The year of mercy

It is with much nostalgia that we say goodbye to another hotel, the InterContinental in the heart of the Makati Commercial Center.

The incoming year has been declared the Year of Mercy by the Vatican, during the papal mass at the celebration of the Immaculate Conception. Let us endeavor to be more forgiving, more patient, more understanding. We take this opportunity of wish our readers, family and friends a very Merry – and Blessed – Christmas Season!

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Farewell to the InterCon. It is with much nostalgia that we say goodbye to another hotel, the InterContinental in the heart of the Makati Commerial Center. By the end of this month it will be gone, but not the beautiful memories which a multitude of habitués will forever have in their hearts and minds. The Intercon was among the first to give us the experience of world-class hotel hospitality – from its various services to its elegant ambiance. We remember specially the ladies who were responsible for making it “THE” hotel to be seen in – Carmita, Rose, Vicky, Jenny, Ella, Sunshine and the rest whose names escape us now, who have all moved on to various endeavors but not without leaving the stamp of their gracious and efficient service.

We remember the Prince Albert Rotisserie – not only for its elegantly subdued interiors but for the perfect roast beef on a trolley from where the perfect slice was always carved expertly. Two months ago, without knowing its forthcoming closure, we had an A-1 lunch there, noting that some of its male waitstaff had been there for years, a testimony to the hotel’s brand of treatment extended to their employes. The beef was still good. We had dined frequently at the Jeepney Coffee Shop where it used to have Filipino jeepneys to sit and dine in. They were gone many years ago. There was the Bahia, where the favorite dessert was the mango crepe. The Sol y Sombra was where al fresco dining gave pleasure to nature lovers. And there was Where Else disco in the basement where what we now call “chilling out” sessions took place.

The InterCon Grand Ballroom was the venue of fabulous events, among them fashion shows featuring international designers. We remember they brought Jean Patou here. And we must confess that from the top-floor rooms of the hotel, we would manage, through the windows, to look into the commercial center where special events were held. Martin Nievera was suspended in the basket of a big balloon from where he sang. Surely there are more moments that would remind many of us, with fondness, about this hotel – a landmark that will soon be no more.

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Again, here is a wish for a merry and peaceful Christmas for all. May our celebration not be marred by horrendous traffic, theft committed against unknowing shoppers and other disturbances. May we all have happy moments with family and friends, moments we will cherish  forever!

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