THE country’s pioneering entertainment and lifestyle hub, Resorts World Manila (RWM) shines even brighter with the eighth iteration of the Grand Fiesta Manila holiday celebration, which takes on the theme of “Fantasy Funfair” this year.
A giant Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at the Newport Mall on November 23 set the momentum for this year’s yuletide festivity, with performances from RWM’s latest theatrical presentation, Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Christmas carols sung by Los Cantantes de Manila youth choir. This year’s installment highlights a lighted pedestrian walkway, dubbed as “Lumina.”
Covering a distance of 110 meters, the 100,000 multicolored LED bulb-paved walkway showcases avant garde landscapes, such as lush greenery on patches of ceiling and slanted wall panels creating a kinetic effect and even water features.
RWM’s newest installation connects the second level of the integrated resort’s all-suite Maxims Hotel with Newport Mall. The opening of retail outlets on either side of Lumina is targeted in the next six months, effectively bringing more world-renowned brands in Newport Mall in 2018.
“More than just a walkway linking two areas of the property, the spectrum of lights makes for great eye candy and photo opportunities,” said RWM Chief Integrated Marketing Officer Martin Paz. “It really is a sign of bright things to come.”
Grand Fiesta Manila debuted in the country in 2010 and has since offered holiday promotions in entertainment, dining, hotel accommodations and retail. As in previous years, the event will culminate with one of the largest New Year parties in the country. Exclusive shows at House Manila are scheduled, already featuring American rapper Tyga live on December 1, while Indonesian rapper Rich Chigga with Higher Brothers and Joji for the 88Rising Asian Tour performed on December 13.
Comedian Jon Santos also staged a triumphant show, called Laugh Wins, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on December 2. The Newport Performing Arts Theatre also presents a torrent of OPM concerts, kicking off with Ogie Alcasid’s The Soundtrack of My Life on November 30, followed by the Bamboo in The Oven Tour on December 7; Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragosa’s 20/30 anniversary concert on December 8; and Manila Sound with Hotdog on December 13. It will be the turn of Aegis in the spotlight via Ating Sayawin on December 20.
On December 31 The Grand Countdown to 2018 will showcase an entertainment lineup featuring Lani Misalucha, Arnel Pineda, Darren Espanto, Giselle Sanchez and Jon Santos. With these offerings, Grand Fiesta Manila 2017 can only be a holiday celebration unlike any other.
For details on the Grand Fiesta Manila: Fantasy Funfair at Resorts World Manila, visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor hot line at 908-8833.