A new look for Shangri-La Mactan

The ShangriLa Mactan Resort and Spa was packed with an interesting mix of people during the re-opening of the property’s Mactan Ballroom, that recently underwent a three-month major renovation.

Officiating the unveiling ceremony and champagne toast was general manager Joachim Schutte. He was assisted by top executives Lesley Anne Tan, F & B marketing and promotions manager;  Mildred Amon, director of communications;  Jed Arricivita, director of sales; and  Sheila Sepulveda, director of human resources.

Invitees, including luminaries from the diplomatic, social and business circles, came in full force to witness the unfolding of the unique dining experiences at the different stations of the ballroom.  

The celebration began with Filipino-inspired cocktails at the foyer. This was followed by the sound of a gong that heralded the opening of the double doors of the ballroom, made from carved black shells and inlaid with tobacco leaves and mother of pearl.

In traditional Japanese inspired kimonos, attendants welcomed the guests to the Japanese Winter Dream set-up, that undoubtedly showcased the longest sushi bar on the island. There was the ever-popular Chinese station  that had an array of special loose-leaf teas, a selection of delicious dimsum and unique creations by executive chinese chef Kwan Yiu Kan of the Tea of Spring  restaurant.

The highlight of the culinary journey was the adjoining room which adopted  the theme of the classic movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Exquisite pearls reminiscent of what the legendary actress and Unicef ambassador Audrey Hepburn wore were displayed and intertwined with  exceptionally crafted chocolates in various shapes and sizes. Molecular drinks were later passed around by efficient attendants.  

FBEYE, a boutique interior design firm based in Singapore, was responsible for the total transformation. The much-sought-after establishment, we later learned, designed several Shangri-La properties including China World Hotel, Beijing; Shangri La Hotel, Fuzhou; and Shangri-La’s Bar Al Jissah Resort and Spa Sultanate of Oman. The ballroom’s interior was patterned in keeping with the elements of the resort’s Main and Ocean Wings.  

Design director Marguerite Casey, when asked about the team’s inspiration for the ballroom, had this to say. “The ballroom was designed to capture the elements of a traditional Filipino home through the inspiration of local materials and traditional construction elements utilizing contemporary applications and technical innovations while retaining the Shangri-La sophistication.”

The walls of the ballroom have a combination of crushed bamboo columns and basket-woven upholstered panels. Simply breathtaking are the 15 grand chandeliers, made from capiz shells, rich antique brass and a cluster of crystals that provide iridescent lighting that set the tone of luxury.