My dear friend, the energetic public relations brain and beauty, Michelle Garcia of the Manila Marriott Hotel, sent me a message inviting me to the inauguration of the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Iloilo, set to take place today, May 9, at the Iloilo Business Park.

I got to know Garcia during a grand affair at Resorts World Manila; along with a prior invitation she sent to me for the inauguration of the Marriott Grand Ballroom at the Manila Marriott Hotel, which featured performances by James Ingram and Lani Misalucha.

Tickets for the event were P15,000 per person – I, of course, got in for free.

I am proud to be part of an event expected to be attended by a who’s who of the tourism, business, government, and social sectors.

Today’s festivities include a dragon dance, ribbon-cutting, and a luncheon.

An evening affair will also take place by the hotel pool.

In addition, Megaworld Corporation heir Kevin Tan is expected to be in attendance.

I will also get to experience accommodations at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Iloilo, which Garcia prepared – each bed in the hotel is said to have cost P200,000.

Iloilo City’s tourism and business community will be benefited by the new hotel.

While the city may not have an SMX Convention Center, like Bacolod City, they do have the Iloilo Convention Center (although it does need many enhancements); but SMX may come to Iloilo City in the future.

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This column greets Kevin Tan; Michelle Garcia; Harold Brian Geronimo; Lorenzo Tang; Charles Lim; Princess Galura; Stephen Riley; Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Daniel Mercado; DOT Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre; DOT-Region VI director, Atty. Helen Catalbas; Land Transportation Office-Region VI Director Roland Ramos; Dondon Luz; Ranie Ilarde; Jojo Jamerlan; and Boyet Ortaliz./WDJ