1930s Shanghai for Cebu Chaine des Rotisseurs induction dinner

Inspired by the Oriental opulence of the unforgettable 1930s, Marco Protacio, the innovative general manager of the Cebu Waterfront Hotel, played host at the Induction Dinner Amical of the La Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, Cebu chapter, as the property has done for three consecutive years. He brilliantly conceived and excellently executed the well thought-out plan that transformed the Pacific Ballroom into exciting Shanghai of the much talked about era.

As guests arrived, chilled-to-the-minute-bubbly champagne and the finest wines from the four corners of the world were served.

Before long, six accomplished individuals were inducted by Bailli Delegue Fred Frank Fricke who performed the traditional dubbing ceremony assisted by Bailli Amparito Lhuillier.

The new members of the prestigious international gourmet club are Chavalier Ludwig Johan de Saeger, general manager of the Cebu Contract Furniture Inc.; Chavalier Haakon Moerk Kjoesnes, CEO of Longlife Spring Water; Maitre Hotelier Rexlon Gatchalian, president of Waterfront Philippines Inc.; Maitre Hotelier Fritz Kahler, general manager of the Alegre Beach Resort; and Maitre Hotelier Johannes Rudolf Hauri, general manager of the city’s newly reopened Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

The top movers of the island’s hotel industry were ably represented. They included Efren Belarmino and Enzo Ciliani of Plantation Bay Resort, Karl Hudson of Cebu Marriott Hotel, with fiancée statuesque headturner Rose Amores, and Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort’s Timothy Wright and his charming wife Mona.

Members of Cebu’s society were in attendance as well. Awesome in their formal evening gowns were party planners Teresin Mendezona and Rosebud Sala, poised Elvira Luym and the lady with a big heart Marissa Fernan in elegant creations by Arcy Gayatin. Bess Ortiz and Joy Sharpe came stunning in flaming red, while Carla del Prado chose a canary yellow embroidered bustier. Bailli Amparito Lhuillier wore a dramatic long gown in green by international designer daughter Monique Lhuillier.

The gentlemen, dandy dapper in either perfectly fit tailored suits and exquisite barong tagalog, were businessman entrepreneur Michel Lhuillier, restaurateurs Tony Lozada and Ricardo Urbina, golfer for all seasons Choy Sala, antique collector Raul del Prado, stage director Al Evangelio, leading radiologist Randy Libres, City Councilor Raul Alcoseba, sea captain Satish Naidu, fashion designer par excellence Philip Rodriguez, highly regarded exporters and manufacturers of furniture Carlo Cordaro, Garrisson Rosseau and David Sharpe, and wine connoisseur Dondi Joseph.

Chef Dietmar Dietich meticulously and masterfully prepared a fabulous dinner that was simply beyond everyone’s expectation. As everyone clearly knows, the Cebu Waterfront Hotel delivers what is expected of them: impeccable service, delightful ambiance and delectable meals. And we all know that Marco Protacio is behind all these.