Restaurant Review: Samira by Chele Gonzalez (Anya Resort, Tagaytay City, Cavite)

 

Samira by Chele Gonzalez (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

Tagaytay City is a haven for foodies and staycationers alike and, for “revenge travelers” such as us, Anya Resort Tagaytay is one of the best destinations that satisfies both types.  Barely a month before our visit (March 23 to be exact), the arrival of the multi-awarded Jose Luis “Chele” Gonzalez added another reason to visit this wellness resort - its fine dining restaurant, now rebranded as Samira (“wind” in Sanskrit) by Chele Gonzalez. 

Check out "Resort Review: Anya Resort Tagaytay"

 

Chef Chele Gonzalez (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

Born and raised in Torrelavega in the north of Spain, Chele has been based in the Philippines since 2013.  Upon his arrival, he created a menu not limited to Spanish or modern Filipino fare, but which also drew inspiration from other cuisines around the world. Anya Resort General Manager Mikel Arriet, himself a chef, met Chele at San Sebastian in Spain and thought of bringing their shared culinary vision and experience to Anya Resort Tagaytay.  As per the two requests of Mikel regarding the new direction of the restaurant, Chele made the starters “fun and playful” and the main courses “simple yet satisfying.”

 

Chef Chele Gonzalez at work (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

During our visit, Chele wasn’t around as he divides his time in Anya as well as in Manila attending to his Gallery by Chele (formerly Gallery VASK), his namesake restaurant at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City which is ranked 69 in the list of Asia's Top 100 Best Restaurants for 2022.  He also has Enye by Chele at Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan, Cebu, and is also the co-founder and senior culinary consultant at ADVIChE Food and Beverage Solutions.

 

The bar at Samira by Chele Gonzalez

 

The indoor dining area

On our first night at the resort, Grace, Jandy and I made it a point to try out this rebranded fine dining restaurant.  A bar greets you at the entrance. The elegant interiors, with its deep wood and earth tones, contrasted with the pristine white table linens and vibrantly colorful handcrafted plates.  Adding a theater-like vibe are panoramic windows which reveal the kitchen where you can see the chef and his staff at work.  Though it has a private indoor setting, we decided to dine al fresco at the balcony with its front row view of the setting sun, impressive property and the poolside.  

 

The restaurant balcony - a front row seat to a sunset view

It’s not often that we have steak for dinner so Jandy and I tried out their Grilled U.S. Angus Beef Tenderloin (Php2,200). Grilled to perfection, it was served with sidings of creamy Parmesan mashed potato and charred red cabbage complemented with truffles and mushroom jus which did not dominate the buttery meat but, instead, added more flavors to an already flavorful dish.  Truly marvelous!

 

Al fresco dining at its best.  L-R: Grace, Jandy and the author

Grace, on the other hand, tried out the one of the tapas (an expected feature , not only because of the Spanish chef, but also because the Roxases, the family running the place, are of Spanish descent) on the menu - Gambas al Ajillo (php890), prawns cooked with garlic, chili, parsley and extra virgin olive oil, which was a favorite of hers.   The dinner fare was beautifully plated.

 

Grilled U.S. Angus Beef Tenderloin (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

The Grilled U.S. Angus Beef Tenderloin is also the finale of the 6-Course Tasting Menu (P 2,950++ and additional P 1,700++ for wine pairing with a selection from Wine Depot) which offers distinct flavors with one dish uniquely different from the previous course using a variety of ingredients.  

 

Gambas Al Ajillo

The Amuse Bouche, a quartet of tasty starters which consists of Seafood Crisp Rice Cracker (shrimp, mussel, mushroom, cream cheese, strawberry and homemade heirloom rice cracker), Foie Gras and Mango Waffle (foie gras mousse cream cheese and mango), Donuts with Txistorra and Bulalo Tacos (a playful spin on the ubiquitous local bulalo, tender and juicy strips of beef are simmered for hours and topped with fresh herbs and vegetables on a soft taco), sets the tone for the rest of the experience.

Seafood Crisp Rice Cracker (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

Fresh Coconut Cerviche (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

Grilled Octopus with Ali-Oli (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

The main courses (aside from the Grilled U.S. Angus Beef Tenderloin) are the Fresh Coconut Ceviche (snapper cooked in Tiger's Milk with calamansi, coconut, roasted cashews, corn and basil),  the beautifully plated and masterfully executed Grilled Octopus with Ali-Oli (with paprika parmentier, bread crumbs and creamy homemade alioli), the Pan-Seared Salmon (with citrus mayonnaise and silky smooth cauliflower purée and served with seasonal vegetables) and Duck with Porcini and Truffle Risotto (creamy vegetable rice with truffle). For dessert, there’s Anya’s interpretation of the usual Tagaytay pasalubong - Buko Pie in Textures (creamy coconut pudding, fresh coconut meat, buttery biscuit, and toasty latik ice cream).

