DRAWING in travelers with its “Old World” grace, the Flying Fish Boutique Hostel found its new and first home in Cebu province, specifically in Mandaue City.
Adrian Tan, a Malaysian and the founder of the hostel, said he and his business partners brought two Spanish bungalow-type houses on Adelfa St., El Dorado Subdivision in Mandaue City that were still standing strong despite the passing of decades and redefined it to have a balanced mix of vintage and modern amenities to suit the needs of millennial of travelers.
“This should replicate the aesthetic of how Asia is represented. The properties that we are establishing are all existing, so we don’t demolish from ground zero but, we try to rebuild what they have on the property with additional materials,” Tan said.
The houses, which traced its roots to the 70s, appealed to Tan, who was on the look-out for similar structures to transform it into a budget-friendly place for both domestic and international tourists.
“As old as it gets, the better because you don’t find quality finishing as good as this today. Even the modern hotels and even the property housing, it still does not compare. It’s evidently a living proof that it survived hostile decades of natural disasters,” he said.
Tan said Cebu is a strategic location because of the presence of gateways like the international airport and seaports.
“Cebu is our key expansion to connect the dots in the south for the convenience of all types of travelers. Cebu will be the main hub,” he said.
Sustainability
Fyling Fish Boutique Hostel prides itself of its sustainability initiatives with 95 percent of the building structure being made from re-purposed or upcycled materials such as old doors and furniture.
Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable materials were also added into the cement mixture that was used for walls to make it soundproofed.
Guests will also get to enjoy natural lighting and ventilation.
According to Tan, there are not much mid-range accommodation facilities in the Philippines. If there are, some are too affordable that it compromised the comfort of guests while some facilities are too expensive, that only a few could afford.
He said they are targeting a healthy mix of local and international tourists to stay at their hostel. The hostel’s shared dormitory prices start at P650 while the private deluxe family suite is at P2, 600.
Besides Cebu and Dumaguete, Tan said they are eyeing to expand the hostel to other key tourism destinations in the country like Panglao, Bohol, Siquijor and Siargao. (JOB)