Getting its name from the Cebuano word “panglawod,” which means ‘for the open sea,” Panglao has been the favorite destination of late for fun seekers who go to get a glorious tan on the beach. This town in the southwestern tip of Bohol has a population of less than 50,000 and is a 40-minute drive from Tagbilaran, the capital of the province.
This town and neighboring Dauis make up Panglao Island, very well known for its diving locations and tourist resorts which put to good use the island’s white sandy beaches. The most famous and the most developed is Alona Beach, stretching 1500 meters long, and lined with palm trees, deluxe resorts and shops. This part of the island is ringed with reefs that are relatively narrow and shallow, approximately six meters deep, but with submarine cliffs plunging to depths of about 55 meters.
I was curious where the beach got its name so I asked around and was told that it was where the television commercial for a local whisky was filmed, starring that sexy actress of yesteryears, Alona Alegre, galloping on horseback in skimpy beach wear, along the entire length of the beach. Since that time, the natives residing in the area, awed by her mesmerizing charm and physical endowments, have named the beach after her.
The Henann Group of Resorts, known for its top-notch hotels in Boracay, chose to open in the area, its landmark property, the Henann Resort Alona Beach. With 400 spacious and deluxe rooms, it is the largest resort in Bohol. Each villa, room, and suite exemplifies elegance and quiet luxury, providing the perfect backdrop for romantic dates, family gatherings, or other get-togethers that rejuvenate the mind and body.
The lush scenery that surrounds the beachfront resort is complemented by leisure facilities such as Kai Regency Spa, three swimming pools, and several restaurants and pool bars. Aside from making it easy for one to have pleasurable pursuits, the resort also lends its business center, VIP lounge, and meeting rooms to business travelers who go for the happy combination of work and leisure. In fact, the resort also has a convention center that can accommodate 1,000 participants.
In addition to its scenic location, Henann Resort Alona Beach also serves as a base from where one can begin to explore the famous snorkeling and diving spots around Panglao Island.
Although questions have been raised on the unrestrained development of the area which, critics say, has ignored municipal development policies leading to the overcrowding of Alona Beach and causing it to lose its paradise-like image, still, local residents welcome the buzz of activity resulting from such development. They are happy with the marked improvement of the area’s economy, with more jobs, more sales of local products and souvenirs, more business activities that have certainly improved their wellbeing. The municipal, provincial and national governments are pushing through with their plan to build a new international airport on the island, with a final approach path directly over Alona Beach.
The opening of Henann Resort Alona Beach has been a milestone in the 17-year history of the Henann Group of Resorts as it is its first property outside Boracay. This is why Dr. Henry Chusuey, the chairman, has left no stone unturned in seeing to it that the resort will proudly banner the standards of excellence that make Henann Resorts a leading brand for leisure properties in the country.
More information on Henann Resort Alona Beach may be obtained from (532) 2303000 or through manila.hbl@henann.com or by clicking on www.henann.com/bohol.
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YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE:
A family of mice was surprised by a big cat. Father Mouse jumped and said, “Bow-wow!” The cat ran away. “What was that, Father?” asked Baby Mouse. “Well, son, that’s why it’s important to learn a second language.