Dominguez, Emmy Huang, Cynthia Dominguez, Founding Chairman Department of Finance Secretary
Carlos Dominguez, Wharf Hotels Management President Dr. Jennifer Cronin, Marco Polo Davao General
Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, Halifax Davao Hotel Inc. Chairman Bienvenido Tan, Adrian Juanengo,
Rafael Dominguez.
Marco Polo Davao marked its 20th anniversary last December 7, and such a milestone wouldn’t have been complete without a grand celebration. To celebrate, VIP guests from the business sector, diplomatic corps, government, media and society graced the event, including President Rodrigo Duterte himself.
The hotel, which is Mindanao’s first five-star international hotel chain, opened its doors in 1998 with a vision of contributing to the growth of Davao as well as the whole of Mindanao, as a premier destination.
Since then, Marco Polo Davao has become a landmark in the city. It has grown together with the city’s momentous events and has contributed to the tourism industry in Davao City and the whole of Mindanao as well.
For the event, the Marco Polo Ballroom was elegantly decorated by one of Davao’s most prestigious event stylists, Annie Lim, giving the room a touch of emerald, peacock, crystal and silver.
“We are honored that the Founding Chairman, Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez, had the bold vision and determination 20 years ago to partner with our company to establish an iconic, internationally acclaimed hotel,” said Wharf Hotels Management (WHM) president Dr. Jennifer Cronin. “Marco Polo Davao soon became the epicenter of events for the city, and today prides itself on being the Heart of Davao.”
Dr. Cronin also presented a Peacock embroidery artwork as a symbolic gift from WHM. The piece symbolizes power and grace, wishing the hotel continuous good fortune. Halifax Davao Hotel Inc.’s Chairman Bienvenido Tan and President Francis Ledesma received the gift.
President Duterte and founding chairman Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez also gave their congratulatory remarks for the management of Marco Polo Davao.
Lucky guests won exciting prizes, including a round trip tickets from Marco Polo Davao’s corporate airline partners Philippine Airlines, Cathay Dragon, Silk Air, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia bundled with overnight stays at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Pan Pacific Singapore, Marco Polo Hongkong, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila and Marco Polo Cebu Plaza.
Guests also experienced a night of good music from the country’s leading violist Maestro Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata, renowned concert pianist Najib Ismail and international opera singer Mee Hai Cho. In addition to that, Songspell Philippines Inc., Davao’s leading musical group, performed a musical excerpt of The Greatest Showman, while the group’s alumni performers rendered classic Broadway songs.
Marco Polo Davao also provided its guests a culinary journey through the sumptuous cocktail spread prepared by Executive Chef Alex Destriza, showcasing Davao’s Malagos Cheese and Malagos Chocolates. Free-flowing beverages from Titania Wine Cellar, Wine Warehouse, Forth and Tay, Heineken and San Miguel gave attendees more reasons to celebrate.
