Thursday, June 14, 2007 Utzurrum: Of chefs, CEOs and concerts By Chinggay V. Utzurrum The Scene
SOMETHING to look forward to absolutely is the first Cebu Chefs Canadian Cook-off, scheduled today, at 10 to 12 noon at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.
Very special guest will be the Ambassador of Canada, Peter Sutherland, whose tour of duty in this part of the world, will end soon, unfortunately for us Cebuanos who have grown quite fond of him.
It seems that all our favorite people are leaving, a case in point being Karl Hudson, who since May 3, 2007 has already made the Sanya (China) Marriot Resort and Spa his new home, just breezed through Cebu overnight to hand over the reins of management to his successor Roy Abraham, during appropriate cocktails at the hotel ballroom the other night. In a farewell note, Karl was emotional as he recounted his four-year stint in Cebu, most significant of which was his meeting, and eventually marrying his lovely Rose. More on this affair in a future issue.
****
Another CEO we are warming up to is the topman of HSBC, Mark Watkinson, who threw an intimate “getting to know you” dinner in Shangri-La Mactan for the media. Last Tuesday, Mark was again mingling with Cebu’s who’s-who to introduce the latest in the bank’s Premier package.
****
The very affable and approachable Greg Dogan, VP-Phils and GM, Makati’s Shangri-La Manila whom locals remember was assigned at Mactan Shang once upon a time, hosted the annual invitational Golf tourney at Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas Cavite, in appreciation of loyal clients and supporters of the four Shangri-La Phils. properties namely: Makati Shangri-La, Edsa Shangri-La, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, and Trader’s Hotel Manila.
The high profile royals let their hair down and enjoyed the spirited competition, and entertainment provided by the celebrity host, model and singer Aliya Parcs.
The unequalled Shang hospitality was at its height, as non-stop wines and spirits flowed, to match a sumptuous buffet. Everyone without exception brought home a gift pack from the four Shang properties.
Same time next year, Greg?
****
Started as bi-annual tours in January 2001, the Romantic Piano Concert Journey Tour headed by music pedagogues Reynaldo Reyes and Ingrid Sala-Santamaria , has now metamorphosed into an all-out obsession, as the pair embark in their 14th Piano Concert Tour.
These two-piano educational presentations feature music of the romantic period, with focus on composers Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Grieg, Lizst, Rachmaninoff, Schumann, etc. Also included are works by Filipino composers Buencamino and Santiago.
The duo will start their music mission on June 25, at Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) thence to Manila, Makati, Laguna, and Bacolod.
Cebuanos can catch this special event on July 27, 2007 at the Marcelo B. Fernan Press Center, at Sudlon, Lahug.
This 14th RPCJ tour is in association with Music News and features, for further info, please call 900-7023, 497-2971, 901-7156 or fax no. (632) 852-4914.
