Marriot holds ‘Hawaiian Night 2010’

0

MIRI: More than 200 Miri Marriott Resort & Spa’s associates celebrated the 2010 Annual Dinner in ‘Aloha’ style at its Sarawak Grand Ballroom here recently.

ALOHA!: Marcel Hinderer with some of the associates at the dinner.

The annual dinner, themed ‘Hawaiian Night 2010’, was celebrated in the most exclusive style as all beautiful ladies and handsome men dressed in their best tropical beach wear with flowery accessories, including the hula grass dress, to best fit the occasion.

Decorated with trees, surfboards and sands, the ballroom was transformed into an indoor beach that was simple but dazzling.

Upon associates’ arrival, flower leis and door gifts were given as way to greet ‘Aloha’ (welcome).

The stunning decorations and preparations from entrance, photo shoot corner and the ballroom have prompted the resort’s general manager Marcel Hinderer to commend the organising committee and associates for they had outdone themselves this year.

Hinderer got the evening off on a high note with his welcoming speech in which he thanked all the associates for their hard work and great team work which saw a rewarding year 2010.

The resort swept six top awards for ‘Best Purchasing Department’, ‘Top 5 HAPA Hotel/Resort of the Year’, ‘Top 10 in the categories of Service Excellence’, ‘Best All-Day Dining Restaurant’, ‘Best Front office’ and ‘Best F&B Personality’ (won by the resort’s F&B manager, Amgad Moussa) recently at the highly-regarded Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA).

The evening continued with the much-awaited presentation of the coveted associate appreciation awards, and department and outlet achievement awards, by Hinderer to the year’s outstanding associates and departments.

With live entertainment provided by Miri Marriott’s M-Connexion Band, Sand Pepper Band, and dancing till well after midnight, the event was held successfully and indeed a memorable one.

Five Years Length of Service Awards were rewarded to 108 associates from various departments to recognise their long-service and loyalty to the resorts, while director of operations Gilbert Webber received the Twenty-Five Years Length of Service award which entitled him to the membership of Quarter Century Club with exceptional benefits from Marriott, which was recognised by over 3,500 Marriott properties worldwide.

Winner of the ‘Outstanding Leadership of the Year’ was Fitness Centre supervisor Devy Benjamin while Zest Restaurant manager Lynne Ahdar won the ‘Outstanding Manager of the Year’.

Banquet captain Rodney Tiga won ‘Champion of the Year — Front of the House’ and Linda Akin walked away with ‘Champion of the Year — Heart of the House’.

The other recognition awards were ‘Supervisor of the Year Award’ won by demi chef Carrol Jalong, ‘Outstanding Guest Service Award’ won by Zest Restaurant supervisor Jane Sampurai, and the ‘Exceptional Service Award’ received by room attendant Brandy Ambar.

Prizes and trophy were also awarded to the winners of futsal, badminton and volleyball matches organised by the resort’s Recreation Club.

Following the speeches, awards presentations and dinner, other highlighted activities included games, lucky draws, performances and contests.

The ‘Best Switch Gender Runway Couple’ contest, where female dressed as male and vice versa were the most interesting and hilarious that evening. Sales manager Kueh Ching Ping and Banquet captain James Rambo won the contest with their most quirky action and costume.

Zest F&B server Alvin Kesderson and cooks 3 Feldelia Juni won the ‘Most Photogenic Mr and Miss Hawaiian’ and walked away with buffet vouchers and their winning photo in size 16R with frame.

Lastly, the best dressed for the evening went to Fitness Centre attendant Siti Noor Aminah and Matahari Pool Bar server Matthew Ngaw.

The evening continued with some rather interesting games like ‘Butterfly Exchange’, ‘Hula Hoop’, ‘Ballroom Relay’, ‘Go! Banana’ and ‘Guess-the-Song’.

With live entertainment provided by Miri Marriott’s M-Connexion Band, Sand Pepper Band, and dancing till well after midnight, the event was held successfully and indeed a memorable one.