Sheraton hosts StarChoice gala
By Cedrina Norlaila A. Clark

Performing a Balinese dance.

StarChoice member during the "Balinese Food Festival"

Sheraton Utama Hotel hosted their annual StarChoice gala recently for Bruneian StarChoice members in the Mutiara Ballroom. The theme for this year's function was "Balinese Food and Dance" in the spirit of the successful festival with a related theme which had been held at the hotel. The Mutiara Ballroom was well decorated with ethnic Balinese furniture, art pieces and artefacts placed around the room. The tables were also stylishly 'dressed up' with fragrant flowers, orchids and spices scattered in the centre while scented candles lent a romantic glow to the room. The ladies were treated to a Balinese style high tea buffet including a noodle station with assorted soups and condiments, 'nasi tumpeng', Balinese salads and satays as well as sumptuous desserts.

The highlight of the afternoon was the interactive presentation on Balinese cooking and the dance class. The interactive cooking demonstration was on traditional Balinese food including 'Base Gede' or basic sambal for food seasoning and flavouring. The friendly chef also demonstrated how to cook 'Sate Lilit' with 'Sambal Matah' and 'Tum Ayam' or marinated minced chicken wrapped in banana leaf.

Secrets, techniques and useful cooking tips were revealed to the delight of the participants. The traditional Balinese dance was a pleasant surprise for the StarChoice members who were treated to an exciting dance performance before they took some lessons from both Lely and Ratna, the Balinese dancers.

StarChoice is a successful incentive and loyalty program for selected corporate personnel. The booker earns Star Points when making accommodation reservations for their company guests in the Sheraton Utama Hotel and other hotels under the Starwood Inc. umbrella in the Asia Pacific and Europe regions. Their earned Star Points can be redeemed for free hotel stays in all 6 participating Starwood hotel brands around the Asia Pacific and Europe regions. The 6 brands are Sheraton, Westin, W Hotel, St Regis, The Luxury Collection and Four Points by Sheraton.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin