Maribago Bluewater

Amuma turns a new chapter

By Demi Braque

For more than two decades, Bluewater Resorts made a reputation for creating a unique collection of prime properties that are professionally-run, equipped with world-class amenities, and distinctly Filipino. Recently, the Maribago Resort on Mactan Island celebrated its 25^th anniversary through a day-long extravaganza simply dubbed “Kasaulogan sa Bluewater.”

“From two hectares, the resort has now grown to seven hectares. Maribago started with 32 rooms and a lone dining outlet. We’ve grown bigger and older but not stale. Some say the rain is good luck. It brings us good luck,” intoned chairman Dodong Alegrado, referring to the intermittent drizzle that drenched the party area.

“They say the first generation puts up the business. The second generation inherits the business while the third simply sells it. So we protected the family interest for it to go on. We perfected our constitution for the next 25 years. My grandson is now with our Panglao Resort in Bohol. Employees are our secret weapon,” continued the accomplished octogenarian. Dodong, like his grandson, is an alumnus of the University of San Francisco. Both graduated with the highest honors.

The well-attended event was capped off by a concert by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the RCS septet. Fireworks lighted the night sky as the sparks reflected beautifully on the waves below.

 “As Bluewater Maribago celebrates its 25^th anniversary, I am reminded of a simple reality. Silver, when applied on clear glass, creates a mirror. And a mirror is a reflection of what is or what one wants to see.

Our 25 years as a travel destination was a layer of silver on the glass of a dream. Layers of silver represented by the layers of improvements that have been introduced, as well as the growing clientele and partners who have formed the reflection on the mirror that we now see: a beautiful resort with top rate facilities and amenities that continue to delight. Also, we have the best natural hundred-meter shoreline in the whole of Mactan Island,” shared Margie Munsayac, VP for sales & marketing, in her speech. She was one of six pioneers awarded recognition during the night.

Amidst seven hectares of lush tropical surroundings, guests are offered a sanctuary to relax body, mind and spirit. The sweetness of doing nothing and the satisfaction of doing everything is an art you can discover and perfect in this Mactan Island enclave.

With 168 well-appointed rooms, a 110-meter beachfront of pristine sand, a private island, three lagoon-shaped pools with water cascades, children’s playground, recreation & water sports center, full service restaurants, bars, and the pampering treatment of its spa.

Also named Amuma, their well-appointed spa facility, complete with a salon, mini-gym and sauna options, uses techniques based on ancient Asian and Western treatments infused with a distinct Visayan flavor; introducing one to the Philippines’ rich heritage in the process. The spa looks into every detail to enhance the modern traveler’s experience, from myth-laden rituals to products infused with the best homegrown ingredients.

Amuma, in the Visayan language, means to spoil and pamper, indulge with every attention, comfort, and care. Simply said, this is what Maribago Bluewater resort is all about. Now celebrating its Silver Jubilee, it continues to extend the warm and gracious attention the Filipinos are well-known for.  

“The Amuma Wing has 50 non-smoking rooms. The Garden Wing, which was added in 1991, has 64. The Maribago resort came about when the province promoted Cebu as a stand-alone destination in the 1980s with the Mactan International Airport as gateway. The family-run Amuma Hospitality management company operates all the properties efficiently. Amuma is the heart of our mission and vision,” Margie concluded.

The Bluewater Resort portfolio is comprised of the Maribago (Mactan), Sumilon (Oslob), and Panglao (Tagbilaran) properties, as well as the Almond City Hotels (Lake Mainit and Butuan City), Almond Inland (also in Butuan), and the Almond Beach Reosrt (Surigao City).

For more information, simply visit their web site, www.bluewater.com.ph.