IN April of 2017, residents of Sta. Cruz, Manila, awoke to a brand-new skyline in their neighborhood. The 22-story Winford Resort & Casino Manila (WRCM) had opened its grand doors for the very first time, ushering a new era of tourism and entertainment options in the progressive San Lazaro Tourism & Business Park.
Boasting consistent high ratings in online travel agencies and social media networks, a roster of well-known entertainers who regularly grace its stage, and one of the largest ballrooms in the metro for MICE activities, WRCM has certainly earned its stripes as a major player in the hospitality industry after just six years in operation.
This success, however, could not have been possible without the unwavering support of the local barangay unit who has welcomed the world-class hotel to their community with open arms since it broke ground. It is because of this very dynamic that the luxury resort was quick to create an outreach program anchored on the spirit of Christmas as a way of giving back and showing appreciation.
Launched in 2017 as a collaboration between WRCM and the Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Paskong Pasasalamat mula sa PAGCOR at Winford Manila is an annual Christmas gift-giving and meal-sharing activity for both Sta. Cruz residents and the district’s barangay members. The beneficiaries of this annual initiative are identified and selected by the barangay captains with whom WRCM maintains a close and healthy relationship.
“This is our way of reciprocating to the local community that has supported us from day one,” said Jeffrey Evora, President & Chief Operating Officer, WRCM. “Apart from
nurturing and strengthening our relationship with them, this activity also serves as an opportunity for us to increase employee engagement and satisfaction through volunteerism and activity participation, all in the name of good corporate citizenship.”
WRCM has since turned the community outreach program into a beloved tradition every year since 2017, suspending it only once in 2020 due to unprecedented circumstances beyond the company’s control. Fortunately, positive developments the following year allowed WRCM to resume its operations, as well as the community outreach program.
“Recent events have presented many challenges and hardships to Filipinos from all walks of life,” said Evora as he addressed beneficiaries during the 2021 edition of Paskong Pasasalamat. “In the spirit of Christmas, we are happy to have you back here today as we continue our annual outreach event in the hope that it helps brighten the holiday season for you and your loved ones.”
Now on its sixth year, and renamed Christmasaya mula sa Winford Manila in 2022, the 2023 edition is scheduled to take place on December 14. As with previous years of this popular initiative, the intent is–and always has been–to show gratitude and bring joy to the local barangay unit and members of the neighborhood that WRCM calls home.
