An old time favorite never fades

FOR almost three decades, Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort has been the premier destination for beachgoers who troop to the Island Garden City of Samal.

From its humble beginnings of a weekend getaway for the Rodriguez clan, the resort now boasts of one of the best amenities in Igacos. Paradise Island has 76 rooms ranging from premier, deluxe and standard, function rooms ideal for meetings and seminars, restaurant area, souvenir shops, ice cream kiosk, convenience store, children's park and playground, aviary and mini zoo and of course a wide range of water sports facilities and recreational games.

"We will be expanding the kitchen area as the restaurant area now seats as many as 1,000 persons," Julie Rodriguez of Paradise Island Beach Resort said in a recent interview.

"You cannot just keep on accepting clients without the staff to support them. We will be expanding for more room in the kitchen. Clients arrive at the same time, order at the same time and eat at the same time. It needs two hours to prepare," he said.

Rodriguez admits that the resort is also enjoying the present economic boost that the city if not the country is enjoying.

"We are proving that it is really fun in the Philippines and particularly Davao City," he said.

The influx of resort guests has also made the management to be more competitive and keep up with the demands of the market.

"Our staff here undergo yearly training. We make them tour and observe other resorts and hotels. They observe how kitchens are run, how service is provided and how rooms are made. This exercise is aimed at improving our services to our guests here," he said.

However, Rodriguez admits that resorts, unlike hotels are not controlled environment. Resorts are open, he said, depending largely on factors like weather, power and water facilities of an area.

"Every resort has a different way of running things. It is hard to cater to one market unless you can facilitate the transport of one particular type of market in and out of your resort. As such we cater to a diverse market," he said.

At Paradise Beach Resort, the restaurant and non-restaurant areas provide the best option for those who wish to enjoy the day in the sun. Guests who opt to bring food can occupy the non-restaurant area while those who wish to do away with the load can order ala carte meals.

"We are flexible with regulations. Our clients come here all-year round as we do not rely on foreign tourists only.

A single advisory will stop foreigners from coming in," he said. Rodriguez also stressed the important factors which have contributed to the success of the resort: clean, secure, safe, pleasant swimming area, receptive and courteous employees, comfortable rooms, good, food and orderly surroundings.

On regular days, the resort sees 150 to 200 persons per day and 1,000 persons per day on weekends. Special holidays can see as much as 2,500 guests.

Jun Diamante, assistant resort manager, adds that they are now exploring a new venture with the educational tours.

The other weekend saw students of the Jose Maria College attending the educational tour hosted by the resort.

"We want to explore the academe. We plan to offer field trips and education tours to different schools. It is a growing market and we intend to set up the correct system for this particular market," Diamante said.

For inquiries and reservations, Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort at Km. 9, Sasa, Davao City, or at GF Valgosons Bldg. 1, City Hall Drive, Davao City, or call telephone numbers (6382 233-0251, 234-1229, 300- 2343; fax numbers 6382234-2926; mobile numbers 630920-954 6780; and email address:inquiry@paradiseislanddavao.com and paradiseislanddavao@gmail.com. You can also visit their website: www.paradiseislanddavao.com.