MARCO POLO DAVAO, SHINING AT 18


MARCO POLO DAVAO, Mindanao’s first and only premier hotel has celebrated its 18th year anniversary on December 6, 2016. The event was held at the elegantly decorated grand ballroom and was graced by VIPs from the business sector, diplomatic corps, government, media, blogger friends and society. 

A cocktail hour preceded the main event at the ballroom entrance with Marco Polo Davao’s Melodies serenading the guests with Christmas carols. A lavish gala dinner followed soon after, primed by no less than Chef Alex Destriza and his team, with a culinary spread one and all cared to enjoy. 

The main program was hosted by no less than, Johnny Litton, Manila’s most celebrated host of all time, a frequent and a dear friend of Marco Polo Davao. 

GM Dottie V. Würgler-Cronin welcomed the guests saying; “18 years is indeed a milestone, and it gives us enough reason to come together and celebrate our existence as Mindanao’s first and only premier hotel. Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here tonight; especially for those who have travelled near and far to grace this event” 

Halifax Davao Hotel, Inc. President Francis R. Ledesma also delivered his inspirational message;  “I distinctly remember our message during the soft opening on Dec 17, 1998 - that we have merely set the stage for the real stars who are our associates. We have many pleasant memories since then even as we faced setbacks and challenges in our search for excellence. Thank you all for giving us the pleasure of serving you the “Marco Polo Way” and we look forward to our journey ahead” 

Ann Ong’s impressive and bold jewelry collection was then highlighted on the ramp by the gorgeous ladies of Manila and Davao. I love everything and I love exceptionally that bird cage, it was stunning and pure drama. The show was choreographed by Concon Sinel and the live music was rendered by the artists from Muzikskool. A pole dance number was also included and I was holding my breath all throughout the performance.

A ceremonial toast was made to officially celebrate 18 years of the iconic Marco Polo Davao. She has stood the test of time and has become the forerunner of Davao and Mindanao’s development as prime destination of the country since it opened its glass doors to the public on December 1998. 

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Ceremonial toasting with Halifax Davao Hotel Inc. President and Owners’ Representative 
Francis Ledesma, Marco Polo Davao General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, 
Marco Polo Hotels President Jennifer Cronin, Marco Polo Davao First Lady Cynthia Dominguez, HDHI Board of Director Rosie Dominguez, Director of Sales and Marketing Pearl Maclang 
and Director of Finance Armin Lorenzo

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Johnny Litton hosted the program

An unveiling rite of “Southern Eagle Meets the Northern Horse” was also part of the night’s program. It’s a modern visual art commissioned by Kublai Milan, Davao’s home-grown and prolific artist. The visual represents a strong and stable partnership of the Davao's eagle and the iconic Marco Polo horse.

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Ceremonial unveiling of the painting of Kublai Milan with HDHI President Francis Ledesma 
and Marco Polo Hotels President Jennifer Cronin

With its strategic location in the #HeartofDavao, Marco Polo Davao keeps on its mission to become the only and premier hotel in Mindanao. With its 245 well-appointed rooms and suites, first-rate amenities and superb food offerings, Marco Polo Davao lived up to its luxurious, elegant and unparalleled brand of hospitality and warmth. 

The Management Team of Marco Polo Davao thanked its sponsors for making the event a success such as Malagos Farmhouse for the cheeses, Cameo Events for the elegant and greater-than-life decorations, Director Concon Siñel for the choreography of the fashion show and Destileria Limtuaco for the cocktails.

Congratulations, Marco Polo Davao! 

The event was graced by the following;

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Ann Ong (middle)  taking her walk after the show

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
HDHI Board of Director Rosie Dominguez, President Francis Ledesma, 
Marco Polo Davao First Lady Cynthia Dominguez and General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
MPD Project Manager Arch. SP Castro, HDHI President Francis Ledesma, 
GM Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, MPH President Jennifer Cronin, Johnny Litton, Braulio Lim 
and Marco Polo Ortigas-Manila General Manager Frank Reichenbach

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
The Marco Polo Hotel Davao Team

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Pearl Peralta-Maclang, Honorary Consul to Korea Edgar Ang, 
Consul General of Japan Tomoko Dodo and Rotary Club Ruben Bangayan


MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Chalre Associates Chairman Richard Mills, Woman Elan Vital
Consul General of Japan Tomoko Dodo

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Marco Polo Hotels President Jennifer Cronin 
and Marco Polo Davao General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Jennifer Cronin, Davao City Tourism Officer Gene Rose Tecson 
and Pearl Peralta-Maclang

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Assistant Director of Sales Loreta Jabilles 
and Consul General of Malaysia Berlian Napitupulu with his wife  

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Executive Chef Alex Destriza, Chief Engineer Jeffrey Adlawan, 
RB&E Manager Chel Galang-Yabut, Front Office Manager Glenda Magallanes 
and Executive Housekeeper Sally Tungpalan.

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Training and Development Manager Junmar Binas, Director of Finance Armin Lorenzo, 
Executive Secretarty Boodie Cueva, General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, 
Director of Human Resources Malou Concepcion, Director of Security Francis Suan 
and Asst. Director of Finance Tirso Bitacura. 

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
HDHI President Francis Ledesma, Mike Ayala and Gene Arcena

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Sumifru CEO Paul Cuyegkeng, Raffy del Rosario, 
Francis Ledesma, Carmina del Rosario and Josef Ledesma

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Dr. Pandi, Debbie Tan-Ho, Ann Ong, Dr. Elsie Pascua, Anna Sia, Mayenne Carmona 
and Pearl Peralta-Maclang

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Fashion designer Rene Salud, columnist Jinggoy Salvador 
and People Asia editor Greggy Vera Cruz

MARCO POLO DAVAO 18th year anniversary
Pearl Peralta-Maclang, Stephanie Bangayan, Ann Ong and Johnny Litton


Congratulations, Marco Polo Davao! 


For your bookings/inquiries Call;

THE MARCO POLO HOTEL DAVAO
C.M. Recto Street
Davao City, Philippines
(082) 221 0888
https://www.facebook.com/marcopolodavaohotel/
https://twitter.com/MarcoPoloDavao

(Photos provided by Marco Polo PR)

Post a Comment

Thank you for dropping by, check back again for new updates or feel free to subscribe to my blog so you won't miss a post. Have a lovely day!