CEBU, Philippines - Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, headed by the motivated General Manager Hans Hauri, for the fifth year in a row, hosted an exciting week of gourmet masterpieces from the masters of time, Switzerland , which culminated with the annual celebration of Swiss National Day.
The traditional ringing of the bells from Zofingen was flashed on the wide screen heralding the start of the festivities. This was followed by a brief message by Her Excellency Michelline Calmy-Rey, President of the Swiss Confederation.
Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ivo Seiber, who flew in for the occasion happily greeted the attendees and in particular the Swiss nationals, majority married to Cebuanas, who have made Cebu their home.
Glasses were raised for the celebratory toasts on the occasion of the 720th National Day. Immediately after, invitees feasted on the sumptuous buffet that showcased Swiss cuisine from A to Z, from Alpine-dried beef to chocolates, cheese in particular Emmental, Gruyere, and Vacherin, fondue and raclette, sausages, the popular potato dish rosti to Zurich-style sliced meat.
Having had their fill of the delicious desserts, the children present cheerfully joined in the many party games that included the humorous yodeling contest. Prizes were distributed to the lucky winners.
The rest of the evening was spent dancing to the fantastic music of the Firelights Band. Several gift certificates for overnight stays at Marco Polo Plaza were raffled off which delighted everyone present. (FREEMAN)