One of the most celebrated parts of Holy Week is Easter, as this special occasion commemorates Christ’s resurrection and marks one of Christianity’s most important holidays. Legend has it that the word Easter came from the goddess of spring Eastre (or Eostre), and its earthly symbol was the rabbit, also known as a symbol of fertility. For Christians, the egg symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection as they crack open Easter eggs to celebrate the empty tomb. In Western culture, the Easter Bunny has become the most recognized symbol of Easter, and during this occasion, people in certain parts of the world practice the tradition of giving eggs, and hold events like Easter egg rolling and Easter egg hunt.
In the Philippines, our culture pretty much acquired Western practices for Easter Sunday and various commercial institutions take part in the fun celebration. For your Easter weekend, we’ve rounded up a few places you can visit to enjoy the festivities.
Engaging Easter at City of Dreams
The integrated casino resort at Entertainment City, Manila Bay prepared activities for the Easter weekend and it’ll be a fun experience not just for your kids but also for your gastronomic pleasure.
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday (March 27), treat your kids to a P1,499 net DreamPlay Easter Celebration. Access 12 DreamPlay attractions and join the venue’s games and activities and win prizes and loot bags. Together with the pass, a special Easter-themed brunch is waiting for you and the little ones served from cold and hot stations – a popcorn cart, a noodles and dim sum area, and a dessert station.
An EGGstravagant egg-hunting experience will commence at DreamPlay where kid explorers can hunt for special eggs, mark their discoveries on the DreamPlay Easter map and get a chance to get four hours of park access free on their next visit. DinoTrux Racing Competition will be held during the Easter festivities where participants can each get a certificate and the names of winners will be posted in the DinoTrux Wall of Fame. Kids can learn how to design their very first egg-shaped gingerbread cookies and dragon keychain. The event will also feature a special performance by the DreamWorks characters Po, Alex, Shrek, and Fiona, and DreamPlay’s own Dreamers dancers, wearing vibrant costumes moving to Zamba music. To reserve tickets, guests can drop by the nine-foot chocolate Easter egg garden at Café Society on the Upper Ground level and even take photos inside the egg.
For your discriminating palate, Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Nobu Manila, will be serving an Easter brunch menu highlighting a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, salads, teppanyaki, hot dishes, and desserts. On the menu are Shrimp Wasabi Pepper, Sea Bass Jalapeño Miso, Nobu Tocino, Wagyu Beef with Roasted Garlic and the Nobu-style Easter Ensaymada.
For a price of P2,880++ and P4,580++ with the beverage package, the Nobu Easter Brunch menu will be available on March 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Café Society will have Easter treats and sweets available for sale on the Upper Ground level until the 27th of March. On March 26 and 27, dine overlooking the pool area and the famous COD Fortune Egg at Wave for some delectable comfort food grilled dishes.
For DreamPlay, Nobu Manila, Café Society, and Wave reservations and inquiries, call 8008080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com.
Pororo conquers New World Manila Bay
Popular Korean penguin Pororo is visiting New World Manila Hotel on Easter Sunday, and he is bringing his friends with him.
Enjoy a fun-filled Easter on Mar. 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Exciting activities, an Easter egg hunt, a magic show, goodie bags and an Easter show with performances by Pororo and friends await children and the entire family. Ticket is priced at P1,500 per person.
For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 252-6888 or visit manilabay.newworldhotels.com.
Colorful Candy Wonderland at Diamond Hotel
On March 27, delight in a sugar land playground that your kiddo will surely enjoy at the Diamond Ballroom from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Activities during the event are face and egg painting, cupcake decorating, photo booth, glimmer tattoo, kids’ salon and a musical show. OOTDs and selfies would look cool together with Diamond Hotel’s Candy Wonderland characters, stilt walkers, mimers and the day’s confectionery expert, Executive Pastry Chef Sebastian Suarez.
Children participating in a candy wonderland-inspired costume will get a chance to win amazing prizes like the latest iPad Pro from the hotel and its sponsors. The pass per person costs around P1,000 net. If you feel like checking in, indulge for the Holy Week and take advantage of the Easter package at P5,000 net until the 27th. This includes a buffet breakfast for two at Corniche, use of the swimming pool, use of the Health Club and Spa, 20 percent discount on massage, and one free ticket to the Candy Wonderland Easter event.
