PARK Inn by Radisson held its grand opening on November 23, 2022, at SM City mall at the Reclamation Area in Bacolod City.
SM's high-ranking officials, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. Executive Vice President Ms. Peggy Angeles and General Manager Sherwin Lucas along with Bacolod Mayor Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, City Administrator Edward Joseph Cuansing and the two renowned Bacolod artists Joan Honoridez and Cristina Bautista led the grand opening with the presence of esteemed guests and friends.
The highlights of the inauguration included the opening of the Art Cove that gave credence to the artistic juices of Honoridez, former SunStar Bacolod Editor-in-Chief and who supremely executed a mural that celebrated the legendary tale of the Marapara and the two gentlemen, Kanlaon and Silay.
It also included the Negros Big Five which casts the emblem species of the Visayan spotted deer, warty pig, bleeding-heart pigeon, hornbill, and Walden's hornbill.
Likewise, the distinct eye for photography of Christina Bautista highlighted the essential images of Negros, nicely curated by Nes Jardin.
Angeles said Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod is the 5th hotel of SMHCC's increasing portfolio. This upper midscale hotel brand delivers a modern experience, good food, and upbeat environments to its treasured guests and clients, she said.
"We take pride in bringing this first internationally branded hotel in the City of Smiles in our pursuit to expand our brand footprint across the Philippine archipelago,” Angeles added.
She added that the hotel's opening is a testament to SMHCC's confidence in the market as we look into the future with zeal and optimism boosted by the prestigious, most-business friendly local government unit, recently bestowed on Bacolod City by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Angeles stressed that, “as we usher in the holiday season, we endeavored on a Christmas tree lighting ceremony that will keep a spark of hope in anticipation of the eventual resolution of the pandemic. Altogether, let us look forward to a warmer and better Christmas, filled with family reunions and reconnections."
Lucas said that Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod is a feel-good brand that caters to any occasion. Its upbeat vibe greatly compliments the fun-loving personality of Bacolodnons, as reflected by the optimism of the people.
“Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod serves as a silver lining to most of our team members and himself. The hospitality industry has taken a hard blow from this pandemic as many hoteliers have lost their jobs and been redirected to different career paths,” he said.
The corporate official said the hotel serves as a beacon of hope to us, and it is our ardent wish that it will be the same for the City of Bacolod as we remain optimistic that better days are coming soon.
“No matter how small the steps maybe, we are confident that we are on the right road to recovery. And in this journey, we move forward as one," he said.
Art Cove
The hotel's inauguration also included the launch of its Art Cove located on its ground floor.
Honoridez and Bautista have made an excellent collaboration to create this Art Cove, a venue for Bacolod's art gallery and exhibition.
Honoridez's splendid fulfillment in the arts began when she founded the Association of Negros Artists in 2013. Her group was painstakingly involved in various art workshops and exhibitions that created graffiti and public art in partnership with Bacolod law enforcement agencies that helped curb vandalism.
SMHCC commissioned her to do the mural that highlighted the famous tale of Marapara that currently serves a charming, picturesque ambiance at the hotel's pool zone.
The opportunity came to her as a surprise during the pandemic. She conceptualized the mural based on the tale of Marapara, Kanla-on, and Silay, which are prominent mountain ranges in the province. She immortalized the local legends by rendering their stories into lovely human expressions.
On the other hand, Bautista started doing photography as a hobby which later on, she developed a passion for art. Michael Yamashita, a noted photographer of the National Geographic, was her mentor.
They have traveled together for the last five years through the Silk Road, following the footsteps of Marco Polo in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Yunnan, India, and Tibet. They have documented these adventures in stunning photos of scenery and people. SMHCC commissioned her in 2019 to take photos of the natural, cultural, and heritage sites of Bacolod and Negros as artworks for the guestrooms and some public areas of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod.
Mr. Lucas said the Art Cove reflects the blended penchant for the arts by the SM Group and the locals. "We wish to help the province cultivate and nurture more talents by serving as a venue to showcase the Negrosanon art to travelers and amplify the art tourism in the province.
On Christmas launch
Angeles said it is precisely 32 days before Christmas, and she was delighted to have this opportunity to be celebrating with you.
"We have opened Park Inn without fanfare last July 2021 in the midst of the lockdown brought about by the pandemic.
The hotel's opening is the SMHCC's confidence in the market as we look into the future with much fervor and optimism. This optimism was advanced by the most prestigious Business-friendly LGU award received by Bacolod City from PCCI.
We are likewise heralding the Christmas season in the city. With eased restrictions and cases of Covid-19 in the country, we look forward to further opening the economy and its eventual recovery of the tourism industry.
She said that as more and more people get vaccinated, including the youth, confidence in indulging in leisure activities and “staycations” is coming back.
“More than ever, the future is looking brighter for the hospitality industry. With all these factors combined, we all together look forward to treasured moments of family reunions and well-loved holiday traditions. My sincere congratulations to the Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod team led by Lucas,” she added.
In addition, Angeles noted, “we anticipate this hotel to be one of the premier destinations in Bacolod City. Its unmatched location within the SM City Bacolod lifestyle mall and SMX Convention Center is complemented by its top-notched service and genuine Ilonggo hospitality”.
“As we count the days before the joyful and hopeful filled Christmas with an anticipation that this pandemic will very soon be over, may the spirit of the season move us to rise every occasion, living up to the essence of this vibrant city that continues to keep going and keep smiling," she said.