A sustainable Christmas tree with retasos and recycled stuff
Some people balk at the idea of reusing outfits or decorations, but for Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites, sustainability comes first. They’re not afraid of reusing or repurposing—in fact, they celebrate it.
The hotel and serviced residences unveiled their unique Christmas Tree in an event called “Woven Wonders,” and this year’s tree was adorned with the vibrant and sustainable decorations of fabric trimmings, or retaso, collected from some of the country’s premier fashion designers—Puey Quiñones, Wilson Limon of Nino Franco, Gabby Garcia of TAGPI, and Adrienne Charuel of Maison Métisse.
“While these retasos are usually discarded and forgotten, this season, they have been upcycled and repurposed to become gorgeous festive embellishments,” shared Odette Huang, general manager of Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites.
Large swaths of local fabric hugged the tree, like oversized, giant ribbons. Several ornaments were also wrapped with different types of materials, from rich velvets in deep holiday colors to textured local fabrics with subtly shimmery threads woven in, and even brightly dyed jersey cloth. The colors and textures that were seen on the runway and ateliers were now a festive explosion of colors under a large capiz star, a celebration of Christmas as well as Filipino culture and craftsmanship.
Capt. Raymond Lising, Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites general manager Rachelle Ng; Odette Huang, Pasig City Councilor Angelu De Leon, and Department of Tourism division chief Victoria Margarita Paje
“Giving the retasos second life as holiday décor also reduces textile wastes that overburden our landfills,” Huang added.
Joy~Nostalg reused more than just retasos. For the second straight year, they partnered with the Bacolod-based Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundatio to create Christmas tree trimmings from used Nespresso capsules. This year, the organization created new parol-shaped ornaments, but what’s unique—and even more sustainable—was that Joy~Nostalg brought out the same trimmings they made and used in the previous tree. The angels, turtle doves, and star-shaped ornaments from last year, all also made from flattened capsules, were proudly displayed with the brand-new parols. Sustainability is obviously not just a gimmick for them. “Every little bit of effort helps us thrive and move away from the disposable mindset,” shared Huang. The event even displayed candles made from used coffee grounds from the hotel, transformed by local upcycling brand Retastro.
of Maison Métisse, and trimmings made from Nespresso capsules.
Finally, Joy~Nostalg invited guests to join them in their endeavor to help the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Chaplaincy in its mission to assist young cancer patients by gifting them with teddy bears. The hotel offers two teddy bears for P500, but of course, in the spirit of sustainability, the hotel encourages teddy bear donations as well.
As the tree was finally lit, there was joy and marvel in the air, as well as the fervent hope that this generosity and commitment to the environment and excellence goes beyond the holidays.
“We will focus on meaningful advocacies that drive sustainable practices, contributing positively to our environment, community and, most especially, the growth of our people in the organization,” promised Huang. “Together, we will build a legacy to create a future where our actions not only elevate our services but also support a more sustainable and kinder world.”
