Before anything else, I’d like to say my New Year’s Resolution for 2021 is to stop titling my posts with ‘New/Now Normal’. Until then, it’s fair game.
Given how this year has turned out, I didn’t have my hopes up for my annual Christmas Tree Lighting pilgrimage. I didn’t also realize how much I’ve taken these events for granted—sure, they’re really fun and a great excuse to drink champagne every night without being judged, but they can take up so much energy that my introvert tendencies demand I retreat to breathe and recharge for a while. Last year was particularly insane.
It was a bit saddening to see so many of the places I frequent forego tree lighting ceremonies completely, but that also makes the ones that did have events even more special—if a bit more mindful because of so many protocols we now have to observe.
Last month, I was fortunate to be invited by Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu for their annual Bell-Ringing. I didn’t really know what I was expecting—perhaps the significantly-reduced guest list would make it a somber affair? But to my delight, the festivities stirred the beginnings of some much-needed holiday cheer.
Clockwise from left: Quest Hotel Cebu’s purple-themed Christmas tree; GM Mia Singson-Léon giving a speech at the bell ringing; with PR Manager Fiona Escandor and Joanna Cuenco of Beauty Enthusiast Cebu.
The same day was also my first time to enjoy a buffet since the pandemic, and the new normal protocols are… interesting, to say the least. I appreciate the effort the hotel has put into ensuring a safe dining experience: utensils sealed in packages, dedicated bags for face masks, and social-distanced tables and chairs. Each dining station now has several wait staff who are more than happy to serve you instead of you getting food on your own, while spices, spreads, and sauces are now in disposable containers (unfortunate, but necessary).
If you’re up for celebrating Christmas or ringing in the New Year with a buffet, Quest Hotel is offering the following promotions for Pusô Bistro & Bar:
If you’d rather #StayHome (as you should), you can still enjoy the sumptuous flavors of their food through their Yuletide Bento boxes, which can be delivered to your homes—
—or delight in their Catering or Food-to-Go offerings:
For more details, check out their Home for the Holidays Christmas Brochure through this link.
This holiday season, Quest Hotel Cebu continues its support for the Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS). Now on their third year of partnership, Quest Hotel aims to help build PADS’ first-ever community center in Pajara Park, Mandaue City. The center will have a rehabilitation facility, clinic, training and meeting spaces for the benefit of people with disabilities. To join in their cause and donate, click this link.
Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City
For reservations, call (032) 402 5999
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