Top accounts appreciation party

CEBU, Philippines — Two sister hotels, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino and Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino, have made it a tradition to award their respective loyal clients and trusted partners both new and old with an appreciation party. For this year, it was a masquerade party, where guests were advised to bring a well-adorned mask.

Waterfront Cebu City GM Anders Hallden and Waterfront Airport Hotel manager Rex Benhur M. Caballes, together with their department heads, personally welcomed the institutions and individuals that have made significant contribution to their revenues for the past year. Welcome drinks were red wines, white wines and a variety of non-alcohol beverages.

The buffet dinner was held at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu. The ambiance was like the United Nations Avenue adorned by the flags of the different nations where their respective food stations was located. I counted eight flags including the Singaporean flag, which I took as a subtle message that the cuisine of our Asian neighbor would soon be felt at the Waterfront properties.

I took photos beginning at the Belgian Station, where the lovely desserts were displayed. It was probably a diabetic’s nightmare to see excessive sugar like the Vanilla Panna Cotta topped with Raspberry Coulis, Cassava Cake, Spanish Almond Cake, Torta Surprise with Mango, Belgian Macaroons, Jivara Chocolate Mousse & Eclairs, and the Coconut Cream Puto.

Under the Philippine flag, the Gatchalian’s Lechon with side plates for the Liver Balsamic Sauce and Native Sauce was displayed. Another featured dish was the Smoked Belly with Himalayan Rock Sauce. Drinks were the Cebuano Lambanog and dessert was the Sangig Lemoncito Tarts.

The Japan section displayed drinks like the Sparkling Mojito and Sake (Bizan Gold & Bizan Special). Main attraction was Tuna Sashimi Set and Sushi dishes (Spicy Tuna & California Maki). You ordinarily get the Akami or red meat. The premium portions, Chutoro (medium fatty belly) and Otoro (fattest) look unappetizing (the color was pale) but the taste is heavenly – Otoro literally melted in the mouth.

Under the Chinese flag were Beef Brisket with Bamboo Shoot & Radish in Hot Pot, Deep-fried Spring Rolls, Roasted Chicken and Yangchow Fried Rice. The Salad Station had the Mesclun Salad with Dressing, Mixed Green Salads and a delicious Salad Bowl with Cold Cuts, Cheese & Mixed Greens.

The Italian Live Pasta Cooking featured Fresh Tagliatelle with Shrimp Carbonara Asparagus & Cheese, Ricotta Ravioli, and the Homemade Black Tagliolini with Seafood & Fresh Tomato Sauce. I tried to ignore these carbs, but the smell was so tantalizing that I had to get a tablespoon of each – and the Tagliatellle was the best.

The Waterfront Hotels gave companies the awards for the Top Corporate Accounts and the Travel category. Special awardees for the Conventions and Events category were also recognized like the Top Event Producer, Wedding Planner & Online Partner. 

By the way, I wonder if I will be given an award, excuse me, for the top consumer of those Belgian macaroons?