The ‘spies’ who love Shangri-La Hotels

The annual media appreciation party hosted by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in the Philippines is definitely 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 the spy theme, “The 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 Hunt, Sherlock Holmes and Austin Powers, special cocktail drinks were served throughout the evening.

Executive chef Paul Lenz masterfully created delightful dishes that were spread around 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 delectable pastries at the Monaco station.

To start the party, the general managers of each Shangri-La property in the Philippines performed a surprise number dressed in iconic spy characters. Makati Shangri-La area manager/GM Reto Klauser came as James Bond, Edsa Shangri-La 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, London, including two business-class round-trip tickets, compliments of Philippine Airlines, was won by Sarah Caballero of Radio High 105.9 FM.  A surprise draw was held for a three-night stay at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri in Abu Dhabi, UAE with premium economy roundtrip tickets also courtesy of PAL.