A Radisson Blu Christmas
The five-star Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu recently celebrated its second anniversary with an impressive series of events that regaled guests with the holiday spirit of love, sharing and fun.
The festivities began with the ceremonial lighting of Cebu’s tallest indoor Christmas tree by Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, Cebu city Mayor Michael Rama and Jose Sio, executive vice president and chief financial officer of SMHCC.
Then the guests’ attention was drawn to the University of Cebu Dance Troupe, dressed in blue and silver Victorian-inspired attire, as the group gracefully descended the majestic staircase carrying colorful Christmas lanterns.
The evening’s merriment continued at the hotel’s Santa Maria Ballroom where invitees enjoyed a Christmas concert of timeless classical pieces. The 45-minute show produced by Nestor Jardin, creative director of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation and our very own Cebuano choreographer–director Junjet Primor, had an impressive line-up of multi-talented artists. The opening performers featured were the talents of the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra led by Rey Abellana. They next presented the multi-awarded Mandaue Youth and Children’s Chorus with choir master Dennis Sugarol and pianist Dave Sibonga to render a medley of Christmas songs and the beautifully interpreted When you Believe by Stephen Schwartz.
Much applause was accorded to internationally-acclaimed soprano, Rachelle Gerodias and tenor Ervin Lumaug. The entertaining concert was capped with the impressive rendition of Mark Hayes’ A Light of a Million Mornings by all the performers.
As the lights dimmed signaling the end of the show, the red and gold curtains opened and unveiled yet another Christmas tradition, a culinary journey which was masterfully prepared by the hotel’s team of award-winning chefs.
While guests were happily feasting, the party atmosphere turned a notch higher as the Renaissance Band played dance music for everyone to enjoy. The evening culminated with the raffling-off of prizes that included a trip to Shanghai, China for two, complete with a four-night five-day stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel New World Shanghai.
