Five years ago, the landscape of Cebu Business Park forever changed when Seda Ayala Center Cebu opened its doors to appreciative local and international travelers.

Helmed by general manager Gwen dela Cruz, with 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she assembled a sterling team that was ready — and had triumphed — through each and every challenge imaginable — to include the global terrors, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and devastating typhoons like “Odette.”

Fast forward to half a decade, the property brought together Cebu’s top corporate partners and most esteemed individuals to celebrate the past and embrace the future through the Pagpadayun.

A Bisaya word which means “to move forward,” Pagpadayun is a testament to the previous trials that the hotel faced and surmounted — as it was spearheaded by the officers and supported by the staff — and the hotel’s bright tomorrow.

The Filipiniana-inspired affair was anchored on their core values, dubbed as LIVEM — Leadership, Integrity, Vision, Excellence and Malasakit.

The evening showcased the well-orchestrated five-course dinner, unveiled by executive sous chef Gina Limot. It was definitely a top-tier gastronomic experience.

It likewise highlighted fashion, as they collaborated with the Fashion Association of Cebu’s Elite Talents to include designers, such as Stef Tirado, Jan Tiong, Eyla Orsais, Paco Serafica and Pearl Arandia.

In attendance were Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation board of directors representative Michael Alexis Legaspi, president and chief executive officer Javier Hernandez, chief financial officer Phearl Raz, Seda Hotels Group communications director Genny Puno and Seda Hotels Group engineering group director Efren Rodrigo.

The aptly named observance was more than just a mere get-together for it celebrated Seda Ayala Center Cebu’s drive to persevere despite the challenging onslaught of natural crises.