I posted my entry late due to conflict in schedule. August 1, 2009 Saturday. The Sumilon Day Tour and our Acquaintance Party was on the same date in different time and venues. It was a must for us to attend the acquiantance party since it would be our last year. I can’t be in two places at the same time. I was having doubts on joining the Sumilon Day Tour. But wait ’til you see what Sumilon Bluewater looks like which made me erase all of my doubts.

Embrace the charm of island living in Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort

ESCAPE FROM THE USUAL AND DISCOVER TRUE SERENITY

AT SUMILON BLUEWATER ISLAND RESORT

As early as 6 o ‘ clock in a stormy Saturday morning last August 1, 2009 outside the North Wing of SM City Cebu, the 35 lucky bloggers were packed up and readily waiting for their convoy to Sumilon. As soon as the latter arrived, off they go. I was very much lucky to be included. The trip to Sumilon was remarkably enjoyable since most of our companions are members of the CBS family. There were many magnificent views along the road. Most of us haven’t eaten breakfast so Sir Ruben Licera or Kuya Bentot-as what he prefers to call him, made us stop at Jollibee in Car Car, Cebu for us to have a delicious breakfast meal. As soon as we arrive in Oslob-where the pump boat that would take us to the island is waiting for us, the management pampered us with refreshment just like in Maribago Bluewater in Mactan. We were stunned to the magnificent view of the island from afar. The ocean and the weather were not so friendly that time. The boat ride which took us to the island danced in rhythm with the waves-which gave me a terrible splash. But that’s nothing when they toured us around the island. It was so beautiful, I didn’t mind getting wet.

Finally, we stepped on the island. We were then taken to the Pavilion where we enjoyed our welcoming snacks. We then met Sir Greg Perral, the assistant editor of Pinoyworld, who oriented us about the place. He is the reason why we got there. After the yummilicious snacks, he toured us to their sumptuous rooms for their guests. Thereafter, the CBS folks were back in their camwhoring session then headed back to the Pavilion for lunch. Again, the food were very delicious. Thanks to Chef de Partie Buddy Amodia for preparing such exotic cuisine.

Later that noon comes the exciting part-where in we can do whatever we wanna do! First thing we did was snorkeling but unfortunately the waves just don’t cooperate. Many of us got bruises from hitting the corals everytime a wave would hit us. In short, the snorkeling attempt-failed. I like the next one-the canoeing part! After the incident in Plantation Bay way back year 2004, where me and my mom were canoeing and there were also two Japanese nationals, surprisingly we bumped into them and one of them fell from the canoe and in to the deep water. She drank too much water. Luckily they didn’t sue us. Whew. All I could say was “sorry”. But then, I was canoeing again in Sumilon with my friend Bryan. Good thing nothing bad happened. We were able to paddle smoothly back and forth from the lagoon.

Here comes the most exciting part-to the Sandbar we go! We hiked all the way from the lagoon to the Sandbar-known for its changing shapes and shifting locations. The waves were definitely angry. Despite the strong wind, angry waves, nothing stopped the CBS folks from having fun! But then mother nature really wanted us to stop so she created a horrible sandstorm that blown us away off to the shore. Every bits of sand penetrated on our skin and traumatized us. Who cares? Even that became part of our wonderful and memorable experience in Sumilon.

Thereafter, we  headed back to the Pavilion and dipped into the pool to relieve us from the latter incident. I was able to relax and forget about what had happened. That was the last part of our activities.

It was around 5 o’ clock in the afternoon when we prepared our stuff and get ready to leave the island. Then off to the boat we go. Good bye island paradise. Farewell sweet escape. Til we meet again. Back in the mainland, our convoy was waiting for us to bring us back to the city.

That ends my once in a lifetime experience in Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort together with my CBS family. Thank you so much PINOYWORLD. Hope there is a next time. Cheers.

Keep posted for the Sumilon Bluewater video.

Photo credits to ifancy.me, misswilhelmia.com, laagcebu.com, kiatan.com, and bryankarl.net.

Facts About Sumilon Bluewater

• Sumilon  Bluewater Beach resort is owned and managed by Almont Holdings Incorporated (AHI) and is the sister resort of Maribago Bluewater Cebu Beach Resort.
• Sumilon Bluewater’s Resident Manager is  Greg Perral.
• Our Sumptuous food offerings were provided by our in-house island kitchen managed by Chef de Partie Buddy Amodia.

Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort is located on tranquil Sumilon Island. The island remains as one of Cebu’s best kept secret and is found on the southeastern tip of the mainland. It is 125 kilometers from Cebu City and is in close proximity to Dumaguete. The island has an area of 24 hectares and is surrounded by crystal clear waters with varying aquamarine hues. It is the first marine protected area in the Philippines and was made a fish sanctuary in 1974 under the guidance of Sumilon Unviversity Marine Reserve. During dives, one will find varied marine species and even occasional even occasional sightings of black tip sharks. Pristine white sand beaches are situated in different areas in Sumilon. Its Sandbar is well known for its changing shapes and shifting locations around the island, depending on the season. On the island, there is a natural lagoon teeming with high mangroves. There are also natural caves where fishermen used to seek refuge. On the southside, a lighthouse rests on a protected tree park. Beside it is a “Baluarte”, a historical watchtower built as part of a warning system to thwart slavers and marauders in the 19^th century.

Accommodations

There are fourteen rooms (arranged as eight cottages, each with two adjoining rooms) with private verandas that offer views of the sea, cove, and mainland Cebu. Each room has an area of 48-square meter rooms and accommodates a maximum of 3 guests. The rooms have the following features: ROOM FEATURES:

• Private veranda with lounge chair
• Private toilet and shower with hot and cold running water
• Mini bar
• Ceiling Fan
• Internet Wi Fi connection
• Writing desk and dresser
• Room to room telephone
• Air conditioning

Facilities and Services

The Island Pavilion house the resort restaurant that serves a delectable fare of local and international cuisine. With its octagonal, high “Nipa” thatched roofing. And open-air construction, it boasts of a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean and mainland Cebu. Also located in the Pavilion are the Reception Desk, Library and Giftshop. While Swimming Pool and Bar surround the Pavilion. Aquamania, the dive shop at the island, is situated at the eastern beach area. It is fully equipped with snorkeling and diving gears, paddle boats, windsurfing boards, kayaks. Other facilities and services available are:

• 24-hour Room Service
• Foreign Currency Exchange
• Airport Assistance and Transfers
• Internet Service (Available soon)
• Board Games
• Laundry Service
• Massage Service
• Reception Desk
• Fax and Postal Services
• Clinic
• IDD/ NDD telephone at the Reception
• Safety Deposit Boxes at the Reception Desk
• Tour Service in nearby towns

Resort Activites

The following is listing of numerous activities available in Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. Explore the ocean:

• Snorkeling Trips with fish feeding
• Scuba Diving Adventure
• Windsurfing

Discover the Island:

• Afternoon Tea
• Library
• Birdwatching
• Lounging at the Payag-Payag
• Cave Tours
• Romantic Beach Picnic
• Evening Dinner Parties
• Sunset Picnic on the Water (Subject to weather conditions)
• Fishing in the Lagoon
• Hiking in Sumilon
• Sumilon Island Massage
• Island Hopping Tours
• Scenic Boat Tour around the Island
• Lagoon Paddle Boat Adventure
• Trekking

Immerse in Culture and History:

• Tour Neighbouring
• Visit Oslob City

Island Discovery Package

Single                               P 8, 500.00

Extra Person                  P 3, 700.00

Child                                P 1, 500.00

Note: Rates are quoted per person, per night and are subject to service charge and government tax. Group rates are available upon request. Major credit cards are accepted. Rates may change without prior notice. Package Inclusions:

• Roundtrip Boat Transfers (Bangcogon, Oslob-Sumilon-Bangcogon, Oslob)
• Room Accommodation good for two
• Resort breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Welcome Drink and Shell Lei upon arrival
• Complimentary resort activities (Snorkeling, island trekking, bird-watching, paddle-boating, and use of kayaking.)
• Resort Swimming facilities (infinity pool and shifting white sand bar)

Children below 11 years old is free from room accommodation but meals are charged.

Information and reservations:

Bangcogon, Oslob, Cebu (Philippines), Telefax: (63 32) 481-0801, Email: sumilon@bluewater.com.ph

Sales Office-Manila (Philippines), Room 1918 Cityland/ Herrera Tower, 98 Herrera corner Valero Streets, Salcedo Village Makati City, Tel. no. (63 2) 817 5751 and 887 1348, Fax No. (63 2) 893 5391, Email: maribago@bluewater.com.ph

Visit Sumilon Bluewater blog for more information.

Related Posts:

• Day with Sumilon
• Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort Free
• Sumilon Island Getaway
• Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort
• Off to sumilon we go
• Sumilon Bluewater Day Tour
• Back from Sumilon
• To Sumilon We Go
• Sumilon Bluewater, Not Jus Your Ordinary Getaway

May 16, 2009, Saturday. We waited for weeks for that day to come. Well, especially me. I came back here in Cebu just to attend the sweet summer treat. As I’ve said in my Maribago Bluewater Cebu blog post, I was very desperate to join that one great opportunity. So there I was.

