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The Peninsula’s Chocolate Girls By Sandra Scott |
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Intramuros is a microcosm of Philippine history. From its founding in 1571, it changed over time but survived as the heart of Manila until World War II, when it was destroyed during the Battle of Manila. Only the San Agustin Church remained standing. In the 1980s the area was restored and now it is one of the few places in Manila where old Spanish influences can be viewed. Celdran gives an historical but humorous overview of Philippine art, culture, and society from Pre-Hispanic Manila to the present. Without exception, Celdran’s tour is the best walking tour we have ever taken.
In the Chocolate Room the people who make the hotel’s chocolates, fondly referred to as the Chocolate Girls, are deaf. This silent team of chocolate artists has been an integral part of The Peninsula Manila, where hiring disabled but capable employees has been a tradition since it opened its doors in 1976.
For more information check: www.peninsula.com and www.celdrantours.blogspot.com. |
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After the tour,
John and I returned to our hotel, the Peninsula. We love the
Peninsula hotels. There is something unique about each one. The one
in Bangkok has mesmerizing views of the river. On the 28th
floor of the Hong Kong Peninsula is one of the world’s most unique
and hip bars– Felix’s. The bar and the “necessary” rooms have
panoramic views of the city. And, the Manila Peninsula has a classic
Palm Court lobby, so seldom seen in hotels today. It is where the
resident musicians play every evening.
While John was
out on an errand, I planned a surprise for him. On the lower level
of the hotel is the Peninsula Boutique Chocolate Shop. I was
discussing chocolate with Ms. Lourdes Oliveria, the Boutique’s
supervisor and trying to decide what gift to get when she asked,
“Are you aware that the Peninsula has a Chocolate Room? It is very
special. Would you like to see it?” Of course!
When I entered
the Chocolate Room, the girls were busy at work. They looked up and
gave me a warm, welcoming smile but continued working. The
impressive and extensive list of chocolates that needed to be
prepared was posted above the workstations. I never thought about
the thousands of chocolates that have to be made daily to meet the
hotel’s needs for the restaurants, the chocolate shop, and special
functions—or about those who made them.
Ms. Parcenet
Llaet was busy preparing dark chocolate but I was intrigued by what
Ms. Estelita Marcial was creating. Using basic sign language, she
explained what she was doing. Using a special instrument she scored
lines on a plastic sheet then spread white chocolate over it, which
filled in the scored areas. When the excess was removed, she gently
twisted the plastic into a spiral and placed it on the drying rack.
When the chocolate hardened and the plastic was removed she had
thin, delicate spirals of white chocolate to decorate cakes and
other confections. Every piece of chocolate at the Peninsula is
handmade by the Chocolate Girls.
When John
returned I met him in the lobby where I had the Carlos, the page
boy, present him with his chocolate surprise. That night we sat on
the mezzanine listening to the music and savoring our chocolates,
which seemed even more wonderful and special after learning about
the Peninsula’s Chocolate Girls.