Having a ball

OH YES, IT’S JOHNNY! By Johnny Litton

The premier concert venue of southern Metro Manila, The Bellevue Hotel, unveils its many facets as it holds various events at the hotel’s Grand Ballroom. From grand weddings, corporate functions, business conferences, debuts and live concerts, the venue can be transformed into virtually anything – even a real kiddie carnival complete with fire-eaters, stilt-walkers, giant slides, clowns, magicians and a giant Velcro wall. Thanks to the hotel’s GM Patrick Chan and marketing and communications director Ryan Chan, Alabang is now the new Makati! Have a party at The Bellevue Grand Ballroom where the possibilities are endless. Hope to see you there!

A magical tree lighting

Magic was in the air as The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the best business destination in the Queen City of the South, recently held its very first Tree Lighting for the Christmas season. Guests gathered at the hotel’s classy and spacious lobby to witness the lighting of the hotel’s magnificent and towering Christmas tree, bedecked in glittering red and gold decorations that fascinated the eye. Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia led the lighting ceremony, assisted by hardworking Marco Polo GM Hans Hauri.

Joyous music filled the air, courtesy of the Peace Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet and the St. Jude Choir. The Ballet Center also performed excerpts of their play Peter Pan to the delight of the audience. Of course, what would a Christmas event be without Santa? Children flocked to the center of the lobby when the hotel’s Santa Claus appeared, and squeals of delight could be heard as he gave away plenty of gifts.

There are a lot of activities scheduled at the hotel this Yuletide season, and the good thing is, the longer you stay the better the rates get! Check it out! See you at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu!

Music and fireworks

The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu holds its New Year’s Countdown with an array of activities to welcome 2007. Enjoy a multitude of music: Pop music at the Al Fresco and Garden Terrace, Big Band Dance at the Grand Ballroom and Classics at the Lobby. Then end the year with a dazzling fireworks display seen from the top of the Marco Polo Plaza; gaze around an unfettered 360-degree view of the entire metropolis from a height of 600 feet above sea level and see all of the Cebu City’s firework shows! All of these for an appropriate price of P2,007 net per person, all-inclusive. See you there!

(For reservations, call (032) 253-1111 in Cebu or 888-8168 in Manila or visit www.marcopolohotels.com.)

A white night in Camp John Hay

White was the color of the night at Camp John Hay’s recent "White Party," an annual Camp event much awaited by Baguio locals and tourists alike. This year’s party was themed "White+Fab," as guests, aside from wearing white attire, dressed in fabulous get-ups and chic ensembles. The CJH marketing, sales and PR SVP Shean Bedi, manager Vlad Cordero, among other executives of the hotel, were on hand to make sure the event was a blast! The highlight of the evening was "The Most Fab in White" Award that went to three guests in their most stylish white outfits. Garnering the loudest applause from the audience were the Fab 3 of Anna, MC and niQi. It was certainly another super successful event at the cool environs of Camp John Hay, one of the best places in the country to hold parties and events. See you there!

A Merry Christmas evening

Multi-Kalakbay awardee Mandarin Oriental, Manila recently held an extraordinary cocktail reception at the classy hotel’s elevated mound at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue. Indefatigable Mandarin GM Helmut Gaisberger and his efficient director of communications Charisse Chuidian welcomed guests to the festivities, which was highlighted by a tree-lighting ceremony headed by Makati Rep. Teddy Locsin Jr. and wife Louie, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and wife Dr. Elenita, Tourism Undersecretary Edu Jarque and UNICEF country representative Dr. Nicholas Alipui. The hotel’s esteemed guests of honor, corporate friends and partners then simultaneously released 12 white doves in dramatic fashion to evoke the evening’s theme of peace and happiness. A gala dinner and show followed at the extremely popular Captain’s Bar, where the Mandarin’s excellent service was once again put on display. Congratulations for a very successful Christmas party!

Pink is it!

Pink is the hottest color of the season and now officially the coolest chic sip of trend-setting Pinoys. Australian brand Jacob’s Creek formally launched its new, refreshing, fruit-driven addition, the Sparkling Rosé to the Philippine market at Embassy Cuisine. Hosted by BestWorld Beverage Brand’s hardworking and innovative president and GM, Edna Diaz, the party saw guests being treated to overflowing rounds of this dazzling sparkling wine, an exquisite blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes that opens to a bouquet of lemon, strawberry and red currant aromas. In the palate, a burst of citrus fruit flavors gives way to a lingering berry taste. Think pink, drink pink!

(For more information, log on to www.jacobscreek.com.au or contact BestWorld Beverage Brands, Inc. at 6378491 to 94.)