Pan Seared Salmon (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

 

Buko Pie in Texture (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

Another must try is the signature Cocido Experience (Php1,990 ++ and additional Php990 for wine pairing with a selection from Wine Depot), Chele’s ingenious four-course meal which is a combination of Tagaytay flavors and Spanish cuisine.  

Compango (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

It begins with Chele’s version of the Spanish cocido, a comforting, soulful stew, slow-cooked in one big pot, blending various meats (chicken, pork, beef), chorizo, spicy morcilla, smokey morcilla, and garbanzos, transforming it into bechamel croquetas, ropa viaeja pintxos, and delicious cocido paella (an original creation), dishes that bookended the traditional duo of flavorful soup and tender compango (selection of meats).  Complementing these is the chef’s Mama Fries and his signature Burnt Basque Cheesecake.

 

Compango, Cocido Paella and Mama Fries (photo: www.anyaresorts.com) 

On weekends, the restaurant hosts barbecue nights but, since we arrived on a weekday, we weren’t expecting it.  So it came as surprise when Mikel hosted a barbecue night just for the three us, with a table set up in the middle of the garden.  A six-course dinner was prepared for us.

 

Our table setting at the garden

For starters, we had Anya’s very tasty take on Tagaytay’s well-loved Bulalo Soup, a, hearty and filling tender beef shank and bone marrow stew with local vegetables, potatoes and corn.  

Bulalo Soup

Another delightful starter was the irresistible tapas called Bacalao Bunuelos, deep-fried cod (bacalao) in batter, with potato and parsley, that set the tone for the three main courses that followed. 

Bacalao Bunuelos

The Parillada, a sharing plate of four varieties of grilled meat (chicken sausage, spicy chorizo, picante sausage and U.S. Angus skirt), was served with organic Tagaytay salad.

Tagaytay Salad

The Aphap Ala Vasca, grilled fresh apahap (local sea bass), was cooked a la Vasca with the signature garlicky kick but localized with vinegar instead of wine.

Parillada, Aphap Ala Vasca and Tiger Prawn Ala Plancha

The Tiger Prawn Ala Plancha, traditional Spanish flat grilled tiger prawn, was cooked in salt and squeezed lemons.  Dessert was the sweet Tres Leches  with Strawberries and Pistachio.   

 

Tres Leches  with Strawberries and Pistachio

After our dinner, the very friendly Anya Resort Executive Chef Chris A. Leaning dropped by to visit and chat with us.  An Englishman from Grimsby and one of a handful of World Master Chefs currently working in the Philippines, Chris has had over 35 years experience in food management operations in hotels and restaurants.  Just like Chele, he has been in the country for a long time and arrived in Anya Resort within one month of each other.  Working with Chele, he played a key role in developing the new menu of the resort.

 

L-R: the author, Chef Chris Leaning, Grace and Jandy

Samira by Chele Gonzalez was definitely a culinary experience that's worth the drive outside of the metro. Surely, it will shake up the Tagaytay City food scene.

 

Pan Seared Squid in Black Ink Sauce (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

Samira by Chele Gonzalez: Anya Resort Tagaytay, Buenavista Hills Rd., Brgy. Mag-asawang Ilat, Tagaytay City, 4120 Cavite. Tel: (02) 8657 1640. Mobile numbers: (0998) 955-3630 and (0917) 803-6159. E-mail: resv.tagaytay@anyaresorts.com.  Website: www.anyaresorts.com.

Resort Review: Anya Resorts Tagaytay (Cavite)

Date of Stay: April 19-21, 2022

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: ********

Rooms: *********

Condition and Cleanliness: *********

Staff Performance: **********

Room Comfort: *********

Food and Beverage: *********

Other Amenities: ********

Value for Money: ********

Anya Resort Tagaytay

Finally, after two years of lockdown and pandemic worries, I finally was able to bring my family (minus my daughter Cheska, son-in-law Bryan and grandson Kyle who were abroad) out on a staycation at the luxurious, 7.2-hectare, eco-friendly and quaint Anya Resort Tagaytay which has been on my radar for quite some time now.  Opened last September 2016, this tranquil and intimate getaway is managed by the Anya Hospitality Group (AHG) which also manages Club Punta Fuego, Amara Residences and four franchised branches of Go Hotels (North Edsa, Timog, Ermita and Manila Airport Road). Mr. Santiago “Santi” Elizalde, president and CEO of Roxaco Land Corporation (parent company of Anya), is the visionary behind the resort.

