Pampering and relaxation are two big words among those who find themselves in the highly competitive and hectic business of making dream weddings come true. Big because they are often talked about, yet oftentimes are the only items that remain un-checked on the to-do list! While wedding suppliers always put their client’s needs ahead of their own, they are often too caught up in getting things done that they hardly find the time and energy to pamper themselves at least once in a while.
Last November 17, the Cebu City Marriott Hotel transformed the hotel’s Sampaguita ballroom into a zen-inspired relaxation den to allow Cebu’s wedding suppliers to kick their shoes off just for one night and to finally take that much-needed break.
It was a straightforward invitation from the Marriott—to relax, and breathe. True to their word, as soon as guests entered the lobby, soothing mint filled the air as tea light candles marked the pathway into the ballroom. But before you could explore any further, at the registration desk, Marriott’s brilliant hosts wrote your name on a piece of stone and asked, “Which among the four do you prioritize in life—Health, wealth, beauty or serenity?” And you were made to drop your stone into the basket of your chosen priority. These baskets and stones were used later on as an innovative twist in an integral part of the program.
Plush massage chairs were laid out as therapists from The Spa at Cebu, Grand Royal Spa and Mont Albo Spa gave relaxing foot, hand, head, shoulder and back massages! There were also electronic massage chairs from Becken Trading. The ladies also thoroughly enjoyed the beauty and make-over stations of Laura Mercier, Chanel and NARS courtesy of Rustan’s Commercial Corporation. And to complete the experience, Marriott prepared a healthy spread of delicious cocktails and refreshing fresh fruit juices.
Marketing Communications Manager Frances Alfafara opened the evening thanking everyone for making time to relax among friends and for the continued trust and patronage of the hotel. Director of Sales and Marketing Cleofe Albiso further went on to emphasize that all this is in appreciation of the partnerships between Marriott and Cebu’s wedding suppliers and went on to introduce the Marriott Team for Sales, Events and Food Beverage.
Dinner quickly ensued with more healthy eats and the night went on with a generous helping of raffles and prizes! The four categories from the registration desk—Health, Wealth, Beauty and Serendipity took center stage in the raffles as the winners were randomly chosen from a fishbowl containing the category. For example, if Beauty was picked out, a stone from the Beauty basket was chosen as winner.
Marketing Communications Officer Nico Velasquez and Account Executive for Social Events and Weddings James McJel Lota facilitated the raffles and became Santa’s advance party that night! Food and beverage and spa certificates were given out as minor raffle prizes, and luxurious accommodations were up for grabs in the major raffles! There was plenty to go around with the generous support of partners from the food and hospitality industry including Marco Polo Plaza, Radisson Blu, Waterfront Hotel, Shangri-la Mactan, and Choi City.
As the evening drew on, singer-songwriter Cattski Espina took the stage with her organic, all-original compositions which continued to engage the highly participative crowd.