The meet up time was 2:00PM at SM, North Wing near the fountain just outside BreadTalk. I was with Clarence when we went to Powerbooks to meet Mikyu and Aimee. Surprisingly, there was also Bryan and Janmck. The six of us then headed to the meeting place to meet the other CBS members. Once we got there, nothing could stop our vanity. Of course, we missed each other so much as if we didn’t see each other for such a very long time. Well, that’s actually true. It’s been a while since our Camp Out last April 18, 2009. Camwhoring then started. We, the CBS, was again reunited, though some of us were not able to attend due to some errands.

It was almost 3:00PM. When Sir Ruben (the one who invited the bloggers) arrived, X made us sign the attendance sheet and ID’s were then distributed.

After an hour of waiting, the vans that would take us to the place then arrived. There were 3 of them. I was with Guada, Zyza, Tibor, Tianex, Clarence, Mcbilly, and Atty. Ethelbert in the van. It was quite fun though, since Atty. was with us. He made a joke which quotes

“The first person to set foot in Maribago will win and have a special prize”

. And He indeed was the first to set foot in the place. But then, there was no prize. (Hehe)

We’re still at the front part of the resort. We went inside to one of the rooms and we were amazed by its luxury. A room which contains a TV set, a wide bed, a chair and a large lamp beside the bed. Not just that. The bathroom was beautiful, with a bath tub, shower, toilet, and lavatory. And oh yeah, the tub was sprinkled with flower petals by the way.

Just how lovely was that. There were also three large swimming pools: One on the right side, the other on the left, and the one near the restaurant. You should also see the Amuma Spa, which could really make you feel relax and unwind your senses. We also met “Mr. Arnis Master” who was busy doing his thing. Cool guy. Another cool thing was the sharks. At first, I couldn’t believe those were sharks because they’re small, but then up-close, they really were. These things must be noted:

“No teasing of sharks please!” and “Sharks feeding time 4:00PM daily”. That’s what it says by the management. After seeing the sharks, we passed by the restaurant which the Barrio Fiesta would take place early that evening. And now comes the most amazing part of the resort, the beach- such a breath taking sight.

Many foreigners were present in the resort: Mostly Asians and Americans. The CBS boys never took their eyes off the ladies in bikinis. (lol) Another thing that surprised me was the life size chess in the shore. So incredible.

Next stop was The Cove- the seafood restaurant at the end of the shore. We saw live lobsters, clams, and fishes for cooking. Another view was the man-made island across the beach. There was a wedding or shall I say the reception of the wedding going on in the island. Sweet. After seeing the magnificent view, then comes snack time. Well, not just snack time. We were able to meet the heads of the management. They welcomed us with warm greetings, with all the pastries and coffee on the buffet table.

They also presented a powerpoint presentation of Maribago Bluewater and entertained our questions. And we got straw bags as souvenirs. How cool was that. We also took pictures with them.

After that, they gave us a 1 hour break to let us do what we wanna do. Some of us who brought their swimming gears enjoyed the beach and the special swimming pool. I wasn’t able to join them. So sad. At 7:00PM, dinner was then served. Well not actually served because we have to go to the buffet table to get our own food. The Barrio Fiesta then started. There were presentations of many ethnic dances. And let me tell you that the foods were delicious. Let me show you some of the photos:

After the wonderful dinner, it’s time for us to leave. It was passed 8:00PM. Though we didn’t want to leave yet, but we have to because some of us will be attending the The Company Concert in Waterfront Hotel. So then off we go. Goodbye to beautiful Maribago Bluewater. Don’t know when we’ll be able to go there again.

You can also check out the Maribago Bluewater Video.

I would like to express my heart-felt gratitude to the management for inviting us bloggers for a summer blowout, specifically the Cebu Bloggers in Maribago Bluewater, especially to Sir Ruben. It was very worth it to accept your invitation. And it was a very great opportunity and wonderful experience for us to witness the magnificent resort of Maribago Bluewater. And to Cebu Bloggers Society, I am so honored to be part of this group.

But the fun doesn’t end there yet. Now, the Cebu Bloggers Society is once again invited now to Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. How cool is that. You can also check Sumilon Bluewater Blog for more details.

Thank you once again PINOYWORLD, especially to Sir Ruben Licera for inviting us.

Thank you and more power!