Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9011/imperial01jr4.jpg



Korean firm to invest P3B on resort in Lapu
By Malou M. Mozo


A well-known hotel chain in Korea will be building a P3-billion five star resort in Lapu-Lapu City.

Proponents of the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa held the groundbreaking ceremonies of the project on a 7.5-hectare in Barangay Maribago, in Lapu-Lapu City last Friday.

Construction will begin immediately as the resort is scheduled to open in 2009.

The water park and resort, which will be designed by TPJavier Architects and Associates, is “the biggest Korean investment in hotel development in the country,” says Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.

Jong Hwan Park, chairman of the Philippine BXT Corporation, conceptualized the project.

Vacation

“He went on a vacation here for four days and stayed in a Mactan hotel. He decided to stay a little longer than expected pero kulang ang accommodation,” explained project consultant Jefferson Lim.

Park saw the shortage of accommodations, especially in Mactan, and found it to be an opportunity for investment.

Durano said there is an increased demand for beach resort as a type of accommodation “because it is what we are short of.”

He said the construction of Imperial Palace Hotel will help solve the shortage of rooms in the province.

“It is a virtuous cycle. By increasing investment volume, we are increasing employment and business opportunities,” he said.

Since the waterpark resort will be marketed in Korea, Durano is sure of a further influx of Korean tourists in the next few years.
With this, he also encouraged existing hotels to upgrade their services and facilities.

Philippine BXT Corp., owned and operated by Korean stakeholders, tapped the services of Imperial Palace Hotel in Seoul to run and manage the resort.

Known to be one of Korea’s finest hotel chains, Imperial Palace Hotel has been recognized for its excellence in providing world-class luxury hotels. This will be their first venture in the Philippines.

“They are also looking into developing a 110-hectare golf court resort and retirement village in Cordova as an added facility,” said Lim.

Why Cebu?

Lim did not elaborate on the Cordova project, however.

The Korean firm decided to implement the project in Cebu because of “the mild temperature…a sea condition (with) which various sea sports can be enjoyed, easy access to big tourist markets, the use of English as a common language and inexpensive prices,” read a statement of Imperial Palace’s Shin Chul Ho.

The world class resort will have 616 rooms in six medium and three low-rise buildings. There will also be 40 single-units complete with amenities.

“The waterpark won’t just be a swimming pool, it will be a milestone in the water entertainment business, and Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort will become a hotel with a true imperial scent” Chul Ho’s statement read.

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/9169/imperialpalacehotelwp6.th.jpg

one of the most exciting developments around metro cebu... the other is coming from Sugbuanon: cebu megadome wow!!! really excited of all this latest developments i hope the megadome will be finalize

I noticed that there is a little difference on the two pictures shown. Maybe they redesign the park (the two swimming pools became three? not sure)

Everyone thought it was on hold because of legal issues and land disputes but here it is now, shocking us all that it is now smoothly under-construction. :applause:

a bigger version of the 2nd rendering

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/9169/imperialpalacehotelwp6.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o2/slerz4/TP1.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o2/slerz4/TP2.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o2/slerz4/TP3.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o2/slerz4/TP4.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/MarkiiBoi/imperialUntitled-1.jpg

Very good for Cebu! The Visayas Super Region is truly becoming the tourism center of the Philippines. On to 5 million tourists in 2010 we go!

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t140/slemarken/SSCAmara03.jpg

see the tower cranes @ the extreme right? that is the location of the imperial palace......

.........

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/IMG_2898.jpg

construction in full blast

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/IMG_2897.jpg

very near the shang/hilton cluster

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x102/pinakamaldito/IMG_2903.jpg

latest update from tj_brewed
as of 07-01-07

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/tj_brewed/echoshots/imperial.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/ip-3.jpg

^^ amazing.. construction's at a blazing speed. :)

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/ip-6.jpg

this baby is HHUUUUGGGEEEE! it looks bigger than the shang

yah it is... imagine 6 buildins with 16-storeys each... a huge one!

fast indeed! :shocked: at least mactan island is assured of having another AAA class resort hotel within 2 years. :D

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/ip.jpg

As of October 14, 2007
*sorry for the image quality

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2475/101420072159oc3.jpg

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9718/101420072160kd6.jpg

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7341/101420072161cg8.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3126/101420072162jt1.jpg

ganda!

-dp-

^^ hhmmmm.. i think u got things mixed up here.. thats imperial palace hotel in seoul, korea..

Yeah, that's not in Mactan

haha i got excited for nothing. :(

^^:lol::lol::lol:

^^ i think that's the original design of the hotel when Imperial Proposal first came up.... right?

^^ i think that's the original design of the hotel when Imperial Proposal first came up.... right?

Thats what I know... Sorry to all!

^^ delete mo na lang bai so we won't be confused here.