 

Nighttime view of the resort

Anya (from the Sanskrit word for “no limits” or “no boundaries”) was just the right place for us to “destress” as it is surrounded by nature, has a good ambiance and beautiful, lush landscaping; its amenities are world class and it has quiet surroundings, being far from the hustle and bustle of the main roads of busy Tagaytay City.

 

The author, Grace and Jandy

Anya Resort Tagaytay is a member and the third establishment in the Philippines to receive a seal of approval from the Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) of the World, an exclusive group of just over 500 luxury boutique hotels and resorts around the globe. To be called an SLH establishment, the place is visited by anonymous inspectors who check if a hotel meets the SLH’s world-class standards.  In its first year alone, Anya got a score of 93.5 percent.  Today, Anya is one of only two Philippine resorts that are members of SLH.  

 

One of the resort's villas

This sprawling development, designed by Manny Samson and Associates, showcases the world-renowned Filipino aesthetic integrating comfort, functionality and sophistication and combining modern design and traditional Filipino materials (bamboo, abaca, Philippine hardwood, etc.).  These are reflected in their 78 very clean, beautiful, well maintained, tastefully decorated and spacious rooms, all non-smoking.

 

A blend of indigenous and modern design.....

Managing the resort, since August 2018, is the young, hardworking, good-looking, always smiling but soft-spoken Mikel Arriet who first arrived in Manila in 2004 by way of the lovely town of Andoain, Gipuzkoa in the Basque Region of Spain.  A familiar face, in the past I covered his stint as Executive Chef of Fuego Hotels when he was the star of the “Flavors of Spain.”  Mikel oozes with talent and is passionate when it comes to his job.  He ably steered Anya through two challenges that hit the resort and Tagaytay City – the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption and the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.   

Check out “The Flavors of Spain in Batangas," “The Flavors of Spain Goes to Clark” and “Flavors of Spain in Davao”

 

L-R: Mikel Arriet (Anya Resort General Manager), the author, Grace, Jandy and Chris A. Leaning (Anya Resort Executive Chef)

The world-renowned Filipino hospitality is at its best in the resort due to the exceptional level of Anya management and staff’s customer service.  Upon our arrival at the resort gate, a smiling security guard greeted us, with such warmth and energy, with “Welcome Home,” making us feel special. 

The bamboo-lined road to rest, relaxation and rejuvenation....

After a short drive along the impressive bamboo tree-lined path, we reached the driveway where a friendly lady, an Anya Experience Assistant, one of the resort’s very important assets, was on hand to attend to our needs, helping us in the check-in process and the details of our stay and even driving the golf buggy that brought us to our Anya Garden Suite (Suite 801). In our room, we were also welcomed with a bottle of wine, apples and a platter of various delicious cheeses.

 

The lobby and reception area

Our well-maintained  and spacious,100 sq. m. (1,076 sq. ft.), airconditioned suite was furnished with the usual luxury hotel amenities - a telephone, cable TV, a mini-bar, coffee or tea maker, in-room safe, flat iron, safety deposit box and iPod docking station. The beds, sheets and pillows of our king bed were all comfortable and wi-fi is free in all rooms as well as in public areas.  Our suite had a separate living room (with another cable TV) and a balcony or terrace.

 

Villa 801: Bedroom

Villa 801: Living Room

Our ensuite bathroom had his and hers lavatories (plus another lavatory in the compartmentalized water closet which is also accessible from the living room), a separate walk-in shower (with rainshower head) and a whirlpool bathtub and was provided with bathrobes, hair dryer and free toiletries (organic shampoo, conditioner, bath gels, and lotion).

 

Bathroom: bathtub and his and hers lavatory

Bathroom: shower enclosure and water closet

As this eco-friendly resort is also big on sustainability, instead of the usual water bottled in plastic, drinking water was provided in our room via sterilized eco-friendly refillable bottles (the resort is now 95 percent free of single-use plastic.  Eco-friendly chemicals and natural toiletries, with biodegradable packaging, are also used and there’s a composting section at the back of the garden.

