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).
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We had an intimate tete-a-tete 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.