SURE, we may not have the annual spectacle of the New Year Ball Drop of Times Square in New York City, but fret not: around these parts, there’s plenty of options for fun and excitement to greet New Year 2020.
Here are some of them.
EASTWOOD CITY
THE future is brighter and grander as Eastwood City (www.eastwoodnye2020.com) officially partners with Quezon City and welcomes 2020 with the most luminous New Year revelry highlighted by a dazzling star drop, star-studded OPM performances and the introduction of the country’s first-ever City of Music.
“Eastwood-Quezon City New Year Countdown to 2020” promises all brightness from sundown to sunup with the annual party kicking off on December 31, from 6 pm onward at the Eastwood Mall Open Park, and ending just before sunrise at the Fuente Circle at the Eastwood Citywalk.
Headlining the countdown are some of the biggest and brightest names in the music industry, including Ben&Ben, James Reid’s Careless Music, Leanne & Naara, and Meryl—the grand winner of Eastwood City’s first-ever talent search, “Amplified.” All are set to electrify the countdown to the early minutes of 2020 along with two of OPM’s most prolific vocalists and performers, Rico Blanco and Ebe Dancel.
For the very first time, Eastwood City is introducing itself as the country’s City of Music through its continuous support to the local and international music scene by opening its stage for both upcoming and big music acts alike; a favorite venue for concerts, gigs, album launches and meet-and-greets.
Eastwood-Quezon City New Year Countdown to 2020 will also feature the New York City-inspired Dazzling Star Drop, a grand fireworks display at 12 midnight, and an after party with Manila’s hottest Djs, including Nixdamnp, ToloMarvelous, DJ Euric and Jazz Zamora. “It has been our tradition in Eastwood City to welcome each year in the grandest way possible. As we officially partner with Quezon City government, this year will be no different. Our goal is to really encourage everyone to welcome 2020 with beaming hope and a brighter outlook in life,” says Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.
Eastwood City is offering a P50 flat-rate parking fee until 2 am for revelers joining the celebrations, while several dining establishments across Eastwood Mall and Eastwood Citywalk are now accepting reservations.
DIAMOND HOTEL
WITH the wrap-up of the decade and the dawn of 2020 approaching, Diamond Hotel Philippines (www.diamondhotel.com) presents exciting ways to toast to the New Year with loved ones in Manila.
Thrill your taste buds and turn the beat up with the exhilarating New Year’s Eve Countdown Party. At P3,980 per person, you can start the night with a Dinner Buffet at Corniche with a glass of cava, then finally jump into the excitement as the Yellow Lane Band, Soul Republic and J-Project launch the Upper Lobby into a fever of upbeat live music. Dance and be merry until the clock strikes midnight and even beyond. Plus, get a chance to win a two-night stay for two in Baguio with each ticket purchased.
For those who prefer a refined and more serene take on welcoming the New Year, Yurakuen’s lunch and dinner group set menus will bring your family together over a luxe preparation of authentic Japanese cuisine. With a glass of red or white wine and entertainment by an acoustic duo during dinner, these sets are priced at P2,200 per person, with a curated group set good for up to four persons at P8,380 and a special group set to accommodate up to six persons at P11,280. The Lobby Lounge will open the Midnight Pica Pica Buffet from 10 pm to 2 am, with seats available at the Second Floor Mezzanine for those who want to dip closer to the Countdown Party happening at the Upper Lobby. With a wide selection of dishes, from a fresh Salad Bar and luxe Grazing Table, to hot savory items and signature desserts, the Midnight Pica Pica Buffet priced at P1,280 per person is a wonderful way to spend New Year’s Eve with your family. New Year’s Eve Lunch and Dinner Set Menus are offered at the Lobby Lounge, as well, at P1,880 net per person with a glass of cava.
If you’re planning on a night out with friends to cap the year, Bar27’s New Year’s Eve Bash is perfect. With a sky-high view, upbeat live musical performances by XZEL Band, and a range of tapas and cocktails to choose from, this year-end merriment ought to be at the top of your list at a consumable P1,380 net per person.
F1 HOTEL MANILA
Experience one of the most exciting events in welcoming the New Year only at F1 Hotel Manila (www.f1hotelmanila.com).
Dabble in the Foam and Glow New Year Countdown in partnership with Jack Daniels and Hoegaarden. Inclusive of unlimited featured cocktails from 10 pm to 1 am for only P2,088 net per person, the party features guest DJs XO and Bandit performing onstage to welcome the new year.
Get your party fix with the Rockin’ New Year’s Eve room promotion with the inclusion of an overnight accommodation in a Fort Suite Room. With a breakfast buffet for two persons, a free serving of Chocolate Mud Slide and two free tickets to the Foam and Glow New Year Countdown.
DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY, CLUB PARADISE PALAWAN
AT Discovery Shores Boracay (www.discoveryshoresboracay.com) and Club Paradise Palawan (www.clubparadisepalawan.com), this year’s festive celebration highlights the many ways to welcome the new year.
Make time for the people who matter the most. This holiday season, give your family and your loved ones a special time to bond in the country’s top beach destinations. Book Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan’s Book Direct package and enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts on room rates.
Moreover, ready your salsa and mambo dance moves on the most colorful, festive evening of the year as Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan present “Rumba Cubana,” a Havana-inspired New Year Celebration in paradise. Taste the authentic flavors of Cuban cuisine and toast to piña coladas, mojitos and margaritas. Welcome 2020 as you groove from 7 pm on December 31 to 2 am on January 1, to the electrifying beats of the Zel Band, special guest DJs Ron Poe and Hanna Ichiko at Discovery Shores; and by the Smooth Band and DJ Dodie Ocampo at Club Paradise.
NEW WORLD MANILA BAY HOTEL
USHER in the New Year with sparkles and new beginnings. New World Manila Bay Hotel (www.newworldhotels.com) is ready to welcome 2020 with a sparkling countdown party, dazzling room deals and exciting New Year feasts.
Dance the night away as you embrace the wee hours of the year with a Sparkling New Year Countdown Party at The Lounge. Experience an unforgettable New Year bash full of surprises, gastronomic delights, overflowing drinks and exciting entertainment featuring DJ Mia Fernandez. Party your heart out and cheers to a brand-new you. Tickets are priced at P600 per person inclusive of three rounds of beverages with a variety of choices from a glass of sparkling wine, to a bottle of beer or house pouring liquors.
While the countdown party is the highlight of the New Year, the best way to make the most of the occasion is to have a staycation with the family. Stay in one of the spacious rooms and suites for an extra-dazzling celebration. The Countdown to 2020 room package starts at P8,888 per night inclusive of buffet breakfast for two and 25-percent dining discount at Market Café. Take the Year 2020 a notch higher. Spend an overnight stay in a Premier Bay View Suite with a stunning view of the magnificent Manila Bay on New Year’s Eve with rates starting at P15,888 per night. The Suite and Sparkling room promo comes with a grand dinner buffet for two at Market Café featuring a spectacular spread of culinary delights, buffet breakfast for two and 25-percent dining discount at Market Café.
CRIMSON HOTEL
WELCOME 2020 with a slammin’ “’90s Pop New Year’s Eve Countdown Party” on December 31 at Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila, (www.crimsonhotel.com). To bring in the upbeat vibe, the Verve Band has prepared the most popular repertoire of the decade. Guests can ring in the New Year with their flashy 1990s outfit or come in their slip dress layered with t-shirts or button-down blouses and matching eye-catching accessory. To keep those feet moving, Crimson Hotel’s culinary team will be bringing the energy up with an amazing array of gastronomic feasts.
Tickets are priced at P2,850 net for adults and P1,850 net for kids. Each includes a sumptuous buffet dinner, live entertainment, ’90s New Year Treats and a chance to win raffle prizes.
Another way to kiss the year goodbye is with a Crimson escapade. Come for the staycation and stay for the party for as low as P12,788. This room package includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, two tickets to the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party, breakfast for two persons and a turndown amenity.
One can make their New Year resolution in sweet solitude while relaxing in any of Crimson Hotel’s rooms. Rates start at P8,888 per night inclusive of breakfast for two persons and a turndown amenity. The stay dates for either of the room deals are from December 30 to January 2, 2020.
Revel in 2019 with a smorgasbord of flavors and embrace the New Year with mouthwatering food and drink selections. Guests can start their New Year’s Eve revelries at Café Eight’s Dinner Buffet for P1,740 per person. Come down for another party with live DJ music at the hotel’s Gallery and enjoy unlimited booze for as low as P699 net per head. Then on January 1, head to Café Eight for the New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet from 12 noon to 3 pm with the rate of P1,460 per person.
MARCO POLO ORTIGAS MANILA
THERE’S nothing quite like welcoming the promise of a new year from a brighter perspective. What would make the experience even more meaningful and memorable is being surrounded by Metro Manila’s sky displays as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila (www.facebook.com/MarcoPoloOrtigasManila) presents its annual New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge, titled “20|20.”
This year’s celebration is poised to be among the Metro’s top parties to see and be seen on the last day of 2019. Tickets are available at P1,850 per guest, inclusive of one Bottega Gold Prosecco as a welcome drink. Doors will open at 8 pm, and crowd favorite Real Groove Band will take the main stage beginning 9 pm. Guests who wish to chill with the cool breeze facing the Rizal mountainside will be welcomed with the steady tracks mastered by DJ Jade.
Tables may also be booked in advance for large groups raring to ring in the New Year at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge.
Image credits: Illustration by Starline