The room packages are applicable to local residents only. Prior reservation is encouraged. Offers may not be availed in conjunction with any other promotions or discounts. For room reservations please call 528-3000 ext. 1141 and use the promo code 6302015.
Eastercation at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila
Instead of an Easter Bunny, a burst of yellow happiness awaits kids and their families at the minion-inspired Funtastic Eastercation party. Activities will include surprising loots for the kids, snacks and a round of beverage options. Special raffle prizes will also be given away. Ticket is priced at P2,000 net per person for kids and adults and will be sold at the Events Lounge, every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The hotel’s The Bakeshop will be preparing Easter treats such as colorful chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies in a variety of flavors and sizes like decadent specialty Easter egg and bunny cakes in four flavors – praline, white chocolate raspberry, passion chocolate and super moist chocolate cake until the 27th.
For inquiries or reservations, please contact the Information Center at (63 2) 633 8888 or email esl@shangri-la.com. Visit
www.shangri-la.com/manila/ or stay connected on their social media pages – Edsa Shangri-La for Facebook or follow
@edsashangrila on Twitter and on Instagram.
A Mysterious Easter at The Manila Hotel
If you and your family are up for a more challenging Easter than the usual rounds of egg hunts and egg games, head forth to The Manila Hotel and take part of its first ever partnership with Mystery Manila on March 27. Get your thinking hats together, broaden your imagination, and prepare to solve difficult challenges as you meander along the newly renovated Fiesta Pavilion.
This is not your usual Easter egg hunt, as team work is very important so you get to enjoy and at the same time share this fun strategy game with your family as participants must first search for clues and complete different kinds of challenges such as puzzles and mysteries.
Afternoon snacks will be served during the festivity and kids can enjoy egg painting, cupcake decorating and other fun activities on the venue. Get a chance to win special prizes that include a three-days and two-nights stay with buffet breakfast for two, an overnight stay for two at one of the well-appointed rooms of the hotel plus a breakfast buffet and a dining privilege at the famed Cafe Ilang-Ilang. Mystery Manila Hotel Easter tickets sell for P1,300.00 net for kids and P1,900 net for adults. Prestige members will be entitled to special discounts.
For those who want to have a staycation, check-in and enjoy the stunning view of the bay and a large inviting swimming pool where you can relax and unwind. Enjoy a Holy Week Retreat Room Package until March 27 for P8,500 net per room per night. The package includes staying in one of The Manila Hotel’s Superior Deluxe rooms with complimentary buffet breakfast at the Café Ilang-Ilang for two persons as well as P1,000 spending money to sample the Hotel’s restaurant offerings. If you’re staying in at the hotel, one of your kids gets a complimentary Mystery Manila Easter pass.
For inquiries and reservations, patrons can call 527 0011 local 1175 to 1178 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com.
Easter Escapade at Hotel Monticello
Take advantage of the Easter Escapade Promo in a new Italian-themed boutique hotel in Tagaytay City. Get your family together and beat the heat for the colder breeze in Tagaytay at Hotel Monticello. Avail of the 20 percent discount on their rooms and enjoy the luxurious and well-appointed facilities. Promo includes a complimentary buffet breakfast and 15 percent off on your restaurant bills. Stay ‘til the Easter Sunday and get your kids to a free Easter Egg Hunt in the hotel premises and expect a special Easter gift item during breakfast. For those who want to join the Easter Sunday Egg Hunt but have not checked in to the hotel, fee for kids costs about P200 each.
Take a breather and enjoy Tagaytay’s cool, fresh and clean air, the sight of cows grazing in verdant fields, the soothing fog that blankets the city towards the afternoon – all guaranteed to wipe off any form of stress.
The 41-room Hotel Monticello is located along General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway (past Km. 60). More information may be obtained from www.hotelmonticello.com.ph and reservations may be made through (046) 4131111 or (Manila Sales) 834-7672.
FAMILY CITY RETREAT AT MIDAS
Dine for a quiet luxury break in a boutique style setting at Midas Hotel and Casino for only P4,750 net for Deluxe room with complimentary access to the Easter Fun-tasy event on March 27. The room includes dining in at the hotel’s international buffet breakfast spread at Midas Café for two adults and two children below 12 years of age.
Also available is a 15 percent discount for in-room massage services and 10 percent discount in spa treatments at Essenses Spa. Complete your Lenten stay with a visit to the nearby church on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday with our scheduled drop-off shuttle service to reflect on this Holy Week.
