Hello and Goodbye at the Marriott

The Cebu Marriott Hotel, Cebu’s top businessman’s choice venue, hosted a fabulous cocktail reception at the grand ballroom to bid farewell to its dynamic general manager Karl Hudson and to welcome the hotel’s new general manager Roy Abraham.

Over drinks and pleasant conversation, we learned that Abraham, an American of Indian descent, brings with him a wealth of global experience from his 30 years with the ever-growing hospitality industry.

He started his career in 1978 as management trainee at Marriott International Hotel in Kuwait. He eventually moved around Europe and America. Before long, Abraham was named resident manager of the Renaissance Makati City Hotel, Manila. He now takes over the helm from Hudson who has moved to manage a resort hotel in China.

Welcoming Abraham to Cebu was city mayor Tomas Osmeña with his wife, first lady Margot, and Councilor Jack Jakosalem.

US Consular Agent John Domingo, Japanese Consul Shigekazu Sakunaga, Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell, Honorary Consul of Chile David Ugarte and Honorary Consul of Canada Robert Lee represented the Diplomatic Corps.

Also present were Hans and Bo Hauri of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel and Efren Belarmino of Plantation Bay Resort, both excellent choices for idyllic holidaymakers.

From the travel industry were Eddie Kong and Connie Cimafranca of Cathay Pacific, Cris Lebumfacil of Philippine Airlines, Girlie Robles of Qatar Airways and Kum  Hoong Kong of Silkair.

As expected, the party went on a few hours past the attendees’ usual bedtime. Yes, it was truly another fun-filled get-together.

We wish Karl Hudson the best of luck and to Roy Abraham, the warmest of welcome to Cebu.