A column about RDA and De Meza

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/a-column-about-rda-and-de-meza/

Cruise Tourism

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/cruise-tourism/

Dinner is better when we eat together.

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/dinner-is-better-when-we-eat-together/

AHATA Announces Impact Awards 2025 Winners

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/ahata-announces-impact-awards-2025-winners/

Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) is proud to announce the winners of its 2025 Impact Awards, presented in the ballroom of Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort.

The event honored member organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the community, employee welfare, environment, and cultural heritage of Aruba.

In its third year, the AHATA Impact Awards highlight the efforts of companies that contribute to a more sustainable future for our island. Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges, consisting of Daniel Tecklenborg (CEDE), Edjean Semeleer (GoCultura), Francielle Lacle (University of Aruba), Jan Noordzij (Advance HR), and Rosabelle Illes (University of Aruba).

The Impact Awards ceremony brought together industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders to celebrate this dedication to social responsibility. The event inspired a continued commitment to more sustainable practices and to focus on the Aruban community, contributing to a more responsible future for our island.

La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino hosted a wonderful Father’s Day celebration filled with special treats and exciting activities in honor of the hard-working fathers, on staff at the resort.

The Food & Beverage team served tasty premium snacks, delivering a much enjoyed culinary experience.

As a token of appreciation, raffle gifts were awarded to all fathers in attendance. The gifts ranged from weekend stays to gift certificates, spa treatments and more.

The highlight of the event was the recognition of “Father of the Year,” bestowed on popular Tony Semeleer, who accepted the laurels graciously. It is a well-deserved recognition for his dedication to work and his level of commitment to the La Cabana family members and to his own cherished and loved family.

To enhance the festive atmosphere, singer Karena added a lively and entertaining repertory to the celebration. Her captivating melodies and engaging performance added to the joyful and memorable experience.

The Associates’ Father’s Day Celebration at the resort was a total success. It was an opportunity to spoil, honor and appreciate the remarkable, diligent individuals who besides being accomplished professionals, are also the backbone of families on the island.

The event was perfectly organized by the Social Committee, and Human Resources in collaboration with many others, who helped make Father’s Day fun.

This is going to be a relaxed column, all compliments, except one…. but you will have to wade through the praise first, before getting to the prick.

Seven is a lucky number and on its seventh edition, the Long Table, by Wind Creek Aruba, Renaissance Resorts, all constellation aligned. A long dinner table was set up on the boulevard, our main traffic artery, perfectly laid with dishes and glassware for a communal evening under the stars — the air was fresh, the breeze delightful, the food fantastic, the entertainment top notch.

It was a tremendous effort by 300 volunteer employees to set up the endless table in the middle of the road, and cater to all the needs of 1,000 diners, dressed in white. Not to mention breaking it down so traffic may resume.

I have to say all ticketholder outfits were spectacular. The fashion police had nothing to say, just kudos to the D’Store on stocking so much white, in all sizes and styles.

The event, I understand, sold out in 16 minutes, and the ticket numbers served as seat numbers. I found myself next to a big contingent from the hospital. Apparently, ticket holders came out in groups, big and small, they must have been determined, staying online at the designated hour, at the exact time tickets dropped.

We were greeted with a light and fragrant spritz, combining juicy peaches, floral essence, and a sparkling finish.

Then we kissed and hugged and greeted our way to our designated spots.  The menu prepared by Executive Chef Sebastian Cechet was incredibly delicious. I thought the choice of appetizer was daring, but I was wrong, plates returned polished clean to the makeshift kitchen under a big tent.

It was Chicken and Foie Gras Parfait. You may serve it to me every day of the week. The silky pate, paired with port and vermouth gel, pistachio and peppercorn crust, was served with a giant sourdough crostino, under a red beet tuile cap, and local microgreens.

The AIX Rosé, in tall flutes was a terrific match.

I asked myself how Chef Sebastian and his brigade succeeded in serving the parfait at the correct cool temperature, times 1,000, from a field kitchen.

Compliments to him and his culinary team.

