Yes, opening Bluewater Panglao on the day Bohol celebrates its annual Sandugo festival was a calculated move.
The latter, commemorating the first blood compact and Treaty of Friendship between Bohol’s Datu Sikatuna and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, turned the tide forever: Filipino with a global outlook.
Bluewater Panglao strives to embody that completely. “The look for all our resorts is Modern Filipino,” emphasizes designer Benji Reyes. Recycled wood salvaged from old homes get a second chance at life as cantilevered beds, floating effortlessly in each of the 46 deluxe rooms, 4 lofts, three honeymoon villas and a showcase family villa, a fitting contrast and complement to the modern trappings of flat screen televisions, airconditioning, and a detached tub that come standard with every room type. “It adds more space to an already spacious room.”
Even the bridge that spans the child-friendly (4 feet at its deepest) freshwater pool—that stretches the entire length of the two-storey rows of deluxe and lofts—is made of un-manipulated wood.
The signature Amuma spa treatment called Hilot on the resort borrows from the medicine men of the Visayas: native virgin coconut oil, warmed with the vigorous rubbing of the hands to infuse them with life energy, is used when kneading you. Then come the banana leaves, placed on a lighted candle and laid on the back muscles just as the tobacco-chewing village healer does until this day. “It absorbs toxins, softens tightness and regulates body temperature,” explains Atho dela Cruz, Amuma’s Spa Manager.
The art in the resort is a serious matter, too. A small space in their 21-year old property Bluewater Maribago on Mactan Island, Cebu is dedicated to championing Filipino artists: offering them a home for their art, and eventually a launchpad into an international audience. It took a more serious turn as the Bluewater Gallery hosted in May of this year an exclusive one-man exhibit of National Artist Ben Cabrera (BenCab) ‘s LifeDrawings, a series of nudes and portraits, the biggest name to call it home thus far.
“We’re in the best position to offer a truly unique Filipino experience,” concludes Vic Vergara, director of the Bluewater Gallery. “After all, Bluewater Resorts is manned by 100% Filipino manpower.”
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| Pure Pinoys: Bluewater Panglao General Manager Marty Jastillana, Sous Chef Dennis Uy, PR Manager Gian Carlo Luna, Executive Chef Alan Mathay and Events Designer Dave Banglos |
About Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort
Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort is just 30 minutes from Tagbilaran Airport and the Tagbilaran City’s shopping and commercial district. It is close to popular tourist destinations, such as the historic Baclayon Church, world-famous Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise and Tarsiers. The resort boasts of 54-elegantly appointed guest rooms and villas, full service restaurant, poolside bar and the pampering treatment of Amuma Spa. In the Pool Wing, all ground-level rooms have a private veranda with direct access to the pool. First-floor rooms have private balconies. For guests who prefer a more luxurious accommodation, the Villas offer premier rooms with private outdoor dipping pool.
Press Contact
Carlo Luna
032 492 0100 loc. 512
carlo.luna@bluewater.com.ph
web: www.bluewater.com.ph
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