The Grand Westside Hotel officially opened its doors and kicked off the holiday season with a dazzling Christmas tree lighting ceremony along Manila Bay.
The hotel transformed its spacious lobby into a festive wonderland. The event carried the theme, “A European Christmas Village, A Filipino Heart.”
Joe Xavier Fijardo, the hotel’s general manager, welcomed the crowd. He delivered a heartfelt Christmas message to the guests.
“Tonight, we do not just turn on lights,” Fijardo said. “We ignite the true spirit of the season within our hearts. We want every guest to feel the magic of a European winter, but wrapped in the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”
Parañaque Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez attended the grand celebration as the guest speaker. He praised the hotel for boosting local tourism and community spirit.
“Grand Westside Hotel is a welcome addition to our vibrant city,” Olivarez said. “This celebration shows the strong bond between local leadership and our growing tourism sector. Together, we bring joy and hope to Parañaque.”
Sweet melodies filled the air during the program. The children’s choir from Minstrels Rhythm of Hope, Inc. performed classic holiday carols. Their angelic voices echoed through the lobby and filled the room with the true Christmas spirit.
The hotel also used the festive occasion to launch a meaningful charity initiative. The tree lighting event marked the official start of the hotel’s donation drive.
Hotel officials announced that Minstrels Rhythm of Hope, Inc. is the main beneficiary of the holiday campaign. Guests and visitors can drop off their contributions at the lobby.
“Christmas is a time for giving and sharing our blessings,” Fijardo added. “We invite everyone to support our chosen beneficiaries and make a difference in these children’s lives.”
The towering Christmas tree now stands proudly in the heart of the hotel. It features European-inspired architecture details combined with traditional Filipino holiday ornaments.
Families, media guests, and city officials gathered around the tree for the ceremonial countdown. The lights flashed brightly to signal the start of the hotel’s first holiday season.
The Grand Westside Hotel sits in the bustling Entertainment City of Manila Bay. It offers modern amenities and stunning views of the famous Manila sunset.
Hotel management expects a busy holiday season ahead. They invite local and international travelers to experience their festive offerings.
Visitors can view the European Christmas Village display throughout the holiday season. The hotel also accepts donations for the Minstrels Rhythm of Hope, Inc. daily at the front desk.
Photos: George Buid, 2026.