On October 25, volunteers from Marriott Hotel Manila visited the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB), a special school for the visually impaired in Pasay City, Philippines. The culmination of Marriot Hotel Manila and Cebu Marriott’s Customer Appreciation Week, Spirit to Serve gave these young hopefuls a one of a kind treat by hosting a fun-filled program-cum-kiddie party, complete with games, treats, and even chocolate cake.
Students showed their appreciation in return by performing several numbers, including a tear-jerking rendition of The Prayer, the classic English-Italian duet originally sung by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli and popularized by Josh Groban. They also showed their dancing prowess with a live rendition of Spanish songs, reminiscent of another Marriott event earlier this year, Gastronomia de España. Check out the video recording of the presentation below.
READ: Marriott Hotel and Resorts World Manila celebrate Gastronomia de España
VIDEO: Dance presentation by students of Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) (part 1/2)
VIDEO: Dance presentation by students of Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) (part 2/2)
During the event Cristy Carreon, Director of Sales and Marketing and Michelle Garcia, Director of Marketing and Communications, presented its donation of new bed covers, sheets, and pillow cases, as well as plates and utensils for use in PNSB’s dormitory. The timing cannot be more perfect, as the students are headed off for the semestral break, they will definitely be in for a treat when they get back.
This is why we’re crazy about Marriott. Not only do they give back to their patrons, they never forget to look at their surroundings. Just a week ago, Spirit to Serve also extended help to victims of the Visayas earthquake in Bohol and Cebu. Corporate social responsibility programs are not a new practice, but for companies in the hospitality industry it becomes doubly important. Service being the bottomline, Marriott’s Spirit to Serve shines and excels.
VIDEO: Marriott Hotel Manila Customer Appreciation Week – Thank You!
We now break character for a bit of editorial.
Among those with disabilities, the visually impaired people hold a special place in my heart. Perhaps it’s because of my dad, who is a SPED (special education) teacher. Maybe because I regularly go for a blind massage – I think blind people make the best masseurs. Or maybe because I am, somewhat, visually impaired, having developed astigmatism over the years. I value my sight very much, and cannot imagine a life without it. Whatever the reason, I am extremely fascinated by those who live life in partial – or even total darkness.
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Even more fascinating are stories such as that of Ben Underwood, an American boy who lost both of his eyes co cancer when he was three years old. Yet his this has not prevented him from living a normal life. Using sound he is able to “see” things using “flash sonar”, a technique similar to echolocation in bats or dolphins. He lost his battle to cancer in 2009, but his story lives on as an inspiration to many. Watch a video of his story by clicking on video above. According to the video he is the only person in the world who sees nothing but echolocation. Other visually impaired people use a cane as an assistive tool.
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Dan Kisch is in a similar situation, who lost his eyes at 13 months. He travels around the world teaching his flash sonar technique to the visually impaired.
Kudos to Marriott’s Spirit to Serve for the commitment, may you continue to bring happiness to those in need.
For more information call Marriott Manila at (632) 988-9999. You can also visit the Marriott Hotel Manila website or like Marriott Hotel Manila on Facebook.
Special thanks to Mich Garcia and Anya Cabanting from the Marketing and Communications group for allowing us to be a part of this event.