Happiness in Alegre
MANILA, Philippines - It was easy not to mind the 90-minute drive from Mactan International Airport to Alegre Beach Resort. We were surprisingly relaxed, no doubt helped by a pleasant flight on Zestair, so the time did not bother us at all. We were looking forward to this weekend at Alegre and nothing was going to spoil it.
The welcome mat was rolled out and the lunch table was set as soon as we arrived. We were greeted by Alegre Beach’s general manager Fritz Kahler and executive chef Martin Przewodnik at The Pavilion, the resort’s main restaurant. They kicked off our weekend on a high note with the five-star triple A resort’s signature dishes. We were in for a culinary journey.
Our lunch began with Banana Blossom Salad with Kinilaw. The blossoms came with tanguigue marinated in coconut milk, and served with the resort’s own fresh garden greens. Kahler proudly told us that vegetables, fruits, and flowers are all organically grown in Alegre’s own farm.
The salad was accompanied by the signature Vegetable Bread, freshly-baked, crusty on the outside, warm and chunky with bits of veggies inside.
Next up was Gazpacho, a chilled tomato-based vegetable soup, with garlic bread. Some people may be averse to taking their soup cold – after all, you usually want soup because you want something hot, right? – but trust us on this one. Alegre’s summer atmosphere gives this soup its sense of purpose.
Surprises came in various forms. Rice was cooked in wonton wrappers while the shrimps were plump and spicy in their steaming plate. We were, however, unprepared for Chef Martin’s hot surprise.
He went to the kitchen and came back with what looked like a baked dish with a creamed topping. We soon realized it wasn’t cream – it was clay. He started hammering the dish and pulling out what looked like beef – US Beef Top Blade Baked in Clay was its official name. There are no words to describe its tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
There’s no going around the sweet ending with Alegre’s legendary version of halo-halo, which Chef Martin serves in a young coconut shell. While its appearance might look familiar – ice cream, barquillos, cream, fruits – the taste will tell you otherwise. Instead of plain ice, Chef Martin uses frozen buco juice and everytime you dig your spoon in, you scoop off the coconut meat.
After lunch we were led to our room, one of 38 rooms in 19 cabanas on different levels. Some have lawns, some have sea views. All of these 60-sqm rooms have a roofed terrace. Mind you, things are large in Alegre: from the mirrors to the bathrooms, from the wash area to the king-size bed (or two twin beds, as the case may be). The rooms are equipped with a TV set, a DVD player, a mini bar, a bed-sized couch, among others. The terrace even has a dining set and chaise lounge. You’d be tempted to stay in your room, but why stop there?
Alegre has three swimming pools, and if these are not enough, there’s always the sea. The resort’s scuba dive station is fully equipped and offers PADI dive courses, dive excursions, boat trips, island hopping, and sunset cruises. There are also jet skis, banana boats, kayaks, and other water sports equipment.
Alegre is home to a rich marine sanctuary. Guests can explore a 100-foot dive wall a few meters from the shore. For those who prefer to enjoy themselves on dry land, Alegre has a tennis court and a basketball court, as well as space for beach volleyball. Mountains bikes are also available.
If it’s quiet downtime that one seeks, a visit to the Alegre Spa makes complete sense. The spa consists of two treatment rooms and an outdoor spa hut. It was already night-time, so we had a massage that practically took us to dreamland.
Kahler said, “Alegre is an intimate deluxe resort, very casual but elegant. You relax here. You don’t have to come here to dinner in full attire. We offer high-standard service and high-class food. We look after our guests, value their privacy, and let them do what they want.
“We are definitely not a party place. We do not try to do that. We are here to provide you with the ultimate relaxation the way we know how. Through the years, they always come back to enjoy happy times here.”
No truer words spoken. After all, “alegre“ means happy. And we’re just glad to be here.
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Alegre Beach Resort & Spa is at Calumboyan, Sogod, Island of Cebu. In Manila, call 634-7505 to 07 or e-mail alegresales@pldtdsl.net. Website www.alegrebeachresort.com
