Cover Photo: Nils Stahl / Unsplash
Photo: Nils Stahl / Unsplash
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Now that large gatherings are back with a vengeance, seasoned experts from The Peninsula Manila, City of Dreams Manila, and Shangri-la at the Fort share what it takes to give you the perfect party
Distance does make the heart grow fonder, and even those who thrived during pandemic isolation are back to happily enjoying large celebrations with family and friends. Metro Manila’s leading hotels are happy to report that guests are back in full force, planning their special events with them, from banquets celebrating milestones to corporate festivities with hybrid requirements.
Shangri-la The Fort’s resident manager Mirko di Giorgi moved back to Manila recently with his family just in time to experience what many call “revenge partying.” Although for him, banquet events never really left. “Fortunately for the event industry, demand for products and services never disappeared. Preference for gathering at events, concerts, and celebrations didn’t wane; it was just put on temporary hold.” With the return of banquet events, the industry now sees a diversity in their client’s preferences and how what was once the norm is now merely an option. “We’ve seen how diverse events can be in size,” Di Giorgi points out. “Intimate weddings have become a norm in Filipino culture versus the traditional setting where you invite everybody in the family.”
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Above Photo: Photos by Lanty / Unsplash
Photo: Photos by Lanty / Unsplash
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Diversity has always been a strong suit of City of Dreams Manila, with a property that houses three luxury hotels, a large casino, and a ballroom that fits 600 comfortably, among the many attractions they have on site. Director of sales and marketing Jenny Gabon-Santillan points out that aside from the typical banquet events you see in the hospitality industry, the desire to throw whimsical children’s parties is back to normal, and perhaps even more in demand since kids were kept at home for so long. “DreamPlay features three party rooms for up to 120 guests,” Santillan explains. “The celebrant and guests have full access to 11 attractions that provide exciting activities. The children and their guests have the rare opportunity to interact with beloved characters such as Shrek, Princess Fiona, Kung Fu Panda, and more from DreamWorks Animation.”
While adaptability and a wide range of options are surely a plus when it comes to banquet events, experience in the field is truly an advantage. The Peninsula Manila has 47 years of experience under its belt, and they boast of clients who have been coming to celebrate with them for generations. When asked what makes banquets in their property unique, assistant director of food and beverage Fredrick Salazar points out the distinctive features within their opulent grounds, which allowed them to deliver signature “Pen Moments” for their clients. “We’ve helped create themed events like Versailles Reborn, Pink Afternoon Tea, Jungle Safari, and an Outdoor Thai Street Market in our Spices Garden, Rigodon Ballroom, and our beautiful Rigodon Courtyard Garden, as well as sleek and modern concepts for a store opening or a product launch in The Conservatory,” enumerates Salazar. Yet, what truly fortifies their arsenal is the decades of celebrations, day in and day out, that have made them a reliable name in functions and events. “I’m sure we are not the only hotel that has helped their clients bring their dream events to fruition,” Salazar candidly discloses, “but what we do have— and this sets us apart— is 47 years of experience.”
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Above Photo by Photos: Lanty / Unsplash
Photo by Photos: Lanty / Unsplash
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All experts agree that food and excellent customer service make for a successful event, but what makes them memorable are the intangible elements that come with a human connection. “Relationships, communication, time,” Salazar enumerates. “With a good relationship, you build trust and encourage confidence. To pull off a seamless event, you need to be able to communicate with your client and their partners (florist, stylist, light supplier, etc.), as well as your team. That way, all areas are covered.” Di Giorgi adds: “We aim to give our clients the best experience by closely collaborating with them, understanding their needs (personalised expertise), and reminding ourselves that this is their event.”
The current industry trends, too, are largely affected by the past crisis. Clients are now more aware of what truly matters and try how to perfectly balance them all. “Balancing risk against return; human connection while being aware of maintaining distance; service with technology coming from the digital events phase; vast culinary options; and cost without sacrificing value,” Di Giorgi explains.
Interestingly, planning time has become shorter post-pandemic, as pointed out by Santillan: “There is now a shorter lead time for booking events. Weddings and social events would confirm within six months compared to a year’s preparation before the pandemic. Corporate events are mounted within a month or less.”
Above Photo: CHUTTERSNAP / Unsplash
Photo: CHUTTERSNAP / Unsplash
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Not all that emerged from the pandemic is negative in the wake of all the uncertainty and chaos. Many guests have become more appreciative of the simpler things and find value again in those once taken for granted. “One of my mentors refers to the pandemic as a blessing and a curse,” Salazar imparts. “Events with hundreds and hundreds of guests are a thing of the past. Less is more. In a post-covid lockdown world, people are more focused on socialising and connection than ever before. I guess this is because celebrations have a deeper meaning now that we know what it’s like to be completely cut off from our activities with those we love most.”
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Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.
