Glass Rice Terraces and Cinderella Steps
Guests walked into the stunning lobby with multi-level spaces for dining. The expansiveness was both up and across with elevations for the mezzanine on either side of the reception area. The restaurant on the second floor was visible through the glass walls and was as much an attraction as the light fixtures that brightly illuminated the entire public area. Large columns, clad in art glass, stood on both sides of the lobby, adding to the sense of height and light.
Glass and light were used extensively to create elegant luxury. A glass staircase, which insiders call the Cinderella steps, leads to the mezzanine where patrons can have coffee and tea to live piano music. There is also an elevator service and an escalator option to reach the mezzanine and the second floor.
While the lobby holds its own among the best in the world, the inspiration for the design is a Philippine wonder. The inspiration for the lobby is the rice terraces of the Philippines, executed in glass in a very contemporary design.
Spectacular Reveal
The restaurants were not operational yet but the kitchen staff put on a spectacular show for the private dinner. Only a third of the ballroom on the third floor was occupied for the occasion. Elegant, contemporary chandeliers cast a warm brightness from the high ceiling.
After the 100 guests were seated and the short welcome remarks were said, the host announced dinner was served. Suddenly, the wall to the right began to move up to reveal a show kitchen that spread across the length of the wall. It was like a curtain rising before a performance.
Wait staff in smart uniforms filed out in to serve the first course. The parade of waiters happened for every dish with commendable synchronization. It was a well-orchestrated show. Behind them, several chefs were busy preparing the different foods and guests got up to take photos of the chefs at work in the open kitchen. The food was exceptional, giving a foretaste of the standard that will be offered in the three restaurants of the Grand Hyatt Manila.
Strangely Intimate
A string ensemble provided dinner music, playing a repertoire of classical pieces and old standards, together with Christmas carols. Guests sat around tables with a collection of the honoree’s favorite things. There were teacups and saucers, some of which did not match. Framed photos of some of the guests were part of the centerpiece. Other frames had handwritten poems from the celebrant’s favorite poets. There was also handwritten poetry in journals that had art works by impressionist artists on the hardbound covers.
Among the collection of things and flowers were unicorns. “All the things on the table are part of who I am,” the celebrant said later in the evening. “Take whatever you want. And if there is nothing you want, take something anyway and give it to another person who may find as much pleasure in it as I have in sharing it with you.
One guest remarked, “It felt strangely intimate despite the size of the guest list, the famous people and the fabulous setting.” The honoree described the gathering as preferred company. “What a joy to walk into a room full of people you like.”
The Night the Unicorn Danced
The invitation to the event was billed as The Night the Unicorn Danced. Family and friends prepared a tribute expressing the qualities of the unicorn that reflected in the celebrant. A unicorn cake with a single candle was wheeled out following the tribute. After the toast, the celebrant gave a brief response and quoted Nietzsche. “…those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” Then music played and an invitation to dance was extended. “Dance with me,” the honoree said and the people came to the dance floor and danced till the last hours of the night.
The only private party before the opening of the Grand Hyatt was now part of the history of the Grand Hyatt Manila. It was nothing less than grand, and yet, still strangely intimate.
