by Allain Dumon Fonte

When we think of Christmas, we always imagine of pine trees covered with snow, cold breeze, and a monotone of red, everywhere. But, as I walked into the lobby of Maayo Hotel, I was welcomed with the vibrant colours of summer and a display of fauna and flora. The upbeat sound of the drums set the mood and the smiles of everyone in the hallway brought back memories to one of my favourite destinations, Turks and Caicos. The tropical-themed Christmas is a breath of fresh air. Across the room, a familiar smile welcomed me, and it was the beautiful Pearlyn Hortelan0-Sanchez; a former super model and now Maayo Hotel’s marketing officer, who helped in planning and executing this uniquely themed Christmas party. Pearlyn brought me straight to the bar where I was treated with delightful sangria. The bartender definitely knows his cocktails, as the flavourful sangria is comparable to that of the world-renowned red sangria at Bar La Carbonera in Ibiza. So, I went for another drink, and this time I had the margarita. It just took one sip and I was taken back to Cabo San Lucas where the best margaritas are served. Maayo hotel has finally revealed its secret, and that is the really good cocktails. The gracious hostess called our attention for the official lighting of the Christmas tree.

At the foot of the 25-feet-high Christmas tree that was intricately adorned with the island’s indigenous ornaments, I saw the stunning Atty. Regal Oliva, city treasure of the City of Mandaue; and the vice mayor of the city of Mandaue, the Hon. Glenn Bercede, as guests of honour tasked to light the Christmas tree. They were joined by Maayo Hotel’s general manager, Miss Karen Mendoza, and Maayo Hotel’s board of directors, Mr. William Christopher Liu Jr., Wally Liu and Miss Paulette D. Liu. After the countdown, the Christmas tree glowed gloriously in front of the guests, and Christmas carols filled the room. It felt different from the other Christmas parties that I have attended because the island and tropical vibe made the event more festive.

It felt different from the other Christmas parties that I have attended because the island and tropical vibe made the event more festive.

In the ballroom, the guests were officially welcomed by Miss Mendoza, and the chain of Maayo Hotels was introduced in a short audio-video presentation. Maayo Resort San Remigio and Maayo Resort Argao look promising from the photo and video footages. Maayo Resort Argao seem to have the Moroccan ambiance, and the resort structures remind me of the La Mamounia resort in Marrakesh. So, if I want to recreate some scenes of “Sex and the City 2”, there is no need to fly to Marrakesh, it will just be a two-hour drive to the south at the Maayo Resort Argao. While the Maayo Resort San Remigio is designed with the Caribbean character. From the photos and videos, Maayo Resort San Remigio resembles of my favourite resort in Turks and Caicos, the Key West village. It may not be as grand as the Key West Village, but it surely looks built with the love of the sand and sea. The program continued as Maayo Hotel’s Mr. Wally Liu awarded the hotel’s top business partners and suppliers for putting Maayo Hotel on top with the other hotels and resorts in the Queen City in the span of two years.

Maayo Hotel is also very generous, as it awarded ten Christmas prizes to the lucky guests; of which I won none. It would have been nice to win a one-night stay at one of the Maayo Resorts to feel the beach again. However, the unfortunate me just indulged myself with the canapés and exquisite food served by Maayo Hotel’s executive chef, Luigi Mangubat. Chef Mangubat surely knows the way to our hearts, as he prepared a variety of Maayo Hotel’s specialties to fit to every one’s palette. Apart from the unforgettable concoctions of the cocktails, when it comes to food, Maayo Hotel stands true to its name, MAAYO, which in the local vernacular literally translates to very good. I had spent many thanksgiving dinners in the United States, and tried different recipes and various styles of cooking for the turkey; yet, Maayo Hotel’s roasted turkey is heaven. It literally melts in your mouth, and I have to commend Chef Mangubat for a job well done.

This may be my first time to visit Maayo Hotel, but it definitely will not be the last. I have found a jewel in the heart of Mandaue, and that is the Maayo hotel. Now, I am on to the next adventure, and we shall see what the Maayo resorts have to offer. Until then, MAAYOng Pasko!!!