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Hundreds join Hyatt’s annual Christmas tree lighting
Children, family members, guests, and staff get ready to place “wish cards.” Hyatt Regency Saipan marketing communications manager Luis Villagomez (third from left, front row) is seen assisting guests during the tree lighting ceremony. (Jayson Camacho)
The Umang Glee Club from Koblerville Elementary School serenaded the audience as Hyatt officials got ready to light the tree.
Children were given cards where they were told to write what they wish for this Christmas. They later placed their cards on a separate tree in the lobby area of Hyatt.
Drinks were also provided by Hyatt staff to those who joined Hyatt in the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Hyatt’s marketing communications manager Luis Villagomez said that they do this ceremony annually.
“It’s really a kick start for the holiday season and it is a custom of Hyatt, but the wish tree that we have only started last year and that is where the children will put the small writing templates we gave to them and write their wish and place it on the wish tree,” Villagomez said.
One Korean tourist, Hyun Woo Lim, 37, said he and his wife, including their two little boys, enjoyed the ceremony. His wife, Seoyun Kang, said it was their first time to visit Saipan and loved how Hyatt displayed the holiday spirit.
“It is very nice, also it is very hot, but I am surprised that I see so many Christmas spirit here. It is beautiful,” Kang said.
Catrina Pantaleon, 14, a Make-A-Wish Foundation Wish Kid who was granted her wish to go to Disneyland with her family last year, said she was happy to be there.
“This is my first time and Hyatt invited us out here,” Pantaleon said.
Catrina was joined by her father Jess, mother Ana, Alyssa, and Earl during the ceremony and said that they were also grateful to be there.
Villagomez said this was the biggest turnout so far that he could remember.
Hyatt’s acting general manager and director of finance Yosh Gabaldon thanked everyone for coming to the ceremony and said he hopes they would join in the holiday spirit at Hyatt.
