Celebrating Diwali, and a thanksgiving

Envoys & Expats

by Suzette Jessica - February 7, 2015

In Photo: Proteek Ahuja, Diwali consultant Aditi Ahuja and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Hotel Manager Julie Najar

Henann Group of Resorts Vice President for Manila office operations Mary Jean Ong, Henann Group of Resorts Chairman Dr. Henry Chusuey and Blue Horizons Travel and Tours General Manager Gregor Zajc

THOUGH time flies fast, the memories one derives from one moment to another are enough to last a lifetime.

Take, for example, the celebration of Diwali, the ancient Hindu Festival of Lights that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, which is celebrated annually in Indian communities worldwide. Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC), Cebu City’s premier five-star hotel, took the city’s A-listers on a culinary journey of India.

Bo Hauri during the ceremonial lighting of the Indian brass lamp to symbolize the beginning of Festival of Lights

Ms Cebu 2013 Neesha Murjani in the ceremonial lighting of the Indian Oil Lamp

MPPC’s efficient team, under the leadership of hotel manager Julie Najar, organized the splendid celebration with the guidance of Diwali consultant Aditi Ahuja, an Indian artist and creative events consultant.

Aissa dela Cruz with MPPC director of sales and marketing Lara Constantino

MPPC chefs Juanito Abangan, Guillermo De Ocampo and Rodel Galvez with executive chef Stefano Verillo

The Gatzwal Dance Company with their Bollywood dance number

Guests were treated to an authentic Indian feast of mouthwatering dishes, such as chicken tikka masala, palak paneer, served with roti and naan bread, dal-makhani and assorted Indian kebabs at the hotel’s signature Café Marco. Adding more color to the festivity were presentations of traditional Indian dances, while fun activities, like rangoli coloring and diya painting, were enjoyed by the kids. Milestones are celebrated in grand style.

An important occasion calls for a splendid party. That was what the Henann Group of Resorts did when it thanked its top supporters with an appreciation dinner at Peking Garden Restaurant in Makati City.

Dr Henry Chusuey with Department of Tourism market development officer-in-charge Verna Buensuceso

TMJ Travel and Tours director Kim Jina and manager Ji Hye with Diamond Global inbound department head Grace Lyn Penaredondo and operations manager Tony Tan

Henann Group of Resorts vice president for Manila office operations Mary Jean Ong, Manila Chuan Lien general manager Esther Tiongco and Nicholas Tiongco

Hosting the event were Henann Group Chairman Dr. Henry Chusuey, Executive Vice President Alfonso Chusuey and Vice President for Marketing Karl Chusuey.

Agoda Philippines senior market manager Ray Lei and associate director Raffy Montemayor with Dr. Henry Chusuey

(Seated) No.1 Tours operations managers Kim Phil Jung and Dannie Chong, Mary Jean Ong, Senubi Travel deputy general manager Ben Huh with (standing) Isabel Garcia and Senubi Travel general manager Sonia Kim

Guests were welcomed by Henann Group Vice President for Manila Office Operations Mary Jean Ong and Assistant Vice President for sales-Boracay area Isabel Garcia. Among the guests were Department of Tourism Market Development Officer in Charge Verna Buensuceso and officials from the travel industry, among others.

Henann Group of Resorts assistant vice president for sales–Boracay area Isabel Garcia, Hana Tour general manager Seung-wook Jeon and inbound manager Oh Deung Joon with Henann Garden and Henann Lagoon Resort, Boracay director of sales Rizza Sebastian

PRISM

Sunday, February 8, 2015