IT’S the start of the #SeasonsOfLights at Park Inn by Radisson Davao as the hotel as it puts the spotlight on everything local.
It was a double celebration. Guests from the various sectors of the community gathered to witness and experience two facets of Davao in a single affair. First, the hotel kicked off the Yuletide season with the lighting of the holiday tree, and second, the launching of Vanda, the new all-day dining restaurant.
“I like the indigenous take on the holiday tree with the Christmas spirit very alive. I am excited to see how it looks with all the lights on,“ said Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain of the 14-foot sustainable bamboo tree embellished with Matigsalog Tribe-handwoven baskets. With the complementing Christmas stars printed with Mandaya and Yakan weave patterns at the backdrop, the montage is an impressive tribal-inspired display.
The lighting ceremony was led by GM Sven Toune, Park Inn with the guests of honor from SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation, EVP Peggy Angeles, along with the Davao City Vice Mayor.
GM Tourne, who is celebrating his first tree lighting ceremony in Davao, said “I am brimmed with excitement and happiness now that we are slowly going back to normal, restrictions are almost non-existent, we can finally travel anywhere in the world and most importantly, celebrate life with our loved ones. It’s also good to see hotels in Davao being fully booked, conventions and exhibitions right here and there are finally taking place and more visitors are coming to the city.”
As part of Radisson Cares program, the hotel launched Cookie for a Cause fundraising drive wherein 20% of the total sales is pledged for the priority needs of the Samahan ng May Kapansanan sa Dabaw (SAKADAB), a village for persons with disability in Davao City.
“Tonight’s theme, ‘Liwanag ng Pasko,’ perfectly embodies our aspirations for this coming season. A light finally emerges after darkness and a seed of hope now sprouts in grace and abundance. Families and friends now gather once more and celebrate Christmas in full splendor,” said Peggy Angeles, adding, “As Park Inn confidently faces the future with much optimism, it heralds the holiday season with the launch of Vanda, the hotel’s refreshed all-day dining restaurant.”
Vanda, the new restaurant’s name, takes inspiration from Davao’s famed reputation as the Orchid Capital of the Philippines. Endemic to Mindanao, it is commonly called Waling-waling, “Queen of Philippine flowers.” The restaurant promises its guests a gastronomic experience with dishes incorporated with local ingredients in Mindanao. The menu will list at least 70% local dishes.
After the Vanda’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were ushered into the new restaurant to enjoy the specialties of the new dining outlet.
The hotel also launched DASH, a 24/7 self-service counter for guests’ needs at any time of day or night. The food counter offers salads, pasta, soup, healthy drinks, chips, cup noodles, and beverages. DASH is a feature in Park Inn by Radisson hotels across the world.
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