Friday, December 15, 2006 Shangri-la throws party for Opon kids
TO CONTINUE its commitment to Lapu-Lapu City’s children, Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa again partnered with the Batang Opon Foundation this Christmas.
For the past five years, the management and staff held a Christmas party for the city’s underprivileged children at the beachfront of the resort.
This year, 50 children experienced the Shangri-La’s hospitality through a half day of fun games and activities.
As they saw general manager Timothy Wright greeting them at the entrance, several little girls immediately took hold of his outstretched hands and walked with him to the lobby.
Greg Dogan, Shangri-La vice president and Makati Shangri-La’s general manager, was at the lobby as well, welcoming the children.
Playground
Much to everyone’s delight, Polly the Parrot, Shangri-La Mactan’s mascot for the Adventure Zone, waddled in to give each child a high five and led them to the multi-level playground.
The children enjoyed in the ladders, swings, loops and slides.
A feast followed, with favorites such as spaghetti, hotdog, mini hamburger and lots of ice cream for everyone.
After having their fill, the children gathered around the Christmas tree, which was decked with Filipino indigenous materials.
Goody bags
At 6 p.m., the guests of honor, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, along with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza and first lady Paz lit the Christmas tree, to the delight of the guests.
The Children’s Joy choir sang Christmas songs, while guests enjoyed cocktails.
Garcia and the Radazas distributed the Shangri-La goody bags to the Batang Opon children.
Each goody bag contained school supplies, toys and food items donated by Belcris Corp., Benby Enterprises, Profood International, Limtong Press, TBWA, Akai and JME Food.
Education
Since its inception in Aug. 24, 2001, Batang Opon has brought basic education to street children from three to 13 years old, and guides them in formal education.
“Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa is proud to adopt Batang Opon as its community partner. Each year, the management and staff prepares a series of activities to benefit Batang Opon, and by doing so, we hope that the children will know that there is a bright future ahead of them,” Wright said.
