Shangri-La’s Media appreciation party

CEBU, Philippines - The annual media appreciation party hosted by Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts in the Philippines is definetly one of the most awaited events of the season.

Held at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Manila, this year’s celebration took on a spy theme aptly called London Calling. Guests were encouraged to come in their favorite spy characters from movies, TV programs and literature.

Centering on espionage, particularly the James Bond series, innovative event stylist Jo Claravall decked the ballroom in stark black and white, reminiscent of a tuxedo which was the trademark of the elite agent’s choice of wardrobe.   A well- stocked bar at the middle, courtesy of Moet Hennessy, became the focal point throughout the evening. In keeping with the theme, and taking inspiration from James Bond, Mission Impossible’s Ethan Hawke, Sherlock Holmes and Austin Powers, special cocktail drinks were served throughout the evening.

Executive Chef Paul Lenz masterfully created delightful dishes that were spread in different culinary stations: Paris   had a variety of   breads   and cheeses; the Hashima Island served authentic Japanese food and a selection of sushi and sashimi; the London station had roast rib prime beef ,baked potato and Yorkshire pudding; the  Shanghai post served noodles; the Istanbul station had Turkish shawarma, and   Venice served risotto and pasta ravioli. For the desserts, executive pastry chef Romain Renard prepared a whole table of sweet creations from his new pastry collection at the Monaco station.

To start the party rolling, the general managers of each Shangri-La property in the Philippines did a surprise number dressed in   iconic spy characters. Makati Shangri-La’s area manager/GM Reto Klauser came as James Bond, Edsa Shangri-La’s GM Patrick Schaub as Mission Impossible’s   Ethan Hunt, Shangri-La’s   Boracay Resort Amit Oberoi as Sherlock Holmes and Traders Hotel Manila’s GM Gordon Aeria as Austin Powers.

The celebration culminated with the raffling off   of 43 prizes which included dining and room accommodations at the different Shangri-La Hotels in the Philippines, in key Asian cities such as Bangkok in Thailand, Beijing and Shanghai in China, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Putrajaya in Malaysia, Jakarta and Surabaya in Indonesia, Singapore, Dubai and Muscat and Oman in the Middle East.

The grand prize , a two-night stay at Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard in London, including two business class roundtrip tickets compliments of Philippine Airlines, was won by Sarah Caballero of Radio High 105.9fm. To cap the program, a surprise draw was held for a three-night stay at Shangi-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. with premium economy roundtrip tickets, also courtesy of Philippine Airlines. (FREEMAN)