Pico de Loro Cove welcomed the holidays with a heartfelt Christmas tree lighting ceremony led by Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club Chairwoman Elizabeth T. Sy; President Rita Dy; SM Leisure and Resort Residences Business Unit Head Shirley Ong; Head of Design and Planning Harvey Sy; General Manager of Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel Maxi Gavino; SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles; and Senior Vice President for Operations Cathy Nepomuceno. They were joined by members, guests, and friends from the media.
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General Manager Maxi Gavino opened the evening with a message of inspiration. “This year, our theme FeelTheHolidaySparkle invites us to rediscover the beauty that shines when we nurture what truly matters. Our inspiration comes from the mangroves, nature’s quiet protectors that bring life and light to our surroundings. When mangroves thrive, they become home to fireflies, tiny sparks that illuminate the night and remind us that even the smallest lights can create something truly wondrous together.”
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Sustainable Decor and Creative Craftsmanship
In line with Pico de Loro’s commitment to marine protection and sustainability, all Christmas trees throughout the cove were decorated with eco-friendly, upcycled ornaments. The CRAFTmas team spearheaded the transformation of Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel into a festive wonderland. Housekeeping Manager Renante Navarro and Housekeeping Supervisor for Sustainability and Decorations Florencio Garcia led the initiative, supported by team members Cyrus Tito, Mervin Gonzales, Rogie Mendoza, Jeff Montealegre, John Erick Lazarte, Arvin Demora, and John Aaron Sadiasa.
Their designs featured materials gathered from the property and nearby communities, including wood scraps, foxtail palm twigs, Talisay fruit, acacia seeds, mangrove branches, mud crab shells, and driftwood centerpieces. Each creation highlighted the harmony of creativity and sustainability, giving the holiday décor a distinctive and meaningful character.
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Celebrating Community, Nature, and New Experiences
Club President Rita Dy shared her holiday message, noting that a full calendar of activities awaits members and guests throughout the season. She encouraged everyone to join the Eco-Mangrove Tour to deepen their appreciation of this year’s theme, and invited guests to ring in the New Year at the Jungle Jive Countdown Party on December 31.
SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. Senior Vice President for Operations Cathy Nepomuceno also addressed attendees. “Pico de Loro has always been a sanctuary where families connect, friendships grow, and memories take root. As we continue this journey together, we look forward to unveiling exciting enhancements across the property. From the refreshed Lagoa opening on December 12 and Grab & Go soon serving Starbucks coffee to the reimagined Club Pico for our young explorers, these efforts reflect our commitment to creating warm and meaningful experiences inspired by the spirit of hospitality we value deeply at SMHCC.”
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Music, Merriment, and a Taste of What’s to Come
Guests were serenaded by the soprano duo The Nightingales, while children delighted in appearances by mascots Picoy the Parrot and Tiny the Turtle. The evening also featured a special tasting of dishes from the soon-to-open Lagoa Restaurant, crafted by Chef Leah Magallanes, Chef Jayme Natividad, and the Pico de Loro culinary team.
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A Beacon of Festive Cheer
Standing tall at Pico de Loro Cove, this year’s Christmas tree glows as a symbol of creativity, dedication, and the joyful spirit of the community that brought it to life.
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