Preferences and comments on banquets/catering

Mendiola

Indoors or outdoors: “I prefer indoor because you can control the environment.”
Local or international food: “I prefer local food because we’re here on Guam.”
Theme or no theme: “I prefer a theme. Themes are always good, especially when you’re having multiple events. If you’re a non-profit trying to raise money, then you have to go by themes, because you have to have something new, creative and fun. People aren’t going to spend $500 for two people to go to a ball and eat food. You have to give them something where they’re going to leave with some sort of memory, because you want them to come back next year. Themes always make that happen.”
Plated or buffet: “I prefer plated, because I feel if you’re having an event, you want to be able to sit and enjoy the event. So it helps for control of the event because everything’s timed, and you don’t have people touching food. When you’re looking at food safety — which is another thing I do — you want to minimize your liabilities in the event, so you try to minimize contact between people and the food and drinks.”

— Denise Mendiola, network director, Pacific Island Small Business Development Center

Xiong

“Though I don’t eat out a lot except fast food, here’re my two cents: indoors, international, no theme, buffet.”

— Jimmy Xiong, financial advisor, Asia Pacific Financial Management Group.

Indoors or outdoors: “I always prefer indoors, mainly due to the weather here on Guam. Indoor events are a more comfortable setting and allow me to then focus on the event at hand and not worry about talking about how hot it is. I can enjoy the conversations with family and friends who are at the event.”
Local or international food: “I always like a variety, so for me, I like it when there is a variety to delight my taste buds. Mixing it up is also a good conversation with family and friends because you talk about the different dishes and what is each’s favorite, etc.”
Theme or no theme: “I always love a themed party. I have really close friends who host the most amazing themed parties. It makes the event extra fun and lots of conversations about how beautiful things look and how creative everything is.”
Plated or buffet: “Depending on the occasion, I like both plated and a really good buffet. For more formal events, a plated dinner meal is a must. Everything else, buffet is always a great option.”

— Rose Ayuyu Morales, vice president of human resources, GTA Teleguam, and president, Society for Human Resources Management Guam Chapter

“Theme: a theme allows for creativity not only with the food, but also with the table setup or even dress ware. Themes can focus on certain key events that allow people to step out of their comfort zones at times. One event I can recall was a birthday party that had an Oscar theme. Everyone was encouraged to dress up as one of the characters of a nominated movie that year. It was amazing and hilarious to see some of my close friends play the part.”