The Marco Polo Davao celebrated a milestone last December 6 as it marked its 18 years of providing Dabawenyos and travellers visiting Durianburg, five-star accommodations and service.
With the theme “Shining at 18”, the event was attended by Davao’s consular corp, officers and members of Hijos de Davao, Marco Polo Davao’s VIPs, Halifax Hotel Davao’s board of directors Cynthia Dominguez, Rosie Alcantara-Dominguez and Francis R. Ledesma, as well as officers from Marco Polo Hotels, led by its president Jennifer Cronin.
The chic affair started with lavish cocktails while guests waited for the Grand Ballroom to be finally revealed. Once inside the lavishly decorated ballroom, the feasting continued with a spread of delicious treats created by Marco Polo Davao’s executive chef Alex Destriza and his team.
In her opening remarks Marco Polo Davao’s general manager Dottie Würgler-Cronin said “Today marks a milestone in the history of our beloved hotel. As we are one in celebrating this very special occasion, I stand here before you very proud to belong to this wonderful family, the dynamic team of the Marco Polo Davao. 18 years of serving Filipinos gives us enough reason to come together and celebrate our existence as Mindanao’s first and only premier hotel. I would like to pay tribute to the very people who stood with us and patronized Marco Polo Davao through all these 18 years.”
“I distinctly remember our message during the soft opening on December 17, 1998—that we have merely set the stage for the real stars who are our associates. We have many pleasant memories since then even as we faced setbacks and challenges in our search for excellence. 
Thank you all for giving us the pleasure of serving you the ‘Marco Polo Way;’ and we look forward to our journey ahead,” said Halifax Davao Hotel, Inc. president Francis R. Ledesma in his inspirational message.
The highlight of the evening was the jewellery fashion show featuring the fantastic creations of top Philippine jewellery designer Ann Ong and modelled by Manila and Davao’s socialites.