 

Junior Suite (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

Other room types in the resort are Junior Suite King (1 king bed) and the Junior Suite (1 king bed or 2 twin), both 47 sq. m. (506 sq. ft.); the 69 sq. m. (743 sq. ft.) Junior Suite Twin (2 semi-double beds); the 100 sq. m. Anya Veranda Suite (1 king bed); the 102 sq. m. (1,098 sq. ft.) Anya Suite with Garden View (1 king bed); the Quad Room Sea View; the 2-Room Apartment; the 1-Room Apartment and the Triple Room.

 

Veranda Suite (photo: www.anyaresorts.com)

As soon as we were settled in our suite, we donned our swimming attire to take a dip at the nearby outdoor central swimming pool, the heart of the resort, which was divided into 4 sections - 2 sections for small children (where the depth was probably 2 ft.) and 2 sections (including the infinity pool) for everyone else with a depth of 4 ft..  

Three of the resort's swimming pools

All were heated, allowing us, and other guests, to swim despite the cool weather in Tagaytay. Surrounding the pools are beach chairs/loungers.

 

The fourth swimming pool

After our delightful swim, we returned to our suite to prepare for dinner at Samira by Chele Gonzalez, the resort’s fine dining restaurant.  Here, we dined al fresco at the balcony, a great place to watch the setting sun.  

Check out “Restaurant Review: Samira by Chele Gonzalez”

 

Samira by Chele Gonzalez

Anya is also about rejuvenation and, as such, any stay at the resort is not complete without some pampering.  After dinner, Grace and I proceeded to the Niyama Wellness Center for our 8 PM Couples Massage.  Inside their treatment room, we placed ourselves in the hands of skilled therapists who employed the best techniques and used the finest high quality, natural and organic materials (oils, scents, etc.). 

Check out “Spa Review: Niyama Wellness Center”

 

Niyama Wellness Center

Come morning, we had our complimentary breakfast at the Anila Poolside, beside the outdoor pool. Their highly-rated continental breakfast had a good variety of drinks, a cheese, cereals, bread and pastries buffet with plated main course meal.  

Anila Poolside

For the latter, you can choose from their Filipino menu of either homemade beef tapa, pork tocino and daing na bangus, all served with two eggs of your preference, and garlic rice.   The American breakfast consists of homemade pancakes with sausage or crispy bacon, with honey and butter. 

 

American Breakfast

Homemade Beef Tapa

Other main courses meal choices include Sweet and Sour Fish (served with rice, pepper, onion and pineapple), the three-egg Smoked Salmon Omelet (served with toast bread), Eggs Royale (poached eggs over smoked salmon topped with hollandaise sauce), Eggs Benedict (poached eggs over crispy bacon topped with hollandaise sauce) and Anya Granola (homemade granola with mixed fruits, plain yogurt and honey syrup).  They also serve crostini - Tapa Crostini (sauteed julienne of beef tapa with white scrambled egg), Crostini A La Royale (served with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and hollandaise) and Vegetable Crostini (sauteed mixed vegetables with eggs).

 

Pork Tocino

For quiet time, we also visited the charming airconditioned library which has comfortable couches, a chess board and a nice collection of books which you can borrow and bring to the borderless library,” a bamboo-shaded sunken garden with a flowing stream near the swimming pool.

 

The Library

If you want to sweat what stresses you out, there is also a fully equipped gym and fitness studio with complete sets of weights, cardio machines and workout equipment.   They also offer soft archery and badminton.  

Library interior

For weddings, birthdays, seminars, conventions and other occasions, Anya has three function rooms – the 150-pax Nilaya Room, the 70-pax AECL Room and the 20-pax Raya Room. They could even arranged “movie nights” for adults and kids alike.

 

Fitness gym

One thing going for this resort is its convenient location, being just 2.6 kms. from Tagaytay City proper. On our second day, we explored Museo Orlina which was just a 1.7-km. drive from Anya Resort. Though there is no Taal Volcano view in the resort itself, it was also just a 7.5-km. (15-min.) drive to Taal Vista Hotel for a merienda of halo-halo and the Taal Volcano view. 

Check out “Museo Orlina”

For dinner, Mikel surprised us with this special table setting at Tala Garden just for us on our second night at the resort ....

The resort is also located 1.9 kms. from Summit Ridge Promenade, 3.6 kms. from Tagaytay Picnic Grove, 4.2 kms. from Our Lady of Manaoag at Tierra de Maria, 5 kms. from Sky Ranch Tagaytay, 5.3 kms. from Ayala Malls Serin, 5.8 kms. from Taal Lake, 6.2 kms. from People’s Park in the Sky, 6.5 kms. from San Antonio de Padua Church, 7.6 kms. from the Puzzle Mansion Bead and Breakfast, 9.4 kms. from Fernwood Gardens Tagaytay, 9.6 kms. from Taal Lake and 16.5 kms. from Calaruega  Retreat Center (Nasugbu, Batangas).

