Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel in Mactan Island, Cebu recently commemorated its 36th year of fruitful existence with a grand bash at its newly-inaugurated ballroom with hundreds of close friends and valued clients in attendance.
The Mactan resort’s management and staff took center stage to express their deep gratitude to the audience for their loyal patronage through the decades despite stiff competition posed by larger industry counterparts.
Marita Arambulo, Costabella general manager, said that the resort has coped well with the times by way of introducing spanking new facilities that have gone a long way in retaining their long-time clients, while welcoming new ones in their midst.
“We always prioritize guest feedback as we recognize their value in the growth of the business. We are especially grateful that our Japanese and Korean clients have chosen to remain with us and have even brought in new ones,” she beamed.
One particular event highlight was the awarding of Top Producers in various categories.

These were HIS Phil. Travel Corp for the Japanese market, Hi-Star as the top Korean travel agency, Philippine Association of Realtors Board (PAREB) for the local market, Maersk-Filipinas Crewing Inc. as Top Producer for Banquets, and the Cebu Daily News as the Most Active Media Partner.
The resort has since embarked on a massive renovation project as all rooms by the poolside have been significantly upgraded in answer to market demand and cope better with local and global competition while still retaining that old familiar family charm,
Backgrounder
In an earlier interview, Arambulo recalled the old days when the resort started out with a mere 16 rooms to cater to day-trippers seeking out a beach when the island was mostly marked with rocks and desolation.
Known then as the La Marina Beach House, the resort has always been a family-owned and managed resort, where levels of authority are kept to a minimum and where recommendations can get translated into action at once.
Spanish and Filipino influences characterize the resort interiors, reflective of the family’s storied past in their four other hotels –Montebello Villa Hotel, Sophia Suites, and Cebu Grand Hotel.
A must-see resort highlight is the newly opened Luna Bar & Tapa. Open from 6 p.m. 2 a.m. daily, the cozy bar has pool tables and dart boards for added entertainment.
Artworks of local artists and the Sarimanok centerpiece are found at the resort foyer, depicting a taste of homegrown culture and talent.

 
By RICHARD RAMOS