The annual media appreciation party hosted by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the season.
Held at Edsa Shangri-La Manila’s Isla Grand Ballroom, this year’s celebration adapted the theme from the popular American science adventure film Hunger Games.
Close to 300 media partners attended the fete dressed in tribute garb. The festivities started with an outstanding musical rendition to usher in the parade of tributes from the districts of Shangri-La’s Resort and Spa Mactan led by GM Marco Vazzoler, Shangri-La Resort and Spa Boracay led by area manager Alain Borgers, Makati Shangri-La led by GM Amit Oberoi and Edsa Shangri-La led by GM Patrick Schaub.
“Never have we been more unified as a hotel group, bound together in solidarity striving to forge a stronger future. To commemorate this resolve, this gathering is for all of you, our partners in all our hotel news and developments, “ said Shangri-La Resort and Spa Boracay area manager Alain Borgers. “Because of your support, and coverage of our brand’s offers and promotions, you have strengthened the Shangri-La name through the two decades that it has made a home in this country. With your help Shangri-La will continue to be known as the leader in the luxury market- continuing to establish its brand hallmark of ‘hospitality from the heart.’”
Executive chef Warren Brown of Edsa Shangri-La Manila masterfully created a Hunger Games inspired spread with fun items such as the signature roasted suckling pig called the Gamemakers’ Feast, Effie’s cupcakes, Katniss’ favorite lamb stew, basil-wrapped goat cheese and Lady Cheese with Peeta boy bread. Wine and cocktails by Belvedere were served with a fiery cocktail specially concocted for the night, a wine and vodka based creation topped with sugar and laced with absinthe, set on fire a la minute, called Girl on Fire.
The celebration culminated with the raffling off of travel prizes from Shangri-La Philippine properties as well as sister properties across Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. The grand prizes were round trip tickets to Toronto and Tokyo courtesy of the country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines. Belvedere magnum bottles were likewise awarded by Moet Hennessy to lucky winners of the evening’s social media contest.
The event was musically scored live by DJ Stefan Lowenstein with set design by Jaime Santiago and directed to brilliant execution by Marex Gaba.
The following day, the select Cebu media were treated to a relaxing body massage at the hotel’s Chi Spa, a place of personal peace and well-being. Lunch followed at the popular Japanese restaurant Senju — a culinary spectrum representing the best of Japanese cuisine, from the traditional sushi and sashimi to exciting signature dishes crafted with meticulous attention to every detail was served.
With Mildred Amon Shangri-La Mactan director of communications, we proceeded to Shangri-La Makati for high tea at the lobby lounge. We savored freshly baked scones with berry compote and butter over cups of fancy sencha green tea while enjoying the piano and violin orchestra.
Bubbly Cebuana Lesley Tan, Shangri-La Makati director of communications, later joined us for a steak and lobster dinner at the hotel’s newest outlet Sage.
As the weekend holiday came to a close, we all agreed that once again Shangri-La Hotels lives up to its reputation as the place to be — for its warm hospitality for which the brand name is renowned worldwide.