During Easter Sunday, a mass gathering will kick-off at the hotel’s Event Studio-Mayfair by 10:30 a.m. followed by a whimsical party for children which will be held at Station 1 of Midas Café from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Midas will transform into an Easter Fun-tasy of the colorful, enchanting and magical world of Alice and Sheriff Woody, the lead characters of Alice in Wonderland and Toy Story which were the inspiration behind the theme. Games, magic, bubble shows, photo booths, Easter egg painting, and of course an egg hunt are just some of the activities in store for the kids.
The Midas Easter Fun-tasy tickets are priced at P600 net per kid, including children’s brunch buffet and P888 net per adult. For inquiries, call 902.0100 local 1187 or email info@midashotelandcasino.com.
Marriott Hotel Manila’s Easter-rific Fete
Hunting for Easter is made fun with Safari-themed activities in Marriott Hotel Manila. Get a taste of the wilderness as you wander along the café’s vast buffet offerings of international cuisines. They prepared filling choices of fresh tiger prawns, prime rib, teppanyaki and foie gras with agile chefs on standby to cook it the way you crave it. For only P2,550 net, enjoy the Safari Sunday Brunch on March 27 and the kids can join the hoard in hunting for the golden egg on the Safari field for a chance to catch a Dinner or Lunch Buffet for four at the Marriott Café and 1,000 worth of credits for Marriott Café Bakery.
Kiddos can enjoy stations with glitter tattoos, a magic show, and get to be entertained by a hopping bunny going around the café. Marriott Café is also giving out loot bags filled with freebies for the early explorers to bring home. But if you want to get more of the hotel’s offerings and enjoy its amenities, camp in Marriott Manila’s Deluxe Room and indulge in the Easter promo of P11,800++ a night and get your 2nd room or 2nd night for only P2,888++ until March 27. The room package includes a daily breakfast for two at Marriott Café. Marriott Rewards members or newly signed up members can enjoy MAX kids’ cooking classes on Saturday, March 26, with freebies and surprise gifts for the little ones.
For inquiries, advance orders and reservations, call (02) 9889999 or visit manilamarriott.com. To keep up on their latest offerings, follow
@marriottmanila on Facebook and Twitter and @manilamarriott on Instagram.
Green and blue Easter in Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island
If you have time to hop on a plane and leave the city for a while, one of the hottest destinations to celebrate Easter would be at Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu. Experience traditional local Easter customs within a modern Mediterranean ambience, surrounded by the beautiful lush greenery and crystal blue waters.
A mass will be held at the Forum during Easter Sunday, and guests are invited to indulge in the hotel’s signature buffet restaurant – The Sails. Priced at P1,800 net per person inclusive of one round of Celebrus sparkling wine and P2,300 net inclusive of free-flowing wines, enjoy a delectable dinner and also get 50 percent discount for your children 6-11 years old.
The Sails will whip up a spread of hearty meats at the entrée and carving stations, as well as seafood selections, fusion cuisine, seasonal fruits, crêpe station, a variety of house-made desserts, plus an assortment of sushi, sashimi and local favorites.
For guests who want to enjoy a breezy beach dining experience, the Beach Garden will cook up barbecued meats and seafood. This Sunday special is served complete with minty lemonade and signature local treats such as halo-halo. This is also where kids can enjoy a special Easter family affair with back-to-back games and activities starting at 10:30 a.m. This year’s egg hunt and colorful entertainment comes with dining certificates and exciting prizes for lucky winners.
For reservations and inquiries, please call (02) 492 7777 or email hotel.cebu@movenpick.com.
EGGSciting back-to-back Easter celebration at The Forest Lodge and The Manor at Camp John Hay
Another cooler place to be in is Baguio, where you can smell the pine and enjoy colder mornings at The Forest Lodge or The Manor at Camp John Hay for your Easter vacay. Room packages vary for the two hotels but you get to enjoy the same sights and sceneries, or hop back-to-back on their various activities.
Today until March 27, reflect on the passion of Jesus Christ as you venerate The Black Nazarene at the Secret Garden/Bell Amphitheater of Camp John Hay. Enjoy the breeze while participating in the traditional Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for only P2,100 per shuttle with a tour guide, inclusive of pack snacks that are available upon request for a minimum of two persons and a maximum of eight persons for both the Manor and the Lodge.
