By JT Nisay
AT 3,000 square meters, Marriott Grand Ballroom’s (MGB) state-of-the-art main ballroom is double the size of the previous largest ballroom in the country. However, Marriott Hotel Manila General Manager Bruce Winton and the MGB are not just about collecting superlatives.
Looking to prove that the multifunctional architectural marvel is multifaceted as well, Winton proclaimed during the recent official launch of the MGB that “it’s not just a ballroom. It is something a lot more.”
“This is something that Marriott, the Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. [the joint venture between Andrew Tan’s Alliance Global Group Inc. and Genting Hong Kong Ltd., which operates Resorts World Manila (RWM)], the city of Pasay and the Philippines itself can be proud of,” Winton added. “This is an iconic structure that will bring class, elegance and pride to all of us as we welcome the world through our doors in the coming years.” The four-story building, which offers 8,000 sq m of functional space with 28 versatile meeting spaces, has set its sights on capturing a major share of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions market. The MGB is RWM’s latest in its long line of aggressive expansion projects.
In the first 60 days since its soft opening, Winton said the MGB got a peek of its promising future as it hosted a slew of “dynamic events” from large medical conventions to the recent YouTube Fanfest, which welcomed over 4,000 guests.
Winton also dubbed the MGB as the “shining star at the gateway of the country,” referring to the facility’s proximity to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Not only does Winton take pride in this shining star’s outstanding $140-million “hardware” or facilities, but he also lauds its “software” or the people behind the newest events haven.
“From the service execution to the genuine care that our people show and the professionalism of our hosts, we really have something dynamic,” Winton said, adding that another feature to look forward to at the MGB is the culinary experience it offers, marked by three new dining destinations: Crema, an upscale gourmet shop; Mian, a modern Asian noodle bar;
and Allegro, the innovative deli that offers delish on-the-go choices.
The official launch of the MGB included a ribbon-cutting ceremony headed by several executives of the Marriott brand, RWM and local government officials followed by traditional dragon dance, which featured two dragons playing with a laughing Budhha. Multiawarded singer-songwriter James Ingram capped the day’s festivities with a concert at the main ballroom of the MGB over a five-course gala dinner.
Image credits: Alysa Salen