THE Manila Hotel, considered one of Manila’s historical landmark that mirrors the best of Filipino architecture, culture and hospitality, celebrated its 99th year anniversary recently with a guest list of over a thousand very important people, academe, politicians and media personalities.

The security was tight as every camera was checked by the security. The registration table seemed like a ticket booth-with a myriad of staff registering each guest to the grandiose affair. Inside, a plethora of service crew were present to hand each guest a cocktail drink. My choice was four seasons mixed with fresh pineapple, and vitamin packed guava, mango and orange juices.

Manila Hotel Executive Vice President Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr. and Former President Joseph Estrada

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III at the Manila Hotel 99th Anniversary

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III delivers a speech during the Manila Hotel 99th Anniversary

Manila Hotel Assistant Vice President for PR and Corporate Communications Nian Liwanag-Rigor and Solar Entertainment Corporation Chief Executive Officer Wilson Tieng

Manila Hotel Assistant Vice President for PR and Corporate Communications Nian Liwanag-Rigor, Manila Hotel President Atty. Jose Lina, Sheren Rigor

Manila Hotel Karlene Capunitan, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines: Martin Boersma, Shirin Reuvers, Catherine Castaños

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III was the guest of honor who gave a speech. Top government officials, like House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and very young, dynamic new generation public service oriented Congressman Sonny Angara and Rizal governor Jun Ynares were present as well.

Members and Ambassadors of the foreign embassies, and prominent personalities in academe like Lydia Echauz of Far Eastern University, and Patty Chilip formerly of Centro Escolar University. A choir provided entertainment to celebrate as Manila Hotel marks another year to its illustrious history of service, hospitality, and luxury.

Since opening its doors in 1912, Manila Hotel has been the favored home of visiting dignitaries, heads of states, members of the royal families, world class artists, and other notable personalities.

Dubbed as the Address of the Prestige, it ranked along Raffles Singapore and Ritz Carlton of Paris cementing its place as a national landmark and the country’s pride in the hospitality industry. Ernest Hemingway and Douglas McArthur are just some of the most notable personalities who have called Manila Hotel their home in Manila.

Congressman Tomas Apacible, Senator Franklin Drilon, Ismael Mathay, Manila Hotel Director Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Philippine Star Executive Vice President Grace Glory Go, Manila Hotel Executive Vice President Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr.

Valerie Ty, Olivia Ty- Yap, Manila Hotel Executive Vice President Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr, JJ Yap

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