MARCO Polo Davao marks a milestone as it celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Marco Polo Ballroom with the presence of President Rodrigo Duterte, VIP guests from the business sector, diplomatic corps, government, media and society.
“We are honoured that the founding chairman, Secretary Dominguez, had the bold vision and determination 20 years ago to partner with our company to establish an iconic, internationally acclaimed hotel. Marco Polo Davao soon became the epicentre of events for the city, and today prides itself on being the Heart of Davao,” Wharf Hotels Management president Dr. Jennifer Cronin said.
Cronin also presented a Peacock embroidery artwork as a symbolic gift from Wharf Hotels Management which means power and grace and continuous good fortune for Marco Polo Davao. The gift was received by Halifax Davao Hotel Inc.’s chairman Bienvenido Tan and president Francis Ledesma.
President Duterte and founding chairman Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez also gave a congratulatory message to the management of Marco Polo Davao.
Lucky guests won exciting prizes such as round trip tickets from Marco Polo Davao’s corporate airline partners - Philippine Airlines, Cathay Dragon, Silk Air, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia bundled with overnight stays at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Pan Pacific Singapore, Marco Polo Hongkong, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila and Marco Polo Cebu Plaza during the raffle.
Marco Polo Ballroom was elegantly decorated with a touch of emerald, peacock, crystal and silver by one of Davao’s most prestigious event stylists, Annie Lim.
Guests experienced a night of musical journey from the country’s leading violist Maestro Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata, renowned concert pianist Najib Ismail and international opera singer
Mee Hai Cho. Songspell Philippines Inc., Davao’s best musical group, performed a musical excerpt of The Greatest Showman while the group’s alumni performers rendered classic Broadway songs.
Marco Polo Davao also provided its guest a culinary journey through the sumptuous cocktail spread prepared by executive Chef Alex Destriza, showcasing Davao’s Malagos Cheese and Malagos Chocolates. Free flowing beverages from Titania Wine Cellar, Wine Warehouse, Forth and Tay, Heineken and San Miguel complemented the event.
Marco Polo Davao has become a landmark in the city. It has grown together with the city’s momentous events and has contributed to the tourism industry in Davao City and the whole Mindanao as well. The hotel has been part of Davao’s history and every Dabawenyo’s stories.
Mindanao’s first five-star international hotel chain opened its doors in 1998 with a vision of contributing to the growth of Davao and Mindanao as a premier destination. (PR)