Pinnacle. The Circle. Makati Shangri-La, Manila

Transcription

1 Pinnacle in The Circle R Makati Shangri-La, Manila

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3 makati shangri-la, manila

4 THERE S NO GREATER ACT OF HOSPITALITY THAN TO EMBRACE A STR ANGER AS ONE S OWN.

5 if these walls could speak, their stories would have taken weeks to tell. Maybe months. They would have mesmerised every listener with tales of great explorers, valiant battles and grand celebrations. Soaked in charm, the classic San Augustin Church stands as it stood 400 years ago, within the rugged walls of Intramuros, Manila s grand old walled city. The walls felt almost organic, and seemed to breathe with life like the pulsing megalopolis around us. Ending our day where the city began was perfect. As our ride cruised down Manila Bay, a duel of colours between sky and sea greeted us. Sometimes the sky won with its tapestry of yellows. Sometimes, the sea stood out in shimmers of gold. We soon found ourselves in surroundings that made us wonder if we were in Chicago or Singapore. Of course, we were still in Manila. To be precise, Makati. As we rolled down Ayala Avenue, restaurants and designer labels lured subtly across sidewalks. our haven for the next few days. 1

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7 the petite girl who greeted me anticipating the arrival of family, she made me feel happy to be back in the embrace of our hotel. Something in this tranquil lobby seemed to hold me back. Perhaps it was the stately staircases that arched so grandly overhead. Maybe it was the soothing cascades of Zen, the hotel s own garden waterfall. Or it could have been the grand chandelier hanging above that gently bathed me with warmth. Whatever it was, I felt compelled to stay awhile. Soon the lush sound of strings began to permeate the air. I turned towards the lounge, following the soothing symphony of strings that blended perfectly with the surroundings. The calming notes of violins and cellos lifted me gently and placed me on a plush chair, where I sat to while

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10 lunch at inagiku was as much a feast for the eyes as it was for our palate. We were greeted by the myriad of colours on a put us at ease and in the mood for nothing but Japanese. We began with aburi sushi, a succulent array of lightly grilled salmon, tuna and scallop. Then came the Angus beef and delicate foie gras teppanyaki, all of which melted effortlessly in restaurant serves the city s best Japanese cuisine. Dinner was a regal affair at Shang Palace. The took our seats. Our captain chatted about the menu, and her recommendations were impeccable. Our dishes felt like they were made for each other. A Chinese herbal soup complemented the lightness dinner we were not about to forget in a hurry.

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14 the sound of serenity filled the room as I dissolved into the plush sofa. Our room had become our sanctuary, with its softness and embrace cocooning us in the lap of luxury. The generous windows let in the beauty of the city, but kept its bustle at bay. The pretty notes of a jazz trumpet seemed to guide the city lights in a cool, steady beat. The twinkling of Makati pulsed to a quiet rhythm. The night was relatively young, but the calm ambience around was doing too good a job. light. Glittering silently before me, the city was my only companion now. But not for long, for I can only remember turning off the music, which apparently was also my shutdown button. I awoke to dawn s golden rays peeking in, coaxing me to yet another day in Makati. 19

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19 Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City 1200, Philippines All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. SLM0713

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21 There, to his joy and surprise, he found a friendly and prosperous population who made haste to display what I have always regarded as our oldest tradition that of hospitality to strangers. Lost Horizon, James Hilton It was through this 1933 classic that we found our name. And it was this novel that inspired our heartfelt hospitality. Every hotel around the world has its own story to tell and, in keeping with how it began, each captures its account in a little book. Collect as many books as you can from over 80 hotels and resorts around the world.