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October 21, 2026 | 12:00am
Benjamin Vuchot, Philip Kadoorie, Sir Michael Kadoorie, Gareth Roberts and Kevin Tsang toast to The Peninsula Manila's 50th anniversary.
Fifty years young, and still the belle of Manila’s hospitality scene! The Peninsula Manila recently celebrated its golden anniversary with a spectacular Christmas tree lighting ceremony and gala that welcomed some 900 guests for an evening of music, champagne, fine food and dancing in its iconic lobby.
Leading the glittering gathering was Sir Michael Kadoorie, chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited (HSH), accompanied by his son Philip Kadoorie, HSH deputy chairman, and daughter-in-law Audrey. Also present were HSH chief executive Benjamin Vuchot, chief operating officer Gareth Roberts, The Peninsula Manila's Kevin Tsang, Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, descendants of founding partners P.L. Lim and Charlie Palanca, diplomats, business leaders and society personalities. A special guest was Mila Magsaysay Valenzuela, daughter of former President Ramon Magsaysay and the hotel’s original public relations and social director.
The evening opened with the hotel’s anniversary song and a nostalgic video tracing its journey since 1976.
For Sir Michael, the milestone was especially meaningful, recalling how his late father, Lord Lawrence Kadoorie, and uncle Horace Kadoorie, then chairman of HSH, shared high standards for business and genuine care for people. Encouraged by their good friends P.L. Lim, company president, together with chairman Charlie Palanca and their Filipino partners, the shareholders took the bold step of bringing The Peninsula to Manila.
Sir Michael Kadoorie with Manila Pen's OG Bing Lastrilla, Rita Dy, Tina Colayco, Sophia Romero, Buda Nubla, Mila Magsaysay Valenzuela, Maridol Ylanan, Tellie Francisco, Peter Borer, Rosary Ysmael, Cindy Soriano, Mav Rufino
“They would today be immensely proud to see what became of that decision,” Sir Michael reflected, honoring the vision that brought the first Peninsula hotel outside Hong Kong to the Philippines. He also praised the “unmatched Filipino charm” that has distinguished the hotel for five decades, a warmth carried by Filipino colleagues who now serve and lead The Peninsula properties worldwide.
The Kadoorie family’s ties to the country go back even further. In 1962, brothers Lawrence and Horace Kadoorie jointly received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, years before The Pen opened its doors.
The evening’s magical moment came when the magnificent 45-foot Christmas tree was illuminated to the crowd’s delight. The Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, dressed as miniature Peninsula pages, filled the Lobby with carols, while the AMP Big Band kept the party swinging with favorites from the ’70s to today.
Champagne and wines flowed as guests feasted on specialties from all 12 Peninsula hotels worldwide. Dancing soon spilled into Salon de Ning, where old friends reunited and generations of families celebrated together amid the festive sparkle.
Fifty years on, Manila still calls it “The Pen,” a beloved landmark woven into the city’s history and heart. And as long as she continues to stand tall, elegant and welcoming, the celebrations, cherished memories and legendary hospitality will go on. After all, some grand dames never grow old — they simply get better at throwing a party!