Check out "Caleruega Retreat Center"

The golf buggy that brought us to our suite

We had a relaxing and peaceful “Anya Experience” throughout our three-day staycation at the resort.  The well trained and incredibly professional resort staff were nice and friendly and everyone greeted us everywhere we went – from the Resort Manager Ms. Melody Amacio down to the charming security team and waiters.  I can’t think of anything I didn’t like.   The facilities and accommodations were top-notch, the food delicious and the ambiance was great.   Truly, a delightful and memorable stay that exceeded my expectations.  I hope to come back soon.

A chilled bottle of wine, apples and a platter of various delicious cheeses welcomed us in our villa

Anya Resort Tagaytay: Buenavista Hills Rd., Brgy. Mag-asawang Ilat, Tagaytay City, 4120 Cavite. Tel: (02) 8657 1640. Mobile numbers: (0917) 893-8946. E-mail:a sales@anyaresorts.com.  Website: www.anyaresorts.com.

I Love Cebu Summer Sale (Cebu)

 

I Love Cebu Summer Sale

Two years after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Philippines and brought about a series of lockdowns, barring foreign tourists from entering the country as well inter-island non-essential travelers, the country is now bouncing back. Cebu, the “Queen City of the South” and one of the world’s most beautiful islands, in particular, is in the forefront of this tourism push.  Just last year, the “Bangon Cebu: I Love Cebu Travel Fair” campaign was launched, closing Php2 million in revenue.

Check out "Bangon Cebu: I Love Cebu Travel Fair"

This April 1-30, 2022, the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRRACI) is again bringing back the “I Love Cebu Summer Sale.” HRRACI aims to revive the tourism industry and put Cebu back on the map for people itching to reacquaint themselves with the world through travel. They also want to help its members in its plight to revive tourism and to drive guests to their property. 

This private sector-led, month-long initiative, launched online through its official site http://www.traveloco.ph/ilovecebu, has almost 50 participating hotels and resorts in Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City and the towns of Bantayan, Cordova, Moalboal, Oslob and Sta. Fe. Also participating are 17 travel agencies. 

According to HRRACI President Mr. Alfred M. Reyes “This is a huge step as we embark on a digital campaign to promote tourist attractions.” With the pandemic’s impact on traveler behavior and business operations, Reyes said it is necessary to present effective strategies during the new normal in Philippine travel." 

Bluewater Resorts’ Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Ms. Margarita "Margie" F. Munsayac also added The major driver of tourism is sustainable practices. Cebu is a leading tourism destination because of its sustainable practices, initiatives, and new tour programs that incorporate health and safety programs.” 

The participating hotels and resorts are:

