On July 4, the Manila Hotel kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration with a grand Filipiniana-themed dinner party aptly called the Centennial Ball.

At least 300 guests, including President Benigno Aquino III and Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim, were welcomed into the Tent City events venue located within the hotel’s Roxas Boulevard compound.

The program began outside the hotel’s gates, where another tent was set up to accommodate guests as they viewed a video presentation flashed onto the hotel’s façade, depicting the rich history of what is known as the Grand Dame of the Philippines.

The AVP relayed the hotel’s story—from its inception in 1898 to its completion and grand opening on July 4, 1912; down to the ordeals it faced during World War II, and other extreme political, financial, and social crises throughout the years.

After the 7-minute presentation, guests were led into the gallery where photographs of some of the hotel’s most esteemed guests were displayed.

Among these personalities were international celebrities Michael Jackson, Liza Minelli, and Muhammad Ali; and political figures such as US Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy.

Afterwards, guests were treated to a five-course dinner and some dance and musical entertainment provided by the Bayanihan Philippine Folk Dance Company, pianist-composer Tess Salientes, classic baritone singer Andrew Fernando, and the Joyful Jazz band.

To cap the night, Manila Hotel president Atty. Joey Lina, together with Chairman Emilio T. Yap and family, led the celebratory toast to a successful 100 years and more years to come.