A heartwarming and meaningful Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place at Pico de Loro Cove to usher in the holiday season. The event was graced by Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club (PDLBCC) Chairwoman Elizabeth T. Sy, President Rita Dy, SM Leisure & Resort Residences (SMLRR) Business Unit Head Shirley Ong, Head of Design and Planning Harvey Sy, Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel General Manager Maxi Gavino, and SM Hotels & Conventions Corp. Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles and Senior Vice President–Operations Cathy Nepomuceno, along with friends from the media, members, and guests.
GM Maxi Gavino welcomes guests with an inspiring message saying, “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, reminding us that even the smallest lights can create something truly wondrous together.”
Aligned with Pico de Loro’s commitment to marine protection and sustainability, all Christmas trees around the cove were adorned with eco-friendly decorations, showcasing the property’s efforts toward environmental stewardship.
With a shared passion for creativity and sustainability, the CRAFTmas team transformed Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel into a holiday wonderland – led by Housekeeping Manager Renante Navarro and Housekeeping Supervisor for Sustainability and Decorations Florencio Garcia, and supported by Housekeeping and Public Area Attendants Cyrus Tito, Mervin Gonzales, Rogie Mendoza, Jeff Montealegre, John Erick Lazarte, Arvin Demora, and John Aaron Sadiasa, the team brought months of preparation and dedication to life.
Their innovative designs incorporated upcycled and locally sourced materials from the property and neighboring barangays, including wood scraps, foxtail palm twigs, Talisay fruit, acacia seeds, mangrove branches, mud crabs, and driftwood centerpieces. Each element combined sustainability with artistry, resulting in unique, memorable decorations that embody the spirit of the season.
PDLBCC President Rita Dy also shared her holiday message sharing, “The Club has laid out a full calendar of things to do throughout this holiday season and throughout the year, for us to have a fun good time right here at the cove.” She also encouraged members and guests to try the Eco-Mangrove tour to appreciate this year’s theme more deeply, and eventually invited everyone for a fun New Year’s Eve Countdown Party dubbed as Jungle Jive this coming December 31.
The event was also highlighted with a message by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation Senior Vice President for Operations Cathy Nepomuceno. She said, “Pico de Loro has always been a sanctuary where families connect, friendships grow, and memories take root. And as we continue this journey together, we look forward to unveiling exciting enhancements across the property—from the refreshed Lagoa opening this December 12, Grab & Go to soon offer We Proudly Serve Starbucks coffee, to the reimagined Club Pico for our young explorers to enjoy. All these efforts reflect our commitment to creating experiences that are warm, meaningful, and inspired by the spirit of hospitality we value deeply at SMHCC.”
Guests were serenaded by soprano duo The Nightingales, while children delighted in appearances by Pico de Loro mascots Picoy the Parrot and Tiny the Turtle. The evening also offered a special preview of the menu from the soon-to-open Lagoa Restaurant, thoughtfully curated by Chef Leah Magallanes, Chef Jayme Natividad, and the Pico de Loro culinary team.
The Christmas tree at Pico de Loro Cove stands as a radiant symbol of festive cheer, reflecting the creativity, dedication, and passion of the team who brought it to life.