• Alpa City Suites - Hernan Cortes cor. F. Cabahug Sts., Mandaue City 6014, Cebu.  Tel: (032) 422-7171 and (032) 238-1668. Fax: (032) 422-7575.  Mobile numbers: (0917) 318-0221, (0917) 635-8431 and  (0917) 635-8421.  E-mail: sales@alpacitysuites.com, info@alpacitysuites.com, reservations@alpacitysuites.com and marketing@alpacitysuites.com. Website: www.alpacitysuites.com.
• Amethyst Boutique Hotel – 7 M. Velez St, Capitol Site, Cebu City 6000. Tel: (032) 260-9350.  E-mail: reservations@amethystboutiquehotelcebu.com. Website: www.amethystboutiquehotelcebu.com.  
• Arterra Stunning Ocean View - Newport St, Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Mactan Island. Mobile number: (0939) 378-4141.
• Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Village – 1 Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Rd., Banilad, Cebu City 6000. Mobile number: (0917) 708-1079.  Website: www.asmaraurbanresort.com
• Bai Hotel – City South Special Economic Administrative Zone, Ouano Ave. cor. C.D.Seno, Mandaue City 6014. Tel: (032) 342-8888 and (032) 355-8888. Mobile numbers: (0917) 141-5888 and (0998) 842-8888.  E-mail: info@baihotel.com.ph.  Website: www.baihotels.com.
• Bayfront Hotel - North Reclamation Area. Kaohsiung St., North Reclamation Area, Cebu City 6000. Tel: (032).230-6777. E-mail: ghsmarketing@myghs.com. Website: www.bayfronthotelcebu.com.
• BE Mactan Resort - Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City. Tel: (032) 236-8888.  Website: www.beresortmactan.com.
• Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort - Buyong, Maribago Mactan Island PH, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015. Tel: (032) 402-4100. E-mail: maribago@bluewater.com.ph. Website:  www.bluewatermaribago.com.ph.
• Bluewater Sumilon Resort - Brgy. Bancogon, Sumilon Island, Oslob 6025.  Tel: (032) 382-0008 and (032) 318-9098. Mobile numbers: (0917) 631-7514 and (0917) 631-7512.  Email: info.sumilon@bluewater.com.ph.
• Cebu Grand Hotel – Vibo Place, N. Escario St., Cebu City 6000.  Tel: (032) 254-6331, (032) 254-6339 and (032) 254-6361. Fax: (032) 254-6363. Mobile number: (0917) 631-7625.  E-mail: info.cebugrandhotel@gmail.com and info@cebugrandhotel.com.  Website: www.cebugrandhotel.com.
• Cebu Hotel Plus - 0332 Don Mariano Cui St., Capitol Site, Cebu City.  Tel: (032) 234-5974. Mobile number: (0927) 569-0604. E-mail: info@cebuhotelplus.com. Website: www.cebuhotelplus.com.
• Cebu Parklane International Hotel – N. Escario St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 234-7000.  E-mail:  reservation@parklanehotel.com.ph and info@parklanehotel.com.ph.  Website: www.parklanehotel.com.ph.
• Chateau By The Sea - Barangay Buot, Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Mactan Island. Tel: (032)517-2000.  Mobile number: (0995) 566-2851 and (0917) 302-9453.  E-mail: chateaubythesea.mactan@gmail.com
• Citadines Cebu City - Baseline Center, Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City, Cebu. Tel: (032) 260-9588. E-mail: frontoffice.ccc@the-ascott.com and enquiry.philippines@the-ascott.com.
• Citi Park Hotel - F. Cabahug St., Kasambagan,  Mabolo, Cebu City 6000. Tel: (032) 422-3388 and (032) 238-3388. Website: www.citiparkhotel.com.ph.
• Club Serena Resort - Barangay Saavedra, Basdako, Moalboal 6032. Tel: (032) 516-8118. Mobile number: (0917) 872-6367.  Website: www.clubserenaresort.com.
• Crimson Resort Mactan Cebu - Seascapes Resort Town, Lapu Lapu City 6015, Mactan Island. Tel: (032) 401-9999.
• Diamond Suites and Residence - 8 Apitong cor. Escario St, Cebu City, 6000.  Tel:  (032) 402-9800, (032) 402-9880, (032) 318-4093 and (032) 402-9888. E-mail: salescoordinator@diamondsuitescebu.com.
• Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort - Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Mactan Island.  Tel: (032) 888-1388.
• Goldberry Suites and Hotel Cebu - N. Escario St. cor. Gonzales Compd. Rd., Brgy. Camputhaw Cebu City 6000.  Tel: (032) 266-0000. Mobile number: (0917) 652-4237 and (0917) 652-4243. E-mail: info.cebu@goldberrysuites.com and reservation.cebu@goldberrysuites.com.  Website: www.goldberrysuites.com.
• Goldberry Suites Mactan - M.L. Quezon National Highway, Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Mactan Island.  Tel: (032) 239-0000 and (032) 494-1008.  E-mail: Website: www.goldberrysuites.com.  Website: www.goldberrysuites.com.
• Golden Prince Hotel & Suites - Acacia St. cor. Arcbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City 6000.  Tel: (032) 230-1500 and (032) 233-8660.   E-mail: reservation@goldenprincehotel.com.  Website: www.goldenprincehotel.com.
• Harolds Hotel – 146 Gorordo Ave. cor. C. Rosal St., Lahug, Cebu City, 6000. Tel: (032) 505-7777.  Mobile number: (0917) 711-8828. E-mail: reservations@haroldshotel.com.ph.  Website: www.haroldshotel.com.ph.
