CEBU, Philippines – It is undeniably one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the season. It is the annual media appreciation party, a gathering of the media partners of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in the Philippines. Held at Edsa Shangri-La Manila’s Isla Grand Ballroom, this year’s celebration adapted the theme from the popular American sci-fi adventure film “The Hunger Games.” Close to 300 of the country’s media practitioners attended the fete, all dressed in “tribute” garb and “Capitol” couture. The festivities opened with a grand musical orchestration to usher in the parade of “tributes” from the districts of Shangri-La’s Resort and Spa Mactan led by GM Marco Vazzoler, Shangri-La Resort and Spa Boracay led by area manager Alain Borgers , Makati Shangri-La, by GM Amit Oberoi, and Edsa Shangri-La, by GM Patrick Schaub.
Area general manager Alain Borgers, in his welcome remarks, acknowledged the significant contribution of media in Shangri-La’s operations: “Never have we been more unified as a hotel group, bound together in solidarity, striving to forge a stronger future. To commemorate this resolve, this gathering is for all of you, our partners in all our hotel news and developments. Because it is with your support and reports of our brand’s offers and promotions that have strengthened the Shangri-La name through the two decades that it has made a home in this country.”
Executive chef Warren Brown of Edsa Shangri-La Manila masterfully created a “Hunger Games”-inspired spread with such fun items as the signature roasted suckling pig – called the “Gamemakers’ Feast” – “Effie’s Cupcakes,” “Katniss’ Favorite Lamb Stew,” basil-wrapped goat cheese and Lady Cheese with Peeta Boy Bread. Wine and cocktails by Belvedere were served with a fiery cocktail specially concocted for the night, a wine and vodka based creation topped with sugar and laced with absinthe, set on fire a la minute, called “Girl on Fire.”
The celebration culminated with the raffling off of travel prizes from Shangri-La Philippine properties as well as sister properties across Asia, the middle East and the Americas. The grand prizes were round-trip tickets to Toronto and Tokyo, courtesy of the country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines. Belvedere magnum bottles were likewise awarded by Moet Hennessy to lucky winners of the evening’s social media contest.
The event was musically scored live by DJ Stefan Lowenstein, set designed by Jaime Santiago, and directed to brilliant execution by Marex Gaba. As the evening drew to a close, everyone were all in agreement that once again Shangri-La Hotels lived up to its reputation as the place to be, exuding warm hospitality for which the brand name is renowned worldwide.
The following day the select Cebu media were treated to a two-hour body massage at the hotel’s Chi Spa, a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being.
Lunch was at the popular Japanese restaurant Senju, meaning a thousand pleasures, where we savored a culinary spectrum representing the best of Japanese cuisine, from the traditional sushi and sashimi to exciting signature dishes crafted with meticulous attention to every detail.
Truly an experience not to be missed was the high tea at Shangri-La Makati. We enjoyed scones with freshly made berry compote and butter over cups of fancy sencha green tea. Relaxing music of piano and violins completed the wonderful setting.
Our most enjoyable stay culminated with a fabulous steak and lobster dinner at the hotel’s newest outlet, Sage. Cebuana Lesley Tan, Shang Makati’s competent Director of Communications, graciously hosted the dinner.
Our sincere thanks must go to Mildred Amon, Director of Communications of Shangri-La Mactan; Cristina del Carmen, and Michael Albana of Shangri-La Edsa for making our stay a most memorable experience once again.