CIR Lifestyle
Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Business Association in Cambodia (PhilCham Cambodia) are partnering to host a Christmas Day event that blends cultural diplomacy, hospitality, and community engagement, highlighting the growing role of lifestyle-led initiatives in Phnom Penh’s premium hospitality sector.
The event, titled Salu-Salo sa Pasko, will take place on December 25, 2025, at Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh and is positioned as both a festive celebration and a platform for strengthening ties between the Filipino community, diplomatic representatives, and Cambodia’s business ecosystem.
Hospitality as a platform for cultural and business engagement
The Christmas luncheon brings together Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, part of The Ascott Limited’s portfolio, and PhilCham Cambodia, reflecting a broader trend among international hospitality brands in Cambodia to engage communities beyond traditional accommodation and dining services.
Ahead of the event, representatives from Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh and PhilCham Cambodia paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia to formally introduce the guest chefs leading the culinary program. The delegation was received by Genina Marion T. Rafal, Charge d’Affaires, a.i. of the Philippine Embassy, underscoring official support for initiatives that promote Filipino culture and community cohesion abroad.
Organizers say the luncheon is designed not only to celebrate Christmas traditions but also to reinforce connections among diplomats, business leaders, and professionals operating in Cambodia. Such gatherings have increasingly become part of Phnom Penh’s evolving hospitality landscape, where premium properties serve as venues for networking, cultural exchange, and soft diplomacy.
Guest chefs spotlight Filipino cuisine and craftsmanship
The culinary program will be led by two guest chefs from within the Ascott network: Jose Mari Medrano of Citadines Bacolod City and Arnel Gapud of Ascott Bonifacio Global City. Together, they will curate a Filipino Christmas menu inspired by traditional holiday dishes, interpreted through contemporary culinary techniques.
Signature festive items, including lechon, are expected to feature prominently, reflecting the central role of food in Filipino Christmas celebrations. Organizers note that the menu aims to balance authenticity with refinement, aligning with Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh’s positioning as an upscale serviced residence and lifestyle destination in the capital’s city center.
By bringing in chefs from other Ascott properties in the region, the event also highlights internal talent mobility within international hospitality groups, as well as the growing emphasis on culinary storytelling as a differentiator in competitive urban hospitality markets.
Community, diplomacy, and business intersect at year-end
At the core of the event is the Filipino tradition of salu-salo, a communal gathering centered on shared meals and togetherness. For Filipinos living and working in Cambodia, the luncheon is positioned as a moment of reconnection during a time of year that carries strong emotional and cultural significance.
However, the scope of the event extends beyond the Filipino community. By inviting members of the diplomatic corps, business associations, and the wider professional community, Salu-Salo sa Pasko is framed as an inclusive celebration that emphasizes shared values of connection, resilience, and optimism.
For PhilCham Cambodia, the collaboration aligns with its broader role in supporting Filipino professionals and businesses in the Kingdom while fostering engagement with Cambodian and international partners. For Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, the event reinforces its strategy of positioning the property as a hub for high-quality events that blend lifestyle, culture, and business relevance.
The initiative also reflects how hotels and serviced residences are increasingly leveraging curated events to build brand identity and long-term relationships, particularly in markets like Cambodia where expatriate communities play a meaningful role in the economy.
Salu-Salo sa Pasko will take place on December 25, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, located at One Park in Phnom Penh City Center. The luncheon is expected to attract a diverse group of guests spanning diplomacy, commerce, and the broader expatriate community.
As Cambodia’s hospitality sector continues to mature, events such as this illustrate how international brands are moving beyond traditional offerings to create experiences that resonate culturally while supporting business networking and community building at the same time.