The Forest Lodge has prepared art exhibits, giant egg painting, egg hunt, and a lot more fun activities for the whole family this Holy Week. The Art Exhibit will be greeting guests as they walk in at the Lobby and The Twist while being serenaded by harpist Holly Angel Paraiso today until the 25th from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at The Lobby area. The Eggs-pedition will start by 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 pm so you can have your kids ready to find hidden treasure eggs, solve the riddle, complete the puzzle, and win different prizes at the Lobby Area. Registration for this is only P150 per kid and it already includes activities like Paint-Your-Giant-Easter-Egg competition, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Movie at the Lobby, and Selfie with the Easter Bunny.
Celebrity chef Billy King’s The Twist will be offering snacks that include bibingka and puto bumbong, halo-halo, special cakes, pastries, breads, sandwiches, and burgers, available from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Buffet meals are offered at 19th T, featuring daily breakfast buffet on March 24 to 27, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for only P450 net per adult and P250 net for kids five to 10 years old.
During Easter Sunday, the Eucharistic Easter Mass Celebration will commence at 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. at 19th T at The Forest Lodge. From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., an Easter Egg Hunt will be happening at The Manor Garden for only P750 per person inclusive of Egg Hunt, Picnic Lunch, Games, Magic Show and Easter loot bags.
At The Manor at Camp John Hay, experience traditional Easter celebration and other activities that kids will enjoy at The Manor Garden with its Easter Funland featuring CandyVille Experiences and FarmVille Adventures for only P200 for kids and P50 for adults.
Another culinary haven of Chef Billy King, Le Chef at The Manor, has prepared for its daily breakfast buffet from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for only P720 net per adult and P360 net for kids five to 10 years old. On Maundy Thursday, Le Chef offers a lunch buffet from 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. for only P880 net per adult and P440 net for kids five to 10 years old. Dinner buffet is from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for only P1,200 net per adult and P600 net for kids five to 10 years old. You may keep your Lenten meat fast as you indulge in a Seafood Extravaganza on Good Friday with lunch and dinner buffet. You may also enjoy the international buffet spread for lunch and dinner on Black Saturday for the same rates. Meanwhile, the Easter lunch buffet celebrates the Risen Lord on Easter Sunday for only P950 net per adult and P475 net for kids five to 10 years old. Dinner a la carte is available from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
If you’re looking for Easter sweets as pasalubong, Le Chef Delicatessen showcases freshly baked Easter goodies, chocolates, pastries, breads and sweets.
For live entertainment, The Piano Bar features an evening of entertainment throughout the Holy Week with performers that include Sonny Bugnosen and Jun Ordoñez, Los Amigos, Three Dimension, Fusion Band, On Call Band and All Time Low. Harpist Holly Angel Paraiso will likewise be serenading guests at The Manor Garden from March 23 to 25, 7:00-9:00 p.m., while Verse 2 will be playing on March 26 from 6:00-9:00 pm, also at The Manor Garden.
For inquiries, call (074) 422.2075-76/80-81, email theforestlodge@campjohnhayhotels.ph or visit their website on
www.campjohnhayhotels.ph. The Forest Lodge, Camp John Hay is located at Loakan Road, Baguio City and managed and operated by Camp John Hay Leisure, Inc. The Manor Camp John Hay is located at Loakan Road, Baguio City. For details and bookings, call Baguio (074) 424-0931 to 47/50-53; Baguio hotline (02) 584-4892 and (02) 584-4911. Email reservations@campjohnhay.ph or visit www.campjohnhay.ph.
A heroic stay at Pan Pacific Manila
The Butler hotel Pan Pacific Manila is all set for a super-charged Easter celebration with its special staycation package, dining options and fun enjoyable activities that are nothing short of heroic.
Recharge your body and soul with the hotel’s My Hero Room Package that offers a stay in a Superior Room for P6,500 net, in a Deluxe Room for P7,000 net or in a Pacific King Suite for P10,000 net. The room promo comes with buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids (age 12 and below) and two complimentary passes to the Easter Superhero Camp on Easter Sunday.
Aside from the traditional Easter egg hunt, kids will enjoy action-packed parlor games, muffin decorating, and a superhero loot bag. The Easter egg hunter who has the best superhero costume will also receive a special award.
