A superb sommelier
MAKATI Shangri-la, Manila welcomes its newly appointed head sommelier, Daniel Blais, who is the first resident foreign sommelier for the hotel.
A Canadian native, Blais is also the first appointed director of beverage for Makati Shangri-la. With more than 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry—including eight years as head sommelier in various hotels around the globe—blais brings with him an extensive knowledge and expertise in wines and beverage.
Prior to his appointment to Makati Shangri-la, Blais was a head sommelier and beverage manager based in the United Arab Emirates. He was awarded “Sommelier of the Year” in the Middle East and North Africa in 2010 by two prestigious magazines. He has also held the same position in luxury properties in the Maldives, Mauritius, and in fine dining restaurants in Canada. As the first certified sommelier in the Philippines, Blais is looking forward to elevating the experience in the art and appreciation of wine for the guests of the hotel.
His goal is “to improve the standard of service (at the hotel).” He added, “I personally take it as a great challenge, especially since the standards here are already very high.”
As Blais finds himself a new home in Manila, he feels even more excited about working with Filipinos, having worked with them in the past.
“The Filipinos have a good heart and they are hard workers. When Shangri-la offered me the possibility of making the Philippines my new home, I did not hesitate one second,” he shared.