I was invited to the Grand Fiesta Manila, which took place at Resorts World Manila (RWM).

It was a fun-filled night at Passion, the Cantonese restaurant on premises. Joined by media friends and RWM partners from across the country, we enjoyed a sumptuous cuisine. During the meal, RWM brought in comedians GB Labrador and, my favorite, Alex Calleja, who had us laughing to the point we were all in the tears; at the same time enjoyed my favorite, shrimp hot salad. 

I got to chat with Feng Shui master Hanz Cua, who offered forecasts and tips for the next Lunar New Year. There were also games, with prizes including a vacation to a resort in Cebu and a trip to Singapore. I won a Scuderia Ferrari watch – I even yelled out “’Akin yan!” before Cua even read out my name.

I enjoyed lunch at Ginzadon, which offers an unlimited Japanese-Korean feast. Meanwhile, Passion is also celebrating the “Lobster Festival,” which runs until the end of the month.

Randy ‘Mr. Shades’ Santiago is the main act this weekend at the resort’s Bar 360, while the RWM Newport Performing Arts Theater will also be featuring performers like Ogie Alcasid with Regine Velasquez, Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza, and Bamboo.

There is also the musical production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang;” and the upcoming New Year’s Eve Party, with the likes of Giselle Sanchez, Jon Santos, Arnel Pineda, and Lani Misalucha expected to make appearances.

While staying at the resort’s Belmont Hotel, I witnessed the preparations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

The hotel and other properties operated by RWM, such as Maxims, the Marriott-Manila, the Remington, are accessible from Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 3 via the “walkalator.”

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This column greets Archie Nicasio, Mae Bernardo, Joy Andrade, Cristine Gonzales, Lorenzo Tang, Ian Raphael Jimenez, Roxy Gochuico, Donita Rose, David Choo, Harold Geronimo, Kevin Tan, and Candice Iyog./WDJ