Ushering in the Holidays

In celebration of Marriott International’s Global Customer Appreciation Week and to officially usher in the start of the holiday season, Cebu City Marriott Hotel gathered business partners, in-house guests, Club Marriott members and media friends to its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony last November 16 at the hotel’s lobby.

Filling the air with the warmth of the season, music students Chloe Ericka and Jessica, from the Brown Academy of Music under the tutelage of Cebuana songstress Anna Fegi-Brown, performed the Jose Mari Chan classic “This Beautiful Day,” followed by a heartwarming acapella medley by their senior counterparts, the Elite BAM Stars.

On cue, at the final note, Cebu City Marriott Hotel’s Exclusive Committee headed by general manager Patrick Carroll lit up the 15-foot tree in classic Marriott red with gold trimmings, alongside a life-size gingerbread house made with edible gingerbread cookies and colorful frosting! Guests then enjoyed a warm cup of native hot chocolate (sikwate) with choco-dipped shortbread cookies as the Celestial Voices Chorale continued to serenade the crowd with delightful carols and cheer.

Immediately after, guests were ushered into the Sampaguita Ballroom for the Partners in Excellence Awards and culmination of this year’s Global Customer Appreciation Week. A hearty spread of appetizing cocktails and hors de oeuvres was prepared by Executive Chef Chchpol Suaisom and his team. Drinks were overflowing as guests enjoyed an evening of fellowship, friendship and lasting partnerships.

The evening officially opened with an exhilarating performance by FA Flow Circle, Cebuano LED and Neon lights dancers who bested thousands of other hopefuls in the recent “Pinoy Got Talent Season 5” search. General manager Patrick Carroll then welcomed everyone to the occasion and thanked all guests and partners for the continued trust and loyalty to the Cebu Marriott over the past 20 years. As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, Carroll then launched Cebu Marriott’s #DaghangSalamat video, sharing the stories and everyday experience for each and every guest who walks through the Marriott’s doors.

Members of the Executive Committee alongside GM Patrick Carroll then proceeded to present the Partners in Excellence Awards, giving due recognition to Cebu Marriott’s top business contributors. Awards were given to the Top Special Corporate Accounts, Top Wholesale Accounts, Top Accounts for Banquet Sales, Top Online Travel Partners and Top Wedding Suppliers.

More entertainment was provided by the students of the Brown Academy of Music and the Elite BAM Stars with a special performance by Kinichi Huang, another pride of Cebu who won in the 7th International Red White Singing Festival held in Tokyo, Japan.

As the evening came to a close, Cebu Marriott’s director of sales and events, Frances Alfafara, gave a message, sharing that while the Cebu Marriott will be closing its doors for the first time in 20 years after a long and fruitful partnership with Ayala Hotels, “this special celebration of friendship and partnership is a validation of the legacy that Cebu Marriott intends to leave behind – that the Marriott brand of service excellence and brilliant hosting found its home in Cebu and was second home to many for the past 20 years.”