A New Year's Eve Countdown with Follies de Mwah

CEBU, Philippines - We ushered in the New Year at the upscale Swiss Mövenpick Resort & Spa Cebu in Mactan upon the gracious invitation of the resort’s management team to witness the famous revue Follies de Mwah (French for beautiful flowers). Welcoming their guests that evening were the resort’s top personalities led by Manny H. Osmeña (hotel owner & wine connoisseur), Helmut Gaisberger (Director of Philippine Operations), Klaus Graesslin (General Manager), Mike Lopez (Director of Public Relations), and Golly Talens (Director of Sales).

Twenty dancers from Club Mwah in Manila were flown in earlier in the day for a spectacular world-class roduction, which was a cross between a Las Vegas extravaganza & a Broadway musicale. The effect was reminiscent of Moulin Rouge, burlesque & old Hollywood glamor. Providing added jazz to the event was the scintillating adroitness of host Jude Bacalso.

Prior to the show, guests were treated to heavy cocktails and an appetizing buffet spread out in the three hotel outlets: Vanilla Beach Cafe, Seas, and the Monte Carlo Ballroom. Everyone feasted on fresh lobsters, succulent roast beef, petit fours, rich cakes, towers of French macaroons, and the ubiquitous lechon, painstakingly created by the team of Chef Terry Styles, chef to royalty and Hollywood celebrities. Out-of-town guests enjoyed having their pictures taken at the dinner table, where the centerpieces were brightly colored sequined party hats, feathered boas, gilded masks, and confetti – reminiscent of New York ultra chic.

Post dinner, guests proceeded to the lobby for the main show and some raffles (Hiromi Tamora won 3 days/2 nights at Moevenpick Cebu’s Presidential Suite). Seen enjoying the show were prominent local officials such as Mayor Mike Rama and former City Councilor Joy Pesquera; Deputy Speaker Raul Del Mar and his wife Melanie. Society figures were also spotted like Joyce Ramirez, publicist and manager to Hollywood and international stars like Ed Westwick and Mario Maurer.  Champagne & wine (Manny O brands) were overflowing, served each time the Follies went on a break. Prizes, including airline tickets, were raffled off, as well.  A  fabulous fireworks display that seemed to go on forever, to everyone’s “ooohs” and “aaahhs”, provided a grand entrance to 2012. We overheard a number of people commenting as they were leaving that the dinner and show were “so Gossip Girl!”

After such a well-attended New Year’s and the recent equally successful Oktoberfest, we can only look forward to more events from Mövenpick of world-class caliber. And, of course, the warm, charming hosts providing service from their hearts.

Happy New Year of the Dragon! (FREEMAN)