March 28, 2010

• Maribago's new dolphins

  Events
  

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  I have always wondered where Maribago Bluewater's dolphins went. I think for quite a while it was gone, and I was told that the iconic dolphins were instead made into a mural, and the fountain, which used to be their home, was renovated and turned into a Zen-isque rock fountain. None of those spurting water up in the air, but simply flowing down to a catchment basin adorned with bleached rocks.

  That's the new icon that will for decades adorn the grounds of this AAA resort in Lapu-Lapu City.

  Despite some hard-hitting criticism that the resort received, including one from a reckless mother who just can't admit the blame but has to put it on the resort to perhaps ease her conscience, they have continued instead to focus their attention on giving their clients the best experience that they can muster. That is why the resort always has occupancy rates of 90 percent and up. Guests just keeps on coming back. It's the service, because I could not see, honestly, any other reason for them coming back. Except perhaps for the spacious rooms and the elegant bathroom, which despite its privacy, gives one an experience of bathing outdoor... The pleasure of public nudity, sans the public.

  Anyway, the sculpture is made by renowned artist Daniel dela Cruz, who has built an international reputation as a product designer. In 2006, he started mounting exhibits of his metal sculptures and to date have mounted around five solo exhibits. It is but apt for Bluewater to get dela Cruz, the resort being a bastion of art with the Bluewater Gallery, home of some of the best artworks from the region's best artists.

  Another newness that the resort introduced is its newly renovated and reconceptualized restaurant, Molto Italiano with its wood-fired oven giving its pizza a distinct flavor. They also introduced their original line of Ice Cream, the Bluewater Scoops.

    There is also the resorts environmental campaign dubbed Blue Goes Green, more like an Avatar-ish campaign I'd say. The resort have partnered with Ocean Care, a business-sector initiated initiative that aims to unite different businesses in the region to go green, or at least to do something to give back to Mother Earth.

  The resort's pool have also been given a facelift, turning the mini-waterfall into a stage platform. I could just imagine how elegant an event can be with all the elements combined - water, as it falls gently to the pool; earth, with its earthy background; fire, with cool fiery lighting; and air, as the breeze blows comfortably to cool down every guest. I could already see the resort hosting fashion shows and other events. Hmmm, this could be exciting.

  The unveiling was done by the resort's executives and the Philippines' secretary of tourism, himself, Sec. Ace Durano.

  As they claim, the new Maribago Bluewater defines what island living is, and indeed I'd say this truly gives the best of the islands.

  • 2:14 pm
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