbons turn the tree into a gift in itself, while accents of white snowflakes hint at a fragile beauty.

Aptly called Kasadya sa Montebello, the ceremony was put together with efforts from the whole Montebello Villa Hotel family.

“Kasadya means being happy, being jolly,” explains Concon. “It’s what we need for Christmas. It’s a depiction also of resilience and bayanihan, which are our best traits. We have to remember that in times of crisis, the Filipino resiliency is very important.”

Concon also emphasizes that what’s important is rising up after difficulties, no matter the numbers of falls.

At Montebello Villa Hotel, guests can also enjoy special holiday-themed food offerings, such as the Whole Stuffed Turkey (Php4,800), available through pre-order basis for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information, follow Montebello Villa Hotel on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website at http://montebellovillahotel.com.

Related Topics:Christmas 2019 Montebello Villa Hotel

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The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 12

Christmas House No. 12 – Heart-felt Holidays at the Hofers’

Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!

Nestled in Banilad, Cebu City, the George Hofer residence stands as testament to enduring elegance. Constructed in the late sixties to early seventies, the mansion exudes timeless charm with warm brown molave wood panels and pristine white marble floors.

Stepping into this grand abode during the Christmas season unveils a journey into a beautifully storied past. This season, Molave wooden entance, intricately carved with the Hofer couple’s monogram, are adorned with opulent yuletide garlands. White velvet poinsettias and persimmon peonies alongside mother of pearl camellias are interspersed with pearlescent berries. Archangel Michael showers the guests with blessings from above, while a macassar ebony wooden effigy of Saint George (slaying the dragon) pays homage to the house owner’s namesake.

Adjacent to a private elevator, a grandiose Christmas tree stands tall, welcoming guests into a sprawling waiting hall. Here, an angel in teal and gold lamé cloth grouped together with exotic blooms gracefully plays the lyre; seemingly entertaining those who await entry.

Further down the hall is an ecru grand piano, where the lady of the house, a skilled pianist, performs Monti’s Czardas, Schubert’s Ständchen, and other rhapsodies on special occasions. A commissioned portrait of George and Dulce hangs on a wall above a console table that separates the hall from the formal dining area.

The Hofer home exudes old-world elegance that is seldom found today, yet its true charm lies in the joyous laughter and warm greetings of the Hofers, who gather annually to share Christmas cheer and delightful yuletide stories in this vibrant space.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 11

Christmas House No. 11 – Christine Pelaez

Designed by the noted Cebu architect Teng Jacinto, this expansive residence stands as a testament to the artful curation of Jun Pelaez. Over the years, he has meticulously assembled a collection of artworks, transforming the home into a gallery that reflects his discerning taste and appreciation for the aesthetic.

As the holiday season graces the air, the residence undergoes a festive tone under the artful touch of Jun’s wife, Christine. Embracing tradition, she bathes the home in the classic Christmas palette of reds and greens, infusing each corner with warmth and seasonal charm. The interior becomes a canvas for the holiday spirit, adorned with wreaths, ornaments, and the timeless glow of twinkling lights.

However, the true heart of this home lies in its welcoming spirit. There are two dining rooms, with chairs adorned with red bows and festive centerpieces, where family and friends converge for an equally sumptuous meal.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 10

Christmas House No. 10 – The Hudsons’ Christmas Chronicles

The Hudson’s household buzzes with enthusiasm each time the holiday season unfolds. The heart of their Tokyo home, the Hudson Christmas tree, stands tall and proud, adorned with tinsel and cherished trimmings that span the years of their family’s growth. Each ornament tells a story, marking the arrival of a new family member with the annual addition of baubles bearing their names: Mary, George, Victoria and Charles.

Charles, the youngest Hudson at twelve, beams with joy as he proudly places the Christmas star atop the tree. No longer reliant on his father’s shoulders, Charles revels in his newfound height and the welcomed responsibility that comes with it.

In addition to the twinkling blue lights, the festive icons and the white-and-silvery ornaments, another cherished tradition had been completed at the beginning of the joyful season. The Hudson’s much-anticipated Christmas cards, an exciting accountof the family’s adventures, had been creatively crafted by Rose and Karl. The lively narrative chronicles the milestones and quests of each family member, with Karl’s animated storytelling and Rose’s artistic touch bringing the tales to life.

Rose shares, “by mid-November we print two hundred post cards of the Hudson family chronicles. The entire family, from the oldest to the youngest, gathers around to sign each card. Envelopes are lovingly addressed, and the kids lend a hand in labeling.”

In a heartwarming shift of roles, the Hudson parents, Karl and Rose, prepare to pass the baton. The careful planning and distribution of the Christmas cards are soon to become the responsibility of the eager younger generation.

With laughter, love, and a touch of adventure, the Hudson family embraces the season, creating and sharing memories that they and their friends treasure for life.