With its flawless quality and highly regarded services, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila is renowned for being a magnificent lodging option in the Philippines and has consistently demonstrated the friendliest Filipino hospitality. Large corporate and social events have been held there thanks to its excellent reputation for hosting both domestic and international visitors. But nobody would have predicted that this establishment, which has been there for five decades, would have to close and say farewell to the nation's hospitality sector. Though it may be disheartening to think about it, I, along with everyone else there, will always be appreciative of the experiences and memories.
I began emceeing in Metro Manila in August 2022, and my first hosting opportunity in the area took place at Sofitel. The 75th Philippine Pediatric Society's Foundation Celebration was a private and intimate event attended by officials of the aforementioned organization. In addition, this blog's upload date of August 24, 2024, marks my second anniversary of hosting events in the metropolis! Watch the event hosting highlights here.
The year 2023 made me return to this establishment not just once or twice, but thrice! The second time I hosted here was during the 10th Elite Business and Leadership Awards. We were joined by various sectoral awardees from Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon and Metro Manila and had a chance to meet the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief and Hall of Famer, Hon. Persida Rueda V. Acosta. Relive the event through my hosting highlights here.
My third was the biggest among the events I hosted in Sofitel. With more than 2,000 guests wearing Filipino traditional attires and costumes, Philippine Christian University celebrated its 77th Anniversary through its Thanksgiving Dinner and Service Awards. Thrilled to have brought the excitement, we were joined by one of their PhD students and a Filipino-Chinese celebrity, Mr. Ronnie Liang.
Opportunities there didn't overlook the part where I get to host a wedding occasion on one of the busiest event dates in December and for the whole year. This was during Bart and Andrea's wedding reception. Their visitors weren't just residents of Bicol Province who have traveled to Manila; we were also joined by the executives of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, one of the nation's financial organizations.
Lastly, in 2024, it was a bittersweet comeback, as three days before Sofitel closed its doors, we were still able to hold the 12th Elite Business and Leadership Awards, and as a second-time emcee for this event, I have been immensely indebted to the Elite Council for having me again. It was another successful event, but when the program ended, another thought came to me: I would not set foot on Sofitel’s floors again. It was truly heartbreaking, but we still hope that it was the best and safest decision by the company, or there might be future considerations for a more glorious return.
We will all surely miss Sofitel. As an event supplier and a pioneer venue that opened me to various opportunities in Metro Manila, our experiences there will always be remembered, and we will forever be grateful for the greatness it brought to the world. Bidding farewell is heartbreaking, but who knows? One day, this incredible brand will return again to showcase the finest Filipino service and hospitality that everyone deserves.
Only time can tell, Sofitel.
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