Undoubtedly one of the most eagerly year-end events is the annual media appreciation dinner hosted by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Philippines. The venue was at the newly refurbished Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La Manila, the first Shangri-La hotel in the Philippines.
With the theme “Paris in the 1920’s” the timeless classic era made a smashing comeback as the ladies from various publications, dailies and radio came dressed in beautifully coordinated outfits accessorized with colorful beads, fashionable close fitting felt cloche hats, silk stockings, long strands of pearls and T-strap pumps. The gentlemen came in starched white shirts, black bowler hats and lace-up style shoes.
The festivities were set by exquisitely laid-out buffet tables offering a variety of cheeses, appetizers, several carving stations and mouth-watering desserts masterfully prepared by executive chef Warren Brown. The piece de resistance was the five-foot high “Eiffel tower” made of macarons. Guests enjoyed Moet et Chandon, Hennessy cognac and Grand Marnier throughout the evening.
The highlight of the evening was the surprise Charleston number by the general managers of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts such as Juergen Doerr, Shangri-La Mactan Cebu, Amit Oberoi, Shangri-La Boracay, Reto Klauser, area manager and general manager, Makati Shangri-La, Henry Lee, Edsa Shangri-La and Gordon Aeria, Traders Hotel Manila.
The enjoyable evening culminated in the raffling off of numerous prizes for complimentary dinners and accommodations in their various enchanting properties both domestic and abroad. These included Singapore, Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu, Yanuca, Fiji, Bangkok, Sultanate of Oman, Chiang Mai, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo and Vancouver.
The grand prize winner of a round trip ticket for two to Paris, the city of lights, via Gulf Air Business Class with a three-day two-night stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, Paris was Margaux Salazar of Sense and Style magazine. She will certainly be enamored with its elegant façade that brings to mind its legacy as the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte.
As the night drew to a close, we were all in agreement that once again Shangri-La Hotels lives up to its reputation as the place to be where it encapsulates warm hospitality for which the brand name is renowned worldwide.