The slow braised incredibly tender short rib meat served over a cloud of truffle mashed potatoes, in a pool of red wine demi-glace, accompanied by baby carrots, beets, cherry tomatoes, mushroom chips, and crispy leeks, was a hit. Who doesn’t like Short Ribs?

Diners had the choice of Misty Cove Sauvignon Blanc or Lafage la Retro, red Grenache Blend, both included and lovely. Other bottles for partying groups were priced super-reasonably.

At this stage of the totally positive blog, I must heap compliments on the entertainers. Both singer MichaelAngelo Koolman and percussionist Jeremy Bonarriba entertained in the true sense of the word, a mix of Pop, Latin and Caribbean hits, with an evergreen or two thrown in. They were the perfect accompaniment for the event. MichaelAngelo got some volunteer help from press member Giovanni Lake which was a crowd pleaser.

The evening’s reason for being, the charity picked as recipient of the funds raised, Stichting Hunto, deals with addiction and mental health challenges. The director Randell van Trigt was overwhelmed with the news that his government, underfunded foundation, would be privy to so much, such a generous donation $60,000 raised and $40,000 matched by Wind Creek Aruba, Renaissance Resorts.

The prick, no pun intended:

Long Table included Aruba’s prime minister in the photo op, at the check presentation.

Stichting Hunto is a government-sponsored foundation and should be funded by the government to integrate psychiatry and addiction treatment but alas, it was not a priority for our government, thus the private sector had to jump in and make good things happen.

Without the private sector help…I cannot even imagine.

Dessert-to-go, in a stylish Renaissance paper bag, revealed a Black Forest Verinne, with layers of rich dark and milk chocolate, Amarena cherries, and buttery sablée cookie crumble, in a small container, spoon and napkin included for those who couldn’t wait and had to have dessert in the car!

#LongTableAruba, #RenAruba & #WinningMoment

Amongst others LONG TABLE ARUBA is powered by:

Wind Creek Hospitality, Caribbean Overseas, Bix Brandsimport NV, Boma Wines, Bersah Aruba NV, H&H Fine Wines and Spirits, Tropical Bottling, Pepia Est, Romar Trading, Express Events & Party Rentals, and Elite Productions.

The 15th International Regatta kicks off with an opening event on the 27th of June, 2025, with open registration, music, and snacks, at the beach below Naptaly Henriquez Park in Oranjestad. The bar will be open for sailors and spectators to register, meet, mingle, pick up their gear, goodies, and experience the unique atmosphere of the sailing community.

The regatta village on the beach will be built with volunteers.

Two action-packed days of sailing races will be held on Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th of June. This event attracts participants and spectators, all who are passionate about sailing and the marine environment.

The judges, flown in from Curacao; will be the officials scoring the event.

The regatta features a diverse range of sailing classes, catering to various skill levels and interests. Here are the classes that will be participating in the races:

In addition to the exciting sailing races, the International Aruba Regatta will also feature excellent food and beverage services for both sailors and the public, by Trampoline pa Trabao.

Entertainment, Sunday evening, with local Reggae band the Originalz.

It’s worth noting that the International Aruba Regatta places a strong emphasis on the sailing youth of the region and the conservation of the marine environment. The event aims to support and encourage young sailors, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and foster their passion for sailing.

Furthermore, the regatta promotes the conservation of the marine environment, raising awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving our oceans. By combining the excitement of sailing with a focus on environmental stewardship, the International Aruba Regatta promotes a sustainable and responsible approach to water sports and recreation.

Overall, the International Aruba Regatta promises thrilling sailing races, delicious food and beverage services, beach entertainment, and a commitment to nurturing young sailors and preserving the marine environment. It is an event that brings together sailing enthusiasts, the local community, and visitors alike for an unforgettable experience.

Opening Event: Friday, 5pm to 9pm, June 27th

Sailing Saturday, 9am to 4pm, June 28th

Sailing Sunday, 9am to 3pm, June 29th. Awards youth 4pm. Awards Adults 7pm. Live entertainment 5pm to 9pm

https://aruba-regatta.org