• The Hotel Elizabeth – Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City, 6000 Cebu. Tel: (032) 231-8000. E-mail: reservations@hotelelizabeth.com.ph.  Website: www.hotelelizabeth.com.ph.
• Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark – M.L. Quezon National Highway, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island.  Tel: (032) 494-5000. E-mail: rsvn@jparkislandresort.com. Website: www.jparkislandresort.com.
• Lex Hotel Cebu – Escario St. cor. Juana Osmeña Extn. Rd., Cebu City 6000.  Tel: (032) 416-5511. Fax: (032) 416-5522Maayo Hotels & Resorts – 168 Plaridel St, Mandaue City, 6014. Tel; (032) 517-0200.  Mobile numbers: (0917) 816-4271 and (0998) 580-0123.E-mail: info@maayohotels.com
• Marco Polo Plaza - Nivel Hills, Cebu Veterans Drive, Cebu City 6000.  Tel: (032) 253-1111. Fax: (032) 234-8170. Email: mpplaza@marcopolohotels.com.  
• Mezzo Hotel - F. Cabahug cor. Pres. Quezon Sts., Cebu City 6000. Tel: (032) 231-0777.  Website: www.mezzohotel.com.
• One Central Hotel & Suites - Cor. Sanciangko and Leon Kilat St., Cebu City 6000.  Tel: (032) 888-8000, (032) 888-8111 and (032) 888-8168.  E-mail: info@onecentralhotel.com. Website: www.onecentralhotel.com.
• OYO 449 Sunrise 888 Oslob – Tan-awan, Bldg. 1, Oslob 6025.  Mobile number: (0933) 429-4175.
• OYO 455 Casa Bonita Inn Oslob – Natalio Bacalso Ave., Oslob 6025.  Mobile number: (0922) 436-8326. Website: www.oyorooms.com.
• OYO 592 La Briana Guest House Sta. Fe – Vincente Illut St., Sta. Fe 6047. Mobile number: (0923) 581-3581. Website: www.oyorooms.com.
• OYO 638 Randy’s Bantayan - F. Roska St., Bantayan.  Mobile number: (0916) 442-4255. Website: www.oyorooms.com.
• OYO 659 Myrna’s Pension Sta. Fe – A. Coyoca St., Sta Fe. Mobile number: (0921) 975-3886. Website: www.oyorooms.com.
• OYO 674 Sea Forest Resort Moalboal – Kalingking, Brgy, Moalboal 6032. Mobile number: (0917) 579-7563.  Website: www.oyorooms.com.
• Pacific Cebu Resort International – Suba-basbas, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Mactan Island.  Tel: (032) 495-6601 and (032) 495-6608. Fax: (032) 495-6008. E-mail: reservation@pacificcebu-resort.com. Website: www.pacificcebu-resort.com.
• Plantation Bay Resort & Spa – Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island.  Tel: (032) 505-9800.  Mobile number: (0917) 631-3750. Website: www.plantationbay.com.
• Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu – Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City 6500.  Tel: (032) 402-5999. E-mail: cebuvoucher@questhotelsandresorts.com.  Website: www.questhotelsandresorts.com/cebu.
• Radisson Blu Cebu – Serging Osmena Blvd. cor. Juan Luna Ave., Cebu City 6000. Tel: (032) 402-9900 and (032) 505-1700. E-mail: reservations.cebu@raddison.com. Website: www.radissonhotels.com.
• Red Planet Cebu - 36 Archbishop Reyes Ave, Cebu City 6000. Tel: (032) 232-0888. Website: www.redplanethotels.com/hotel/cebu/.
• Sarrosa International Hotel & Residential Suites - Ayala Access Rd.(axis), Kasambagan, F. Cabahug St., Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 263-0069, (032) 232-5811 to 18 and (032) 422-4741 to 43. Mobile numbers: (0919) 931-6814 and (0917) 661-0741. Website: www.sarrosahotel.com.
• Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown - The Mactan Newtown, Newtown Blvd., Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island. Tel: (032) 494-4000. E-mail: reserve@savoymactan.com.  Website: www.savoyhotelmactan.com.ph.
• SEDA  Ayala Center Cebu - Cardinal Rosales Ave., Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000 Tel: (032) 411-5800.  Fax: (032) 411-5801. E-mail accebu@sedahotels.com.
• SEDA Central Bloc Cebu – Cebu I.T. Park, Padriga St., Apas, Cebu City.  Tel: (032) 410-8899. Fax: (032) 410-8891.  E-mail: cbcebu@sedahotels.com.  Website: www.centralbloccebu.sedahotels.com.
• Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa - Punta Engaño Rd., Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Mactan Island.  Tel: (032) 231-0288. E-mail: fbreservations.mac@shangri-la.com.
• Solea Hotels & Resort – Wahing St., Brgy. Alegria, Cordova, Mactan Island.  Tel: (032) 517-8889.  E-mail: info@soleahotels.com.  Website: www.soleahotels.com.
• Summit Galleria Cebu – Robinsons Galleria Cebu, P. Penedicto St. cor. Gen. Maxilom Ave. Ext, Cebu City. Tel: (632) 888-1777. Mobile number: (0995) 487-9221.
• Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa – Buyong Road, Maribago, Lapu-lapu City, Mactan Island.  Website: www.tambuliseasideresortandspa.com.  
• Waterfront Cebu City - Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City 6000.  Tel: (032) 23-6888.  Fax: (032) 232-6880. Email: wcch@waterfronthotels.net.  Website: www.waterfronthotels.com.ph.
• Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino - 1 Mactan Airport Rd., Lapu-Lapu City 6015. Tel: (032) 340-4888. Website: www.waterfronthotels.com.ph. 
• Yello Hotel - Wilson St., Lahug, Cebu City 6000.  Tel: (032) 266-3888. Mobile number (0917) 849-4964.E-mail: sales@oneyello.com

