Why the Peninsula’s designer parols are ‘pandemic-resistant’

Christmas is famously a special affair at the Manila Peninsula lobby. There’s nothing like stepping onto its carpeted floors and be greeted by its classical interiors as the mezzanine musicians serenade guests with holiday tunes. Regulars know all about the yearly tree-lighting ceremony—the Makati hotel, after all, always comes up with one of the tallest, most decorated trees in the city, everyone’s favorite photo backdrop.

There’s expectedly a sentimental touch to the hotel’s festive decor this year, not only because the world continues to battle a pandemic but also because the Peninsula just celebrated its 45th anniversary; its first Christmas tree was lighted December 1976. It’s just fitting then that there’s a strong homegrown element in the overall setup, in the form of 75 bamboo-and-abaca mounted on bamboo poles. They are by lighting, accessories and interior designer Mark Wilson of Caro Wilson, and handmade by artisans from Baguio and Sorsogon. The are scattered throughout the Pen lobby and upper lobby, adding to the illusion that hotel guests are dining under the stars.

Wilson’s parols, like the spaces he conjures and the accessories he makes, have their own unique personality. While parols are usually lit from within, hence their translucent coverings, Wilson’s lanterns are “transparent and gossamer — and delicate, like my frame of mind in this wretched pandemic!” Wilson was supposed to have an exhibition last July—he was going to call it “I Need A Little Christmas Now,” like that song from “Auntie Mame.

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