Marriott Grand Ballroom biggest in PH

IMAGINE a banquet for 2,500 at the Grand Ballroom. Wouldn’t it be grand?

Marriott Manila is securing its position to be the premiere meeting destination in the country, as it officially opens the Marriott Grand Ballroom—the Philippines’ largest ballroom, a first-of-its-kind facility that will redefine the Philippine MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) industry. This new architectural marvel offers a total of 8,000 square meters of function space with 27 versatile meeting space including six VIP sky boxes.

This blank canvas is perfect for small or large meetings, all types of celebrations and grand events from product launches to concerts. With the addition of the Marriott Grand Ballroom, the hotel offers a total of 10,000 sqm of function space, by far the biggest in the Philippine hotel industry.

Pillarless venue

The main ballroom boasts of 3,000 sqm of pillarless venue that can easily accommodate 4,000 guests for cocktails and 2,500 for banquet setup. This massive venue can be subdivided into four sections and features state-of-the-art technology. It is the only ballroom that uses SkyFold technology—vertical folding partitions that comes from the ceiling—and 176 programmable pillow ceiling lights that change to 360 colors and can adjust the ceiling height from 12 to 10 meters for a more intimate gathering—another first in the Philippines.

These high-tech features can be operated at a push of a button. Also intended for an exhibition space, each segment of the ballroom features nine utility boxes that provide event suppliers with data, Internet, water and even drainage. There are also catwalks and high steel platform structure to give flexibility to design and easy access for lighting effects or hanging decorations. To cater to event attendees, there are 1,505 underground parking spaces across six basement levels.

The abundant space of the Marriott Grand Ballroom was designed by international hospitality firm professionals Gettys Group. Overall concept of the design is “Bayanihan,” a Filipino term for the community spirit—a representation of the Marriott Grand Ballroom as a source of local pride, a symbol of unity and celebration.

WITH a total 10,000 sqm of function space, Marriott Hotel Manila is securing its position as the premiere meeting destination in the country.

Touch of Filipino heritage

Its modern and sleek design are accentuated with a touch of Filipino heritage, which is evident with the lighted bamboo statement piece at the lobby, complemented with customized pieces by renowned Filipino furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue. More intricate details depict the local arts and cultures, inspired from indigenous colors and materials, even traditional dance showcasing spatial flow and movement. See these interpretations curved walls, slated wood ceilings, accent pieces and fabrics in different hues of brown and warm colors, tropical plant decors and curved wall inspirations.

For an added touch of elegance, Marriott Manila commissioned Hong Kong-based art consultant and international interior decorator Anja Silling of Melange Interiors Ltd. to create a luxurious ambience through modern art pieces. Among her other prestigious clients are several Marriott properties, such as The Ritz Carlton Hotel Moscow, Russia and The Marriott Vacation Club in Macau, China. Also included are other international luxury hotel projects, luxury residences, corporate and private clients.

Modern art

The Marriott Grand Ballroom houses over a hundred pieces of modern art featuring a mix of local established Philippine artists and international artists as well as custom-made works from Melange Studio. All artworks reflect Philippine culture blended with Marriott International art concept that can be seen through statement pieces, such as floral mood wall relief specially made by Melange, timeless works by Tony Twigg, an Australian artist with strong Filipino influences, and art installations by Filipina sculptor Impy Pilapil and Filipino contemporary artist Roberto Robles.

The Marriot Grand Ballroom officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held last July 1 officiated by Karl Hudson, Marriot Hotels area vice president for Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Japan; Bruce Winton, Marriot Manila general manager; Craig Smith, Marriot Hotels president and managing director of Asia-Pacific; Kevin Tan, executive director of Alliance Global Group Inc.; Kingson Sian, Travellers International Hotel Group president; Antonino Calixto, Pasay City mayor; and Stephen Reilly, Resorts World Manila CEO.

Breathe new life into meetings, milestones and events at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. For inquiries and bookings call (02)9889999 or visit manilamarriott.com.