After the games, the whole family may partake of a sumptuous array of international and local buffet selections at Pacific Lounge for only P950 net per person.
For restaurant and room reservations, call (02) 318-0788 or email enquiry.ppmnl@panpacific.com.
New World Makati’s feasts and fun activities
Celebrate Christ’s resurrection with sumptuous meals and fun activities at New World Makati Hotel.
Sample the Easter Unlimited Yum Cha Lunch at the hotel’s Jasmine restaurant with family and friends. The special menu, prepared by executive Chinese chef Wong Kam On, includes a wide variety of xiao long bao, barbecue pork puffs and other dim sum specialties for P1,688 per person. Or head over to Café 1228 for an Easter Sunday buffet brunch. The upgraded buffet spread comes with a salad station, imported cheese selection, gourmet appetizers, grilled specialties, local and international cuisines and desserts for P2,500 per diner.
Bond with the whole family for a night or two in one of New World Makati’s well-appointed rooms. Stay in a Superior room for P6,200 or Deluxe room for P7,200 per night. This special Easter Room Package is available today until Mar. 27.
Checked-in guests and diners at Jasmine or Café 1228 are entitled to a ticket or two (depending on terms and conditions) to the Magic Wonderland activity on Easter Sunday. From 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the hotel’s ballroom will transform into a whimsical wonderland, complete with snacks, classic confections and summer refreshments as children make their way through the various game booths and play areas with special prizes and giveaways. Kids will also get to enjoy a live magic show and Easter egg hunt.
Contact the hotel at (02) 811-6888 or visit newworldhotels.com/manila for more information or reservations.
Extraordinary eggs-perience at Richmonde Eastwood
Fun Easter experiences await guests at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel this Holy Week.
The hotel’s Holy Week and Easter Celebration room packages will hatch your staycation plans during this solemn long weekend. The Holy Week room promo, whose rates start at P4,000 nett for a Superior room, comes with buffet breakfast for two and is available until March 25.
Meanwhile, the Easter Celebration room package, which is priced at P5,900 nett, is inclusive of buffet breakfast for two diners, and two tickets to the Easter Egg-citement party with merienda buffet. The Easter party starts at 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hotel Lobby. Activities include traditional Easter egg hunt, kiddie magic show and other enjoyable activities. Tickets are priced at P750 nett (adult or child).
For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 570-7777 or email erh@richmondehotel.com.ph.
Raffles and Fairmont Makati offers delectable treats
Start the first day of Easter with a delicious brunch at Raffles and Fairmont Makati’s the Ranch, with each member of the family taken cared of in the exclusive ranch-style buffet. Spectrum, on the other hand, offers Sunday brunch from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for P2,777 per diner (children six to 12 years old may dine for half the price).
For a more refined afternoon on Easter Sunday, indulge in afternoon tea at Writers Bar and splurge on a glass or two of tea-infused vodka martinis to go with the Charriol Afternoon Tea. Inspired by Charriol’s St. Tropez 35 timepiece, the tropézien tête-à-tête is available for sharing for two at P1,500, while the MarTEAni upgrade is at P650 for two glasses.
Should you or the family prefer to stay a night in the hotel, Raffles offers a piece of luxury in its well-appointed suites, with rates starting at P12,700 per night. The room package includes buffet breakfast at Spectrum, Classic Afternoon Tea and Evening Cocktails and Canapés, and all-day standard drinks at Writers Bar. At Fairmont Makati, rates start at P6,700 per night and comes with complimentary breakfast for two at Spectrum.
Call (02) 795-188 or (02) 795-1840 or email for inquiries, dining reservations and more to information.dining.makati@raffles.com.
Galactic Easter at Sofitel
Experience the delights of a tropical oasis without leaving the city courtesy of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s lush greenery and inviting turquoise waters with the Manila Bay sunset as the perfect backdrop when you reflect on Holy Week and Easter. Sofitel’s Easter Getaway packages are attractive at P7,500 for an overnight stay inclusive of breakfast for two adults and two children 11 years old and below at Spiral, and one ticket to Galactic Adventures on March 27 at the Grand Plaza Ballroom. Kids will also enjoy the Galactic Easter Egg Hunt as they hunt for hidden treasures and win exciting prizes. The only limit to the fun adventure is their imagination as they escape into an interstellar urban getaway, dressed as their favorite galactic character on March 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Grand Plaza Ballroom.
For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 832-6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com.