Filipino group wins big at Radisson event
Hotel hosts annual staff dinner
ABy Michelle Fe Santiago
Arab Times Staff
group of Filipino staff at the Radisson Blu Hotel bagged the grand prize in the cultural presentation entitled “Piliin mo Ang Pilipinas” (Choose the Philippines) promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination. They beat other groups of various nationalities from Asia and Europe. The competition held at the Hussein Marafie Grand Ballroom was part of Radisson Blu’s annual staff dinner.
The annual event kicked off with the brief speech of Philippe Pellaud, General Manager of the hotel who highlighted the hotel’s accomplishments and recent developments. He thanked everyone for the support and hard work contributed by the staff to ensure that the hotel services rendered to its clients are at par with the world’s highest standard. He also awarded mementos to staff who have accomplished years of service to the hotel and the host of the year.
A wide array of performances in solo and group category was presented by staff from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Czech Republic with staff from Russia, Bulgaria, Tunisia, India, Croatia and Serbia. They performed cultural and contemporary dance and song numbers to the delight of the audience.
The team from Philippines took home the grand prize with a neo classic fusion of traditional dances and promoting its tourism industry via video music “I Choose Philippines”. The panel of judges was led by the wife of the General Manager, Ida Pellaud.
“It’s all a product of constant rehearsals after work, inspiration we draw from the song and pride of being Filipinos,” stated Choreographer Chris Balingit. Dances featured were Bulaklakan,TiSilaw, Singkil and Carinosa.
Among the other highlights of the night included Santa’s visit in the event who distributed gifts to the kids of the staff and the joyous Christmas carols of the Radisson Blu carolers. Gifts were also handed out to all the staff that included appliance and watches. A sumptuous dinner buffet immediately followed prepared especially for the occasion. The event hosted by Fitness Instructor and Communication Associate Ricky Laxa ended with power packed music by DJ B. The management thanked everyone who made the occasion memorable and successful.