It was a night of elegance and luster as Radisson Blu Cebu marked its brilliant five years with Blu Sapphire: A 5thYear Anniversary Gala Dinner last November 10.
The festivities kicked off with the annual lighting of the towering 45-foot Christmas tree adorning the hotel lobby. The ceremony was led by the President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation Elizabeth Sy, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group's Vice President of Operations, South East Asia and Pacific Andre De Jong, Radisson Blu Cebu's General Manager Nishan Silva, Cebu Province Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.
True to the prestige of the jewel the anniversary's theme took after, guests were taken in a lavish display showcasing Radisson Blu Cebu's exquisite culinary gems. The five seasoned chefs headed by Executive Chef Roberto Kunitz concocted a special 5-course menu from 5-different cuisines, all culminating in one global gastronomic journey.
In celebration of the iconic hotel's milestone through the years, a classical gala concert directed by Nestor Jardin featuring the country's brightest talents was another highlight of the evening.
Rendering the night's quintessential performances were the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra, the acclaimed Mandaue Children's Choir, saxophone player Joshua Espinosa, Regina Magbitang and Peter Lloyd San Juan of the Philippine Ballet Theater.
The country's esteemed opera singer, multi-awarded soprano Rachelle Gerodias together with the South Korean baritone Byeong-in Park performed songs from the opera Carmen and from the musical Phantom of the Opera.
There was also a fashion show presenting the creations of Cebu's top designers - Philip Rodriguez, Philipp Tampus, Jun Escario, Joyce Maw and Ixa Escario as tribute to Cebu's design excellence.
As an anniversary treat, special prizes of two nights stay and roundtrip airfare tickets for two to the key brand hotels of Radisson in Narita, Japan, Radisson Blu in Bangkok, Thailand and Radisson Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach in Thailand, as well as a one year gym membership for four and an overnight stay in a Presidential Suite with access to Black & Gold: A New Year's Eve Countdown Party for two were raffled off to lucky guests.