A Festive Extravaganza For Charity
A remarkable mother and daughter team, birthday celebrators radiant Flora and effervescent Sheree Chua love to share their blessings and in grand manner no less. Together with family – husband Enrique, and children Ruby Chua, Marvin Chua and Tiffany Chua-Copok, they recently entertained friends who filled the ballroom of the Grand Hyatt in their yearly extravaganza of performances, fashion and dances. Always with a knack for presenting something different, Flora & Fauna Luzviminda this time around, celebrated our indigenous heritage. The foyer entrance served as a backdrop for guests who posed in their indigenous attire in rich color palette, headpieces and opulent accessories. The barong and lavish native costume attendees chatted over cocktails with comfort food from the different local regions, such as lechon baka, poqui poqui, bam-i and kwek kwek.
The immaculate white stage was set for the evening’s program emceed by Issa Litton. The visual splendor of the ballroom decor was a high-spirited mix of the impressive stage set, stunning videos and lighting effects. Issa introduced the Mandaluyong children’s choir who rendered folk songs and classic OPM hits. The dinner performance showcased a journey to our three islands. Luzon had Albert Andrada and Paul Cabral using northern fabrics with indigenous dancers taking the audience on a realm of creation from Philippine myths and legends with idol Philippines Lucas Garcia; Visayas showcased the avant garde collection by Jun Jun Ablaza and Jun Escario, interspersed with songs by Asia’s songbird Pilita Corales. It was accompanied with acrobats in an aerial dance which signified a courtship ritual. Lastly, Mindanao was presented with Alfonso “Boy” Guino-o and Amir Sali with lumad woman warrior artist Bayang Barrios and Joey Ayala. The second part was the awarding of the Gawad Kasilak to pillars of Philippine art: Patis Tesoro and Boy Guino-o for fashion, for film Sheron Dayoc; for cultural administration Dr. Jaime Laya and Margie Moran Floriendo for arts and culture. The House of Hope foundation for children with cancer from Mindanao is very personal to both mother and daughter who speak with their hearts. Flora and Sheree once again outdid themselves with this masterful and artistic celebration.
Merry Christmas the Marriott Way
The Marriott Manila tree lighting ceremony with Santa coming down the stairs was a sight that brought joy to the hearts of children and adults alike. There was a whole gamut of activities with KC Montero as host with a performance of the Nutcracker by Ballet Philippines and a Pinoy carnival with gaming booths, as: Shoot the can, ring toss, color game, pop the balloon. It was no surprise then that the Marriott Christmas happening has become one of the favorite venues for the holiday celebrations. Marriott Manila Cluster General Manager and Sheraton Hotel and Courtyard Iloilo cluster manager Bruce Winton and the Save the Children ambassador Katarina Rodriquez led the tree lighting ceremony and lit up the decorations.
Their global customer appreciation week welcomed their valued partners, clients and media. Cluster GM Bruce shared the charitable efforts of Marriott Worldwide Business Councils – Philippines, along with their partnership with Save the children Philippines from Run to Give and the 1st Annual Golf Tournament.