Before the festivities, selected media guests were first invited to head over to the Okada Manila Chairman's Lounge located on the 15th floor.

The Chairman’s Lounge is an exclusive area which offers a magnificent view of The Fountain and Manila Bay. I had been to their Executive Club Lounge before during our staycation here, but It was just my first time to visit this part of the hotel.

The Chairman’s Lounge is mostly used for private events and special celebrations, like tonight's tree lighting event. We sat down together with influencer Karina Ching and her mom to enjoy the food and beverages at this spacious venue.

The Chairman's Lounge offers a selection of bar snacks and a meticulously curated drinks list, all amid an ambiance of rarefied luxury. Accented with golden lights, the space offers a luxuriously warm ambiance for guests as they enjoy world-class hors d’oeuvres to go with sparkling drinks, wines, and spirits.   

Some of the displays included a grazing table with various cheeses and nuts. There were some light bar items like chicken sliders, satay barbecues, cheese sticks, pasta, and heavier dishes including chicken inasal.

I was surprised to see a full carving station offering Christmas hams and lechon. This wasn't just a light cocktail anymore but a full luxury dinner.

They even had this US Prime Rib steak served with baked potatoes and peppercorn sauce. This is like dining at a full hotel buffet.

We were elegantly hosted by Niza Forschler, Associate Director for Digital Marketing and Property Communications at Okada Manila who also guided us from the Chairman's Lounge all the way to the Fountain Foyer where the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was about to take place.

We actually had our pictures taken here in front of the Christmas tree a few weeks ago during our Halloween staycation at Okada Manila, although it was not yet fully decorated back then. This time, the tree was all decked up and ready to welcome the holiday season.

Pilipinas Got Talent Grand Champion Cardong Trumpo was one of the opening performers that evening. It was also my first time to see him in action and he definitely astonished everyone with his balancing acts.

The main attraction that night was Asia's Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto who wowed the crowd with his energetic performance. The event was open the public so it was a full house at the Fountain Foyer with many of his fans attending the free mini concert.

Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Christine Joy Cari officially opened the tree lighting ceremony with a few remarks.

This was followed by a short message from Shirley Tam, Executive Vice President for Casino Marketing Operations at Okada Manila.

The night culminated in the ceremonial lighting of Okada Manila’s magnificent Christmas tree, marking the launch of the holiday season. The tree features bold red accents, striped ornaments, gold spheres, carousel horses and whimsical hot air balloon elements inspired by the resort’s holiday theme, Christmas Carnival.

The Okada Manila Christmas Carnival comprises a series of events and experiences including F&B offers and festive shopping from November 14 to January 4, 2026. The resort itself boasts vibrant decorations, dazzling displays and delightful offerings that aim to create an atmosphere of celebration for guests to enjoy.

Darren Espanto gave the audience a big finale performance together with the Okada Manila Entertainment Group, which will be presenting “The Set Up,” a magical spectacle of mesmerizing acrobatics, dazzling dance routines, and splendid songs at The Fountain at 7:00pm every Wednesday to Friday from November 14 to December 25, 2025.

Okada Manila then officially opened the Christmas Carnival at the Crystal Pavilion. This is a festive wonderland that brings together festive feasts, wellness delights, and holiday shopping in one extraordinary celebration. 

Come celebrate the season at Okada Manila and bring your family and friends to experience the magic, fun, and joy of the Christmas Carnival which includes the Noel Bazaar.

The Christmas Carnival is like a small theme park with its own set of fun rides and games for kids and adults alike. There are also plenty of stalls and retail shops for those holiday gifts.

Make sure to visit the Christmas Carnival at Okada Manila and spend a wonderful holiday season with your family. We would like to thank Okada Manila for inviting to join this magical celebration. Happy Holidays!