LIKE a beloved annual tradition, the Limketkai Luxe officially ushered in the city’s holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The night carried a quiet, familiar confidence, unfolding with a rhythm that signaled December had settled in, taking its accustomed seat in the city.
Stepping into the grand lobby, guests were immediately greeted by General Manager Jerome dela Fuente, who moved through the crowd with his characteristic energy. Known for his spirited presence, he welcomed guests as though the entire list were a gathering of personal friends.
As fellow columnist Net Camomot once quipped, “When Jerome sends an invite, you better be there—unless you’re ready for the reminders every time he sees you.” In a city where spontaneous run-ins are common, the jest holds true.
A commitment to Filipino hospitality
During a brief message, Dela Fuente spoke sincerely about the themes he often returns to: hospitality and connection. He emphasized the hotel’s commitment to elevating guest experiences and supporting the city’s development in ways that are authentic, not merely for show.
While he may not be a lumad Kagay-anon (a native of Cagayan de Oro), his consistent support and deep rooting for the community make him feel like one.
This year’s theme, Filipino Christmas, inspired diverse interpretations among attendees. Some opted for sharp, tailored attire, while others leaned into softer fabrics and intricate details, allowing their personal style to shine.
The lobby’s simple, warm decor held the atmosphere together, providing a steady flow and ensuring the focus remained on the occasion.
The crowd, the moment
The crowd itself mirrored the city’s vibrant tapestry: business leaders, boutique hotel and travel owners, familiar figures from the restaurant scene, young politicians injecting a quicker tempo, designers adding effortless color, and longtime Luxe patrons who have made this gathering a fixture on their December calendars.
The lighting unfolded after a gentle countdown. A communal murmur of voices rose, then hushed, as the lights swept up, bringing the magnificent tree to life in a single, brilliant moment.
There was a brief pause — that small, shared instant where people look up, then look around, exchanging a knowing glance that says, “Ah, it’s here. Christmas has arrived.”
Over the years, Limketkai Luxe has established itself as one of the city’s reliable hubs — a place where conversations linger and where gatherings offer a genuine sense of calm, even amid the bustle of the season.
As the tree’s glow settled over the lobby, a certainty prevailed: the holiday season will draw its true strength from the enduring people and consistent collaborations that quietly, but steadily, carry the city forward.
