After a hiatus of two years, one of Metro Manila’s most enduring holiday traditions – The Peninsula Manila’s “Christmas Concert at The Pen” – is back! On December 4^th, Sunday, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila will once again resound with the joyous sounds of Christmas as it is transformed into a grand concert hall.

The famed “Christmas Concert at The Pen” concert – now on its 37^th season – has always been regarded as The Peninsula Manila’s Christmas gift to the community. And this year, the hotel has put together a memorable musical repertoire (one with many firsts) that is sure to get festive spirits rightly tuned for the days of celebration ahead.

Wielding the baton and directing the much-loved musical extravanganza for the very first time in its long history is National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

Maestro Ryan Cayabyab will be teaming up at the concert with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) which, coincidentally, was the first orchestra to play at the annual holiday concert when it debuted in 1983 with (future) National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro conducting. Since then, “Christmas Concert at The Pen” has stayed true to its hallmark philosophy – the promotion of Philippine art and culture and a showcase of local talent where Filipino artists are accompanied by a Filipino orchestra.

The 2022 “Christmas Concert at The Pen” artist’s line-up also stars soprano Jade Rubis Riccio and “The Voice Philippines” alumnus Poppert Bernadas.

The featured choir this year is the critically-acclaimed French children’s choir – Les Petits Chanteurs a la Croix de Bois – whose performance is one of the highlights of the celebration of the 75^th anniversary of Filipino-French diplomatic relations.

Another first is the guest appearance of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, widely considered to be the “first lady” of Philippine musical theatre. She will be the host of this year’s concert.

“Christmas Concert at The Pen” will open with the MSO accompanying Jade Rubis Riccio and Poppert Bernadas in “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” one of the Top 10 Christmas songs of all time that’s been described as “a celebration of the Christmas season, and of friends and families.”

Maestro Ryan Cayabyab says this year’s concert will be “a love song to music and musicians” after years of lockdown.

“We all feel like it’s a new beginning,” adds Masahisa Oba, The Peninsula Manila General Manager.“There’s so much hope. The whole program is a celebration of music and our love for it. We are also very excited and honored to have Maestro Ryan Cayabyab at the helm along with a raft of very talented artists.”

In closing, General Manager Masahisa Oba has one last bit of advice to all those who want to catch the concert: “Book and reserve your tables ahead of time or come early because seats are on a first-come basis!”

2022 Christmas Concert at The Pen

The 37^th season of “Christmas Concert at The Pen” will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila.

For The Lobby patrons, confirmed seating will be provided at P20,000 for a table of 4 (with a deluxe set festive merienda) or P50,000 for a table of 10 (with a deluxe set festive merienda and two bottles of Champagne).

Seating at The Upper Lobby will be on first-come, first serve basis with a P3,000 consumable fee per person (with a set festive merienda).

Prices are in Philippine Pesos which include VAT, a 10% service charge, and applicable local taxes.

Get in the festive spirit with the best Christmas carols, Broadway love songs, and Gershwin classics with “Christmas Concert at The Pen.”

For inquiries or reservations, please call +63 (2) 887-2888, extensions 6691 or 6694 (Restaurant Reservations) or email DiningPMN@peninsula.com.   You may also visit peninsula.com, like The Peninsula Manila on Facebook and follow @thepeninsulamanila on Instagram.