Event: Grand Opening of CHI Spa
Venue: Poolside, EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
Date and Time: June 15, 2007, 6:30 pm
Attire: Spa Chic
A very elite spa for very discerning clients recently opened in EDSA Shangri-la Hotel. The event was a major production and according to Gabbie Bagasao of Communications, it took them 2 months to prepare. The whole poolside was closed as huge structures had to be built to accomodate a stage, 5 spawled out buffet stations, each with a different theme and to cover almost the whole pool area with tents. There was a play of lights that made the pool green, blue, red and purple. Mist was everywhere and soothing sounds played throughout the 4 hour celebration.
Guest of Honour was President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who arrived with Mayor Neptali Gonzalez of Mandaluyong City, Ms. Kay Goon, IC Chairman for Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts Phil. and President of EDSA Properties Holdings Inc., Mr. Andy Bautista. After a short dance presentation, PGMA and the other special guests unveiled a gong which PGMA hit 3 times to officially open Chi. She and her entourage entered the spa lobby and stayed in there most of the time probably because it was hot hot hot! outside the pool area. Secretary Ace Durano of Department of Tourism was also amongst the special guests. That's he and I rubbing elbows.
The set up was tremendously well thought off. Beautifully decorated and you can tell that they spared no expense to convert the poolside into something magnificent. The food was all about health. Vegetable sticks, strawberries, steamed dumplings, fresh fruits cold noodles and other healthy nibblers to munch on. One part of the buffet was set up to look like you were under the sea. Huge ice carvings and blue lights made me feel like a mermaid. The food was laid out on a clear huge flat platter which was on top of an actual mini pool where goldfish are swimming about.
It was a shame though, that they decided to hold this event on a Friday AND a payday nontheless. So guests who were invited got stuck in traffic. My friend Steffie, who left The Peninsula at 6:30 p.m. arrived after 2 hours! This trip usually only takes 10 to 15 minutes on a regular day. Next time you have an event, I suggest that you avoid having it on a Friday.
As I walked around taking photos of the decoration, I noticed that most of the people who were eating and mingling are actually NOT guests but hotel employees. They were wearing nice cocktail dresses but the name tag gave it away. I guess it was a good way to fill up the place with people and still treat the hotel employees to enjoy the fruit of their labor.
My good friend Eric Pe Benito was there to grace the event.
My super glamorous gang of the night, Stephanie Chong, Rosette Fernandez and Annabelle Chavez.
Sari Yap and Heidi Ng of Lifestyle Asia.
I haven't tried the services of Chi but when I get to, I will make sure to let you know how it is. But by the looks of the interior and prices, someone's going to have to treat me to the therapies and massage they offer (yeah, you know who you are).
CHI the Spa at Shangri-la
Ms. Ella Marie Lacson, Manager
EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
6338888 loc. 1777
