Kris Aquino graces Okada Manila’s Christmas Tree Lighting event
MANILA — The Christmas season kick-off event at Okada Manila was extra special, thanks to its partnership with Disney Philippines.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony glistened and dazzled with Mickey and Minnie Mouse joining in the fun.
Jessica Sanchez and Jed Madela sang a string of classic theme songs and soundtracks from iconic Disney films like ‘Aladdin,’ ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘The Lion King,’ ‘Frozen,’ and more.
“It’s such an honor, I am such a Disney fan so to be up there at the Okada, amazing hotel and casino, and to perform these songs that I performed since I was two years old, it was such a dream,” said Sanchez, who brought her family with her to enjoy the Disney-themed features at the resort.
“The tree lighting and the magical holiday village it’s so beautiful, you guys have to check it out.”
Madela stepped out of his comfort zone and delivered amazing vocals on Disney hits like “You’re Welcome” from Moana.
“Challenge yun sa akin kasi medyo bulol ako, but I was able to pull it through. Of course with the help of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, ang galing ng suporta nila,” Madela said.
He added, “I am a Disney kid, ask me anything, alam na alam ko yan. Scripts, line, songs, I grew up watching Disney.”
On performing with Sanchez onstage, Madela shared, “I get to sing with a lot of artists, but every artists there’s a certain magic na parang nadidiscover ko, umiiba yung tunog ko when I sing with different artists, with Jessica it was also different.”
Aside from these musical performances, pop culture icon and Queen of All Media Kris Aquino showed up and graced the event, together with her son, Bimby.
During the photo opportunity onstage, Aquino apologized for not making it to the tree lighting segment.
“Hello and good evening po sa inyong lahat. I apologize we were stuck in traffic, we were here for the tree lighting, I’m so sorry.”
She also shared that two of her stitches came off. “But I’m a trooper, right? Tuloy ang laban. Bawal sumuko.”
Aquino added, “I want to thank Mrs. Okada, thank you. It’s an opportunity for me to tell everyone that Okada is not just a casino, it’s really a venue for the whole family and I think we’re going to negotiate right, yes! Me being the ambassador to tell everyone that Okada is for the whole family. Please be generous! Okay, love you!”
“You know, this is the first time that I am in front of a large crowd. Four of my doctors are present and three of my nurses and let’s just hope for the best.”
But just when she was about to wrap up, Aquino shared a ticklish blind item of sorts and had guests looking left and right. Aquino asked, “Is it true that you are closing down the whole Okada on the 19th for one very special guest? He [referring to an executive] does not want to say, but pero ‘yun daw ang balita. That speaks highly of your hotel.”