The participating travel agencies are:

• Destination Specialists Cebu – 2/L, North Arcade, Banilad Town Center (above Dimsum Break), Cebu City 6000, Cebu. Tel: (032) 231-2461.
• Divaishnavi International, Inc. – G/F, Hotel Elizabeth, Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City, 6000 Cebu. Tel: (032) 266-4363.
• Experience More Travel Specialists, Inc. – Shoppe 2-6, 2/F, JEV Arcade, Colon St., Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Mobile number: (0927) 207-1168.
• First United Travel, Inc. – Unit 118, The Qc Pavilion, Gorordo Ave., Cebu City 6000, Cebu. Tel: (032) 266-1841.
• Funtastic Travel & Tours, Inc. – Rm. 222, Raintree Mall, 298 F. Ramos St., Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 412-5565.
• Global Link Travel and Tours – Arcade C, Capitol Commercial Complex, N. Escario St., Cebu City 6000, Cebu. Mobile number: (0917) 621-1160. E-mail: globallinkcebu@yahoo.com.
• Golden JC Holiday Travel – 4/L, Ayala Center Cebu (beside Mercury Drug Store and Mail n More), Cebu City 6000, Cebu.  Tel: (032) 415-8877.
• Grand Hope Travel & Tours –  Lower G/L, SM City, Juan Luna Ave. Ext., Cebu City 6000, Cebu.  Tel: (032) 233-8530. Website: www.grandhopetravel.com.
• Green Earth Tours and Travel, Inc. – Suite203, Cardoc Bldg., Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City 6000, Cebu.  Tel: (032) 238-6625. Website: www.greenearth.com.ph.
• iTravel iExplore Tours & Services – Door 1, YMCA Arcade, Osmena Blvd., Cebu City 6000, Cebu. Tel: (032) 236-5253.
• PTN Travel Corp. - c/o Shudoh Jyuku Foundation, SAAC 1, Buaya, Lapu- Lapu City, Cebu.  Tel: (032) 340-7911. Fax: (032) 340-7918. E-mail: accounting@ptn.com.ph. Website: www.ptn.com.ph.
• Southwind Travel & Tours – 2/F, JY Square, Discovery Mall, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City 6000, Cebu.  Tel: (032) 417-2247.
• Sun Travel & Tours Corp. – Door 209, The Annex, 18 Cherry Court, Gen. Maxilom Ave., Zapareta, Cebu City 6000, Cebu.  Tel: (032) 233-4587. Fax: (032) 233-4527.  Mobile numbers: (0942) 957-7243 and (0967) 204-5764. E-mail: suntravelcebu@gmail.com. Website: www.suntravelandtours.com.
• Travel With Southwind, Inc. – Door 10, Century Plaza Complex, Juana Osmena St., Cebu City 6000, Cebu. Tel: (032) 254-2034, (032) 412-6837 and (032) 412-6847. Fax: (032) 412-6837.  Mobile number: (0917)322-3808.  E-mai: info@travelwithsouthwind.com and southwindtravelcebu@gmail.com. Website: www.travelwithsouthwind.com.
• Travel Services, Inc. – 4/F, Metrobank Plaza Bldg., Osmena Blvd., Cebu City 6000,Cebu. Tel: (032) 806-7505, (032) 253-5808 and (032) 255-7374.  Fax: (032) 253-9229Website: www.travelservices.com.ph.
• Travelite Travel & Tours – Unit 10, One Mango Avenue, Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City 6000, Cebu. Tel: (032) 255-3264 and (032) 406-8314.  Fax: (032) 253-6080.  Mobile numbers: (0917) 308-1668 and (0919) 991-1013. Website: www.travelite.com.ph. 
• Wander Lanes Travel Co. Inc. – Ginza Plaza, J. Panis St., Kasambagan, Cebu City 6000, Cebu.  Tel: (032) 231-3935.