Sofitel’s Grand Ballroom reopens with indigenous Filipino, French designs

The newly renovated Grand Plaza Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza was unveiled to guests through a swanky soiree earlier this October.  
 

The new design builds on the legendary elegance of the iconic venue, which has been the scene of countless memorable events since it first opened in 1976.   
 

Among the enduring masterpieces by National Artist Leandro Locsin, the Grand Plaza Ballroom is a collaborative work between Locsin and Dale Keller with Spatial Lighting. Today, the Grand Plaza Ballroom is unrivaled as the only major hotel meeting venue that commands the magnificent view of the Manila Bay. The ballroom’s renovation is a collaboration with acclaimed architecture and interior design firm A. Ilustre and Associates.  
 

“The original theme of the hotel was contemporary Filipino as reflected with the Tinalak-inspired patterns in the guest room interiors,” recounted Arch. Raul R. Locsin of Leandro V. Locsin & Partners, then Chief Architect during the design and construction of the hotel back in 1976. 
 

The patterns of Mindanao influenced the triangular geometric shape in most art forms displayed. The original Murano crystal chandeliers especially flown in from Italy remains preserved in luminous splendor with its 876 crystal teardrops set against a modern backdrop enhancing its luster.   
 

“We are preparing for important events such as the APEC Summit taking place in 2015 and for this year our very own 50th anniversary,” shared General Manager Adam Laker. 
 

He continued, “All the meeting venues of Sofitel, from the new refurbished Grand Plaza Ballroom, to the nine meeting rooms, the two marquees—the Harbor Garden Tent and Sunset Pavilion—reflect the finest in Filipino design and craftsmanship, combined with the best of timeless French elegance.”  
 

The best of Filipino craftsmanship with a touch of French elegance  
 

Stunningly bold and creative pieces are at play as the renovation features the innovative blend of artistry, indigenous materials, and modern sensibilities. Grand entrances are accentuated by a majestic architrave of 30 pillars and towering murals of local artistic interpretations of the three major islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 
 

A modern journey through a cornucopia of natural elements from the country’s lush forest, the adorned Grand Plaza Ballroom features bamboo rings, bamboo, banana barks, onion skin, duldul seeds, coco palwa, guod, mahogany seeds, alpaco to tahong shells, coco shells, and elephant seeds.   
 

Reminiscent of 19th century architecture and design, palatial-style floor-to-ceiling veneer doors, handles akin to steel sculptures of the classic French scrolls and earth tones of reds, browns, oranges, golds and creams artistically scattered on carpet resonate the timeless French heritage throughout the opulent foyer.   
 

A major highlight is the grand 180 degree winding steel staircase leading up to a second level lit by a 7-tiered crystal lighting fixture. Designed to dramatically welcome guests, this ideal backdrop features intertwined patterns in matte gold finish with black Marquina granite inspired by French vineyards.   
 

With such lush details, the renovated Sofitel Philippine Plaza Grand Ballroom is oozing grandiosity and is surely ready for business once more. — VC, GMA News