Bluewater turns 25
The iconic Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, a lush sevent hectare tropical paradise in Mactan Island, Cebu, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with an event dubbed “Kasaulogan sa Bluewater: Celebrating 25 Years of Amuma.”
Amuma is a Cebuano word with many meanings and associations. It stands for warmth and caring, pampering and nurturing.
The party was graced by government officials, family and friends — as well as travel and business partners. Guests partook of the sumptuous dishes prepared by chefs that included Sau del Rosario, Eugene Raymundo, Pierre Tan, Editha Singian, Myke “Tatung” Sarthou. The resort’s very own Dennis Uy also showcased his own superb specialties.
The well-attended event hosted by Bunny Pages, also honored the top 25 travel partners of Bluewater as well as its seven service awardees who have remained dedicated and loyal through the years.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by multi-awarded local talents such as the Canjulao Ukelele Ensemble, the University of Cebu Chorus and the resorts dance troupe. Special guest performer was no less than Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and his RCS (Ryan Cayabyab Singers) group who serenaded and enthralled the crowd with their musical repertoire.
Beaming with pride and joy was the resort’s founder and owner Arcadio Alegrado who received much felicitations for achieving unprecedented success, which can only be attributed to his determination, hard-work and perseverance. Sharing the laurels were driven and conscientious daughters Julie Vergara, company president and June Alegrado, director together with son management trainee, Jovi. It goes without saying that a few silent moments were dedicated to Alegrado’s departed wife Marle who stood by him unconditionally through the developing years.
Far beyond its humble beginnings with Bluewater Maribago, the property owners have since grown into a fully Filipino owned and managed Hotel and Resorts Chain in the Visayas collectively called Bluewater Resorts. It now encompasses two other resorts, Bluewater Sumilon which opened 2005 in Oslob, Cebu and Bluewater Panglao in Bohol, which was launched in 2011.
The flourishing company also manages another hotel chain in Mindanao, under the Almont brand, which includes Almont City Hotel and Almont Inland Resort in Butuan and Almont Beach Resort in Surigao.
Plans are also underway to expand its operations with the recently acquired properties in San Vicente, Palawan and in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
Inspired and moved by its countless blessings, Arcadio Alegrado has spearheaded several community projects like coastal and marine conservation efforts with its Blue Goes Green and Project Blue initiatives finding it important to conserve the environment, which is an integral part of the resort and tourism’s future. It likewise envisions a general hospital rising in Butuan city as his way of giving back to the people in the CARAGA region.
Moving forward, Bluewater Resorts will continue with its mission of providing the best in Filipino hospitality and lifestyle experience to both domestic and foreign tourists. With its mantra of “Amuma with Excellence,” it aims to continually provide it distinct mark of the amuma experience it offers every guest.
