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)