Shemdale Realty ushers in a new adventure park in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - As Cebu City mayoralty bets tackle about what Cebu lacks in terms of varied tourism attractions, a new ecological, entertainment and adventure park is now in the making in the southern part of Cebu.

This after Shemdale Realty Inc., owner and operator of Tubod Flowing Water Resort in Pakigne, Minglanilla decided to invest in the development of one after  seeing the need to create more destinations for local tourists.

Mayoralty candidate John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña earlier said during his turn in The Freeman’s Know Your Candidate roundtable discussion that Cebu is losing out its tourism potential to Bohol with the latter’s new ecology tourist attractions.

His rival, Georgia Osmeña, during her turn yesterday, also said Cebu must have amusement centers similar to the Enchanted Park to give tourists more options aside from going to the malls and beaches. The Enchanted Park owned by Georgia Osmeña is a facility similar to the Enchanted Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Shemdale’s president Robert Chan said the 4,000-square meter park now dubbed as Rolling Ball Adventure, which is located adjacent to the 11,000-square meter resort, will soon have a facility similar to the Suislide for life in Bohol.  The company is currently on the lookout for a company to install the facility in the park.

“We hope to complete the facility by next year,” he told The Freeman. The adventure park initially started operating since late last year.

For now, the park is offering the rolling ball adventure, the first of its kind in Cebu, a butterfly park, and the 232 steps that lead to a mini man-made volcano and a T-Rex dinosaur, which adds thrill for children to have the chance to see a volcano and a dinosaur.   

Chan said the idea of the rolling ball adventure came from the “zorb ball” adventure in China. The company ordered and bought four pieces from the company.  The ball can accommodate two persons inside.

“Those inside are safe because they each have a belt that fasten them.  The adventure and the excitement come when the ball is rolled like a pinball on a huge 40-meter bowling alley-like area.  Those who are clients of the resort pay only P50 entrance fee to enjoy the ride for free,” he said.

Tubod is the first resort-development of Shemdale, which is originally into the home appliances business.  The water of the swimming pools of the resort comes from a “tubod” or a spring in the property. This is why the resort changes water once a week.  The resort has air-conditioned rooms for overnight stay, a bird sanctuary canteen, billiard and conference rooms for seminars, conventions, weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.

Tubod is also one of the resorts that have a no-liquor policy, as it projects itself as a wholesome-family resort and entertainment facility.— Jessica B. Natad