CEBU, Philippines - October 23 marked the unveiling of Shangri-La Mactan’s new Mactan Ballroom to the public.
Guests were treated to Filipino-inspired cocktails at the Mactan Foyer followed by a Japanese Winter Dream set-up with the longest sushi bar in Cebu. With the sound of a gong, hosts in Chinese garb escorted guests into the next room that had a set-up inspired by a traditional Chinese dining experience. An array of special loose-leaf teas, a selection of Dim Sum and unique creations of the Executive Chinese Chef of Tea of Spring graced the tables in the room. A sweet surprise awaited guests in the next room with a set-up inspired by the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s complete with fine jewelry and exceptionally crafted chocolate. After a sumptuous dining experience, guests had a taste of Molecular drinks at the Mactan Foyer.
A boutique interior design firm based in Singapore, FBEYE, designed the interior of the ballroom. FBEYE has designed several Shangri-La properties including China World Hotel, Beijing, Shangri-La Hotel, Fuzhou and Shangri-La’s Bar Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Sultanate of Oman. The ballroom’s interior was designed in keeping with the elements of the resort’s Main and Ocean Wings.
As guests walk down the grand staircase from the resort lobby, they are welcomed by two sets of grand double doors surrounded by light boxes made from laminated birch veneer. The doors are made from carved black shells and inlaid with tobacco leaves and mother of pearl. The pre-function area, flooded with natural daylight from the gardens, provides a balance between nature and the furnishings of the ballroom.
The wall covers of the ballroom are a combination of crushed bamboo columns and basket woven upholstered panels. The ceiling, measuring three and a half meters in height, is inspired by an archetypal thatched roof common to tropical houses. Intricately carved panels with mood lighting are reminiscent of the opulent red and gold colors of an island sunset. Fifteen grand chandeliers, two meters in diameter and made from capiz shells, rich antique brass and a cluster of crystals provide iridescent lighting to set the mood of luxury.
The ballroom has the latest lighting equipment, which will allow event organizers to set the mood of the entire ballroom with the touch of a button. The first of its kind in Cebu, the system uses a portable tablet to control lights and change the lighting from green to red to blue in less than five seconds.
Considering the importance of visual presentations to the success of any event, organizers will note that each of the meeting rooms is powered with high lumens projectors and automated screen panels that descend from the ceiling at the touch of a button. Each meeting room also has LCD signage outside the door to indicate the name of the event.
This timesaving feature allows guests to update easily venues or announce important information in a timely and less costly manner. All meeting rooms are equipped with soundproofing to provide guests with an environment conducive to learning and privacy.
The new Mactan Ballroom has a total area of 672 square meters and a capacity of 800 people. It can be divided into four smaller rooms to accommodate meetings of 200 participants or less.
For inquiries about the use of the Mactan Ballroom and reservations, please call (63 32) 231 0288 or e-mail events.mac@shangri-la.com.