No_9_September_1968 — Page 17

and the stairways leading to the mezzanine level.

Three enormous chandeliers, each 8ft. in diameter, are the dominating feature of the lobby. Made from capiz shells, brass and cut glass, they hang from a narra grid ceiling above which the square panels are clad in gold paper.

Four free-standing columns which lead the eye upwards are clad in mahogany while other columns and walls are faced in adobe to give a neu- tral background to the richer features. The open stairway leading to the mezzanine level is given a sculptural effect by chip finishing to expose the gravel.

Apart from the reception and lounge areas, accommodation on the ground floor of the hotel includes the administrative offices, concessionaire shops in fully carpeted arcades, cocktail bar. grill room, coffee shop and outdoor pool area.

The coffee shop and grill room are approached through the lobby lounge which is divided into zones of privacy by planters and screens of timber and capiz shell. La Hacienda is the name given to the coffee shop where the accent is Spanish. The floor is of red tiles; the banquettes are modern adaptations of Spanish colonial benches and gallineras found exten- sively in Luzon; the peacock chairs are rattan; and the chandeliers are of wrought iron and wood.

In the grill room the motif is the culture of Maranao, a Muslim tribe in Mindanao. Maranao food covers are attached to the ceiling, Muslim beams tipped with carvings jut from the adobe walls and lighting is provided

Guest room. Headboard inspired by peacock chair

by sari-manok lamps. The dividing screen is decorated with a row of authentic wooden Muslim canes encrusted with mother-of-pearl.

The native calesa or horse-drawn rig is the inspiration for the decor of the ground floor cocktail lounge. These vehicles feature in a mural by Malang on the bar wall. Calesa wheels are fixed to the ceiling and

calesa lamps hang from the stone walls.

¦

The mezzanine level contains the hotel's function rooms: Chinese re- staurant. ballroom, kitchens and private dining rooms the Mindanao, Luzon and Visayas.

The Chinese restaurant, Mandarin Room, boasts genuine items of ancient Chinese ceramics. Entry to the room

Maranao grill-Muslim decor

Penthouse supper club-capiz ceiling and aqua colours

Far East BUILDER, September 1968.

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