Christmas concert @ The Pen

MANILA, Philippines — Christmas came early this year at The Peninsula Manila as the hotel’s GM Mark Choon – with partners Store Specialists Inc., Citibank and Philippine Tatler, in cooperation with co-sponsors the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Lexus Philippines – assembled a stellar cast of the best of the best in Philippine popular and classical music that transformed the elegant and iconic lobby for two magical hours into a grand concert hall, revving the assembled guests’ festive spirits for the days of celebration ahead.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) under guest conductor Maestro Ruggero Barbieri (who flew in from Italy especially for this concert) led the way with special guest soloist Original Pilipino Music (OPM) legend Celeste Legaspi, tenor Lemuel de la Cruz, soprano Jade Riccio and the University of Santo Tomas Singers serenading guests with classical and holiday-themed music.

Part of the proceeds raised during the concert was donated to the Hope for the Philippines’ fund that continues to benefit the families affected by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan and now living in The Peninsula-Gawad Kalinga (GK) Village in Tanauan, Leyte.