Paris Chic at Shang-EDSA

CEBU, Philippines - Once again the much anticipated media  appreciation dinner hosted by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Philippines was a huge success. It was held at the refurbished Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La Manila, the first Shangri-La hotel in the Philippines.

With the party theme "Paris in the 1920s," the timeless classics  made a smashing comeback as invitees from various publications, dailies and radio networks made their grand entrance. The ladies were  dressed in beautifully coordinated outfits  and accessorized with  colorful beads, fashionable close fitting felt cloche  hats, silk  stockings,  long strands of  pearls   and t-strap pumps; while 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: Juergen Doerr of Shangri-La Mactan Cebu, Amit Oberoi of Shangri-La Boracay, Reto Klauser, area manager and general manager of Makati Shangri-La, Henry Lee of Edsa Shangri-La and Gordon Aeria of Traders Hotel Manila.

The enjoyable evening culminated with the raffling off  of numerous prizes for complimentary  dinners and  accommodations  in their various enchanting properties both domestic and abroad. They 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. This  lucky guest will certainly be enamored with the Shang-Paris 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 Hotel lives up to its reputation as the place to be where  it encapsulates warm  hospitality for which the brand name is renowned worldwide. (FREEMAN)