20 years of Waterfront, new general manager for Radisson

Two high-end hotels celebrated their milestones. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino commemorated its “timeless 20 years” of presence and service in Cebu. The hotel was part of Cebu’s tourism history from the time it grew to become the biggest venue for international confabs, weddings and fashion shows, concerts and beauty pageants, academic and business conferences.

I was part of these events, like the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Grand Chamber Awards, Miss Cebu Tourism, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines assembly, East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (Eatof ) and many international summits, all held in Waterfront, under the baton of then general managers Patrick Gregorio and Marco Protacio. For years, Waterfront was like a second home, located very near Cebu IT Park, and had comfortable accommodation during overnight rehearsals. From my balcony, I saw the rise of the hotel’s construction and soon watched its glorious yuletide fireworks. Waterfront became a byword in the hotel industry.

“We are at the center of it all,” said general manager Anders Hallden, and new executives Edwin Acuyan (food and beverage), Christine Luague (sales), Ronaldo Sioson (executive pastry chef ), Fila Sofia Lonsod (conventions and events) and Gener Lada (safety and security).

We had an intimate tete-atete with the new general manager of Radisson Blu Stephan Sieberg and wife Christine. Both of German descent, the gracious couple talked about their hotel experience and the many countries they visited. Their acculturation immersion took varied interesting facets, especially in language and culture.

Radisson Blu has been in the center of tourism promotion and boasts of well-trained department heads and staff. Its facilities and amenities got A-1 accreditation from national and international convention critics. Radisson easily became the venue of Eatof and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) conferences.

I had the privilege of working with Ann Olalo in many regional and local events I handled, aside from the international tourism events of the Province of Cebu, Cebu Business Months and the American Chamber’s July 4th events; Hollywood and Broadway musicales. Feria at Radisson offers varied culinary dishes. The well-appointed rooms are clean with good housekeeping service.

Thus, the new general manager will have a good team and forthcoming events will be equally delightful.

MUSIC. Sing-along with friends at Pino—Stella Bernabe, Lucille Colina, MCE, celebrant Sonny Espina and the We Care buddies and special guests Ambassador Francisco Benedicto and Consul Eking Benedicto.

NEW. At the Radisson Blu Cebu, new general manager Stephan Sieberg and wife Christine, with guests Nelia Neri, Flor Ynclino , Cookie Newman, MCE, Aissa de la Cruz, Chinggay Utzurrum and Jimmy Picornell.

PRESS LUNCH. Kowloon Shangri-La general manager Philip Dwar with Cassandra Cuevas, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa director of communications and Mona Kwan, Kowloon Shangri-La communication manager. The group presented the tour and food attractions...

TIMELESS. Present at the 20th anniversary celebration in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino were general manager Anders Hallden, Nelia Neri, MCE, Flor Ynclino, Cookie Newman, Nestor Alonzo and Amparito Lhuillier.

FAMILY. Sonny and MCE with Ding and Ellen Silva, Tricia Silva Thad Ruiz, Emm and Bellie Espina.

GUESTS. Philip Rodriguez, former general manager Marco Protacio, Elvira Luym and Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.