A grand celebration for Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

After much anticipation, the Cebuanos’ cherished hotel-by-the-hill that was once the center of government and business activities, social and civic get-togethers has finally opened its doors, now to be known as Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, with a grand celebration the city has never seen before.

A highly treasured venue for several years, it certainly brought back so many pleasant memories to guests and visitors with the awesome view of the bustling historic city below and its nearby islands and islets to the commemoration of milestones of business and commercial deals and partnership by innovative entrepreneurs and accomplished corporate giants, and to the endearing moments closest to the heart.

Taipan George SK Ty, chairman of the Metrobank Group, and forward-thinking Alfred Ty, chairman, of the Asia Pacific Top Management International Resources Corporation, both of the owning company of Cebu’s newest hotel, were on hand to welcome President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Frank Benedicto, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Congressman Tony Cuenco, Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña and other distinguished guests from the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of government, the diplomatic corps, the religious hierarchy, the movers and doers of commerce and industry, the much admired leaders of noteworthy associations, esteemed members of the academe, champions of historical and cultural organizations, the pillars of concerned society, and the dedicated members of the media.

Assisting the father-and-son tandem were Jeffrey Flowers, president of the Hong Kong-based Marco Polo Hotel Group; Rey Villar, a veteran hotelier and now president of Asia Pacific Top Management International Resources Corporation; and Hans Bauri, general manager of the 25-storey property amid 7.5 hectares of lush greenery.

Under the splendor of the dramatic Swarovski-accented crystal chandelier that dominated the lobby, which is artistically surrounded by antique jars, a feature of all Marco Polo hotels, officials such as director of sales and marketing Maris Mercado, banquet catering manager Visa Rasmo, public relations manager Lara Constantino Scarrow, banquet sales executive Kaye Luyrn, and public relations officer Naomi Verdon took a great deal of pride in anticipating and attending to each invitee’s needs.

In true Marco Polo fashion, there were bubbly champagne and excellent wines and spirits that flowed all night, a delicious buffet of nothing but the best of Filipino and international cuisine, music for all seasons, and a magnificent display of fireworks.

Welcome, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. Be a part of our lives.