Marriott works with its local schools
There were six primary schools, fourprizes for art and four prizes for poetry all under the theme ‘Christmas Under the Sea’
The Fiji Mariott Resort Momi Bay held an art and poetry competition leading up to its inaugural Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Katarin Dressino, wife of the hotel’s general manager Silvano Dressino, was behind the project and said that it was an exciting event collaborating with the local schools.
“The art competition was held among the local schools and our hotel. It was six primary schools and we set four prizes for art and four prizes for poetry all under the theme ‘Christmas Under the Sea’,” said Mrs Dressino.
For the art we said they could only use natural materials because we didn’t want them to buy anything.” “We got around 45 entries from the primary schools here and it was hard to choose,” she said. “We chose on creativity and there was only two poems of which one was a story. They were natural winners and very cute.”
The hotel’s general manager said that because it was the first time they were having a Christmas tree lighting ceremony there had been a lot of excitement towards it especially with a unique theme such as the one they had picked.
“This year is the first time we are doing this and we have the theme as ‘Christmas Under the Sea’ because the sea is the essential part of our resort because we are also the first man-made lagoon in Fiji and all our rooms are facing the water and we want to highlight the beauty of the sea,” said Mr Dressino.
The couple also highlighted that the hotel wanted the young artists to think about their responsibility towards the environment.
“We also want to promote the protection of the sea and create an awareness for climate change because a lot of people come to Fiji to enjoy the marine life,” he added. “We are so happy to see the smiling faces of the people who have turned up today. So many people and for a hotel that is doing this for the first time we are very happy with how it has turned out. “The team has done a splendid job and I really want to thank them for what they have done in preparation for this event and for Christmas,” said Mr Dressino.