Hopefully, on October 25th will be my 3rd visit to the resort. My first was last May 16, 2009 when they gave the bloggers a Summer Blowout to remember. I hope this post will be included in the first batch of bloggers to have the free day tour. Thanks to Mr. Ruben Licera for informing us about this another lovely treat.

Now, are you a blogger who wishes to stay and relax at a white sand beach resort in Cebu for a Sunday? Visit PinoyWorld and read the post entitled Maribago Bluewater  invites bloggers to a Sunday by the beach and simply follow the instructions provided. What are you waiting for? Post your entry now!

Fore more information, you can visit the Maribago Bluewater blog and see also the Maribago Bluewater video.

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.

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• 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