Manila, Philippines (23 November 2010) – It has become part of Hyatt Hotel and Casino
Manila’s tradition to celebrate the festive season with a one-of-a-kind designer Christmas.
Highly acclaimed Filipino artists who have joined the hotel’s “Christmas with a cause"
initiatives include Impy Pilapil, Ann Pamintuan, Tes Pasola and Renato Vidal. This year,
Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila has invited world-renowned brass sculpture artist Michael
Cacnio to showcase his anthology of masterpieces entitled Chisels of Christmas. It is
through this special exhibition that the hotel, together with Michael, celebrates the spirit of
giving and sharing as proceeds from the art pieces sold will benefit the children of the hotel’s
partner charities, The Make-A-Wish and Kythe Foundations.
Michael’s body of work features tableaux of characters taken from traditional Filipino
archetypes, revealing his compassion for human nature, the family and the community. This
multi-talented Filipino artist is an established world-class brass sculptor and a proud
recipient of The Outstanding Young Men award in 2006. After more than 50 well-received
solo exhibits, his art has achieved critical and commercial success in Asia, Europe and the
US. He was also the first Filipino artist to be featured in a solo exhibit in the European
Commission’s headquarters in Berlaymont, Brussels.
says Michael.Christmas for me is a boundless sharing of love and happiness with others. Which is why it was easy for me to say ‘yes’ when Hyatt approached me to help with this project. Apart from the hotel’s strong vision, artistic appreciation and support of local artists and Philippine art, it was really their compassion and charitable causes that attracted me to work with them,
M
ichael’s appreciation for deeply rooted Filipino values is soulfully reflected in his Chisels of
Christmas collection. “The Filipinos’ playful spirit, natural charisma and happy disposition in
life are the key inspirations of my work," says Michael when asked which human qualities
breathe life into his gold-tainted sculptures. “I also take inspiration from the uncorrupted
simplicities of life, which I enjoy with my wife and children, plus the joy of my childhood
memories."
It is this same purity that makes Michael’s works a genuine representation of the hopes and aspirations of the children of The Make-A-Wish and Kythe Foundations. "Like brass sculptures, these children’s dreams are resilient despite their life-threatening illnesses. Their innocence remains resistant to the impurities that have corroded our society. Their laughter is so soft, yet so strong, capable of giving joy to our tired spirits. Their simple wishes are so precious that they are worth their weight in gold," says Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila’s general manager, Anthony Sebastian.
For many, the Christmas season is an exciting, reverent time of the year. This derives from a combination of traditions and customs that has made its mark throughout the years. But this year, be inspired to celebrate Christmas differently. Celebrate the holidays with a cause and a reason by supporting the healing of the souls and spirits of these precious children. Celebrate life with Hyatt, Michael Cacnio, and The Make-A-Wish and Kythe Foundations.
Brass and iron sculpture entitled 'Ladders' (Left) and mixed media sculpture entitled 'Christmas in the City' (right)
Come and see for yourself the extraordinary Christmas exhibition at Hyatt Hotel and Casino
Manila, located at 1588 Pedro Gil cor M.H. Del Pilar, Malate, Manila.
For enquiries about Chisels of Christmas at Hyatt, call 245 1234.
CONTACT:
Loni Kristine Balagtas
Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila
+63 2 247 8614
loni.balagtas@hyatt.com
Laurie Reyes
Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila
+63 2 247 8644
laurie.reyes@hyatt.com
About Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila
Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is a five-star deluxe casino hotel located in Manila’s Malate
district. This 33-storey mixed-use complex offers 376 tastefully furnished guestrooms and
accommodates the largest number of suites, including 58 specialty suites and four
Presidential Suites, in the city. Guestrooms and suites are equipped with advanced in-room
technology designed to exceed guests’ expectations, along with stunning views of the worldrenowned
Manila Bay. The hotel features a selection of innovative and authentic food and
beverage outlets, as well as upscale meeting and banquet facilities, plus five floors of
Regency Club® accommodation. Fully equipped recreational facilities and Manila’s premier
gaming facility are also on the premises. The hotel is located just minutes from the
international airport, the convention centre, top tourist attractions and the city’s financial
district. For more information, call +63 2 245 1234 or visit manila.casino.hyatt.com.
About The Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the world’s premier wish-granting organisation, giving hope,
strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. It is committed to
ensuring that it never has to decline a qualified wish, and its mission is to remain steadfast in
having a life-changing impact on sick children and their families, as well as the community
as a whole.
About The Kythe Foundation
The Kythe Foundation is a pioneer in child life programmes in the Philippines. Its name
means “to heal through simple sharing and togetherness”. This is a non-stock-issuing, nonprofit
organisation that aims to improve the quality of life of pediatric cancer patients by
uplifting their spirits and those of their families.