The Philippine Star

‘The Force Awakens’ at Shangri-La hotels

- By HONEY JARQUE LOOP

Whenever the movers and shakers of the esteemed ShangriLa team open their doors, some even say their hearts, for the members of the media to share what’s new in their respective properties in Metro Manila and beyond, the discerning guests are never disappoint­ed.

This years’ annual media appreciati­on party held at the Isabela Ballroom of ShangriLa Makati adapted the theme from the popular American epic space adventure film Star Wars, The Force Awakens.

Close to 200 media partners attended the fete dressed as galactic heroes, alien giants, largerthan­life villains, gang members and robots. The festivitie­s started with a grand symphonic score to usher in the parade of Jedis led by Shangri-La’s area GM and Makati GM Alain Borgers, Edsa GM Amit Oberoi, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa GM Rene D. Egle, Boracay GM Ester Marcaida, and the soon to open Shangri-La at the Fort GM John Rice.

Borgers in his brief welcome remarks reiterated Shangri-La’s commitment to deliver the essentials and impeccable service for which the hotels and resorts are renowned worldwide. The celebratio­n culminated with the raffling off of travel prizes from Shangri-La Philippine properties as well as sister properties across Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

The following day, the select Cebu media were treated to a relaxing body massage at Edsa ShangriLa’s Chi Spa, a private sanctuary of calm, personal peace and well-being. Lunch followed at the Paparazzi restaurant, a culinary spectrum representi­ng the rich diversity of Italian cuisine, presented in a modern style.

Before heading to the airport for our flight back home, Cassandra Cuevas, director of Communicat­ions of Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa accompanie­d them to Shangri-La at the Fort to meet John Rice and touch base with dear friend, Cebuana Lesley Tan who is the new director of communicat­ions.

As the hotel is not yet formally opened we had a delightful lunch at the employee’s cafeteria which served home style entrees, sides, desserts and more.

The Shangri-La hotels certainly live up to their five-star reputation — warm hospitalit­y, spectacula­r rooms with beautiful appointmen­ts all around, excellent staff with exceptiona­l levels of service and genuine customer care.

 ??  ?? Shangri-La Mactan GM Rene D. Egle with Cebu delegation members Eva Gullas, winner best in costume, Nelia Neri, Pia Velasquez, Shangri-La Mactan’s Cassandra Cuevas and Albert Lafuente
Shangri-La Mactan GM Rene D. Egle with Cebu delegation members Eva Gullas, winner best in costume, Nelia Neri, Pia Velasquez, Shangri-La Mactan’s Cassandra Cuevas and Albert Lafuente
 ??  ?? Len de Guzman- Altea, Nines Sy Licad, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila director of communicat­ions Aimee Lagman, Rina Barbero-Zomora and Spanky Enriquez
Len de Guzman- Altea, Nines Sy Licad, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila director of communicat­ions Aimee Lagman, Rina Barbero-Zomora and Spanky Enriquez
 ??  ?? Albert Lafuente, Aris delos Santos Ote, Cecile Weber, Cristina Ong Cruz, Mike Albana
Albert Lafuente, Aris delos Santos Ote, Cecile Weber, Cristina Ong Cruz, Mike Albana
 ??  ?? Patti Javier, Yvette Fernandez, Alain Borgers, Lesley Tan and Amit Oberoi
Patti Javier, Yvette Fernandez, Alain Borgers, Lesley Tan and Amit Oberoi
 ??  ?? Shangri-La Boracay’ s Cristina del Carmen, Ester Marcaida and Jennifer Bagus
Shangri-La Boracay’ s Cristina del Carmen, Ester Marcaida and Jennifer Bagus
 ??  ?? Shangri-La Edsa GM Amit Oberoi and Shangri-La at The Fort GM John Rice
Shangri-La Edsa GM Amit Oberoi and Shangri-La at The Fort GM John Rice
 ??  ?? Shangri-La at the Fort pastry chef Anthony Collar, executive chef Joris Rycken and F&B director Simon Cote
Shangri-La at the Fort pastry chef Anthony Collar, executive chef Joris Rycken and F&B director Simon Cote
 ??  ?? Alex Vergara, Malou Rosal and Paolo de la Cruz
Alex Vergara, Malou Rosal and Paolo de la Cruz
 ??  ??

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