Imperial Palace Hotel - Seoul Korea
http://images.travelnow.com/hotels/SEL_AMIG-exter-2.jpg

Here: http://www.gusto.com/korea/seoul/hotels/imperialpalace-H26319Photos.html


Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa - Mactan
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9011/imperial01jr4.jpg

obviously, its design is even very different from that of the scale model.. :sleepy:

construction update: Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa


flickr! pic by @dandansuy

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2167/2084308426_a75bcc098c_o.jpg

construction update: Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa


flickr! pic by @dandansuy

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2167/2084308426_a75bcc098c_o.jpg

wow, massive.:banana::banana::banana::banana:

^^and it's just halfway yet! massive indeed :cool:

^^ based on that photo, does it mean that they're gonna demolish those structures in the foreground or the resort is actually facing the other side? please clarify. thanks!

^^ Massive nga, visible cya sa ere :D

Imperial Palace Waterpark and Spa
30 minutes ago

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/5710/dsc0009copyif6.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4237/dsc0008copyao2.jpg

Update on Imperial Palace

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2169071376_cf779fa618_o.jpg

^^wow, beautiful shot PositiveAura!!! Imperial Palace has similarities with The Shangri-La! :okay: very massive, i love it :cool:

ah, so they will have carve a white sandy beach out of those rocks? very much like shangri-la!

beautiful pic Cy!

the official website of Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa:

http://www.imperialcebu.com/

too bad the language isn't in English..

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/CIMG9567.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/CIMG9575.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/CIMG9576.jpg

^^ cool!:cheers:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/imperial5.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/imperial1.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/imperial2.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/imperial3.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/imperial4.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/imperial6.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/martiano/imperial7.jpg

^^ definitely better than Mactan Shangrila! :banana: another tourist attraction for Cebu.. :D

wow... :)

^^ wow! thanks sa pics bai Marv...

definitely a must-see attraction . . . thanks for the updates..

agh! magnifico!

^^ yehey naa na gyud taas-taas na water slide diri sa cebu!!!! maayu unta makasulod ra ang dili guests.


translation: whatever!

^ Tagalog and English only please. No exemptions. Thanks. :)

Hmm, I do hope that the waterpark feature is not just intended for the guests of the resort. They could place an entrance fee for the water features if that's what it takes for non-guests to enter. (For comparison, Splash Island in Laguna has an entrance fee of 350 on weekends)

hmm i do hope that it will look just like the renderings however koreans when it comes to building hotels arent that impressive.. just like the ones they have in boracay..

well, renderings do look nice always. i just hope they'll all build what they're suppose to build especially the waterpark!

hmm i do hope that it will look just like the renderings however koreans when it comes to building hotels arent that impressive.. just like the ones they have in boracay..

are the korean developers of imperial palace the same with the developers at boracay resorts? if not, then let us not misjudge PBX Corporation for this great project. one bad korean project doesnt mean all other korean projects are the same.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/imperial%20palace/waterslide-1.jpg
waterslide

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/imperial%20palace/waterslide.jpg
waterslide

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/imperial%20palace/poolbar.jpg
poolbar

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/imperial%20palace/attractionzone.jpg
attraction zone

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/imperial%20palace/adventurepool.jpg
adventutre pool

yea your right vatics.. i hope for the best for this project.. another great hoetl can surely boost cebu even more..

Thank you IMPERIAL PALACE for stepping up the competition in Mactan and in the Conde Nast list of the best island ocean in Asia and the Pacific for Cebu.

Shangrila Mactan made it to the list of Conde Nast best resorts in Asia and the Pacific way back in 1996. It won't be impossible for IMPERIAL PALACE to make it to the list after 5 to 10 years from its opening in 2009.

I can never get enough of the slides and river pool (adventure pool), if all those goes through that will be the place to be in all the time for fun!!

^^ definitely better than Mactan Shangrila! :banana: another tourist attraction for Cebu.. :D

without doubt this resort will boost further cebu's tourism industry and everybody should welcome it. however i doubt if this would be better than mactan shangri-la. the latter's facilities and service are simply impeccable. :):)

^^well, we'll hope for the best. imperial palace is one of the best hotels in s. korea so this will definitely not be just another hotel/resort.

Imperial Palace
(as of April 2008)

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/2008_0413/ImperialPalace4.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/2008_0413/ImperialPalace3.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/2008_0413/ImperialPalace2.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/2008_0413/ImperialPalace1.jpg

Progress Report: 65%

from: http://www.imperialcebu.com/eng/sub4_4.htm

wow!

Imperial Palace is Nice!!.. Huge Project!...

Sad Thing I forgot to take its picture while there was still daylite..:ohno: .. at least the pic below is an update:lol:, taken today.
http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/6717/img0996copyus8.jpg

...look how promising is the Imperial Waterpark Resort & Spa
(tall building on the right side is the latest addition to the EGI Condos)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/2447917526_9b0a7bda57_o.jpg
flickr! pic by @rliuccic

Oh WoW! Oh my!
Look howpromising Mactan is! as a major beach destination worldwide...
Gimingaw na gyud ko og beach. Wala beach diri, batoon man ang Taiwan.

...look how promising is the Imperial Waterpark Resort & Spa
(tall building on the right side is the latest addition to the EGI Condos)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/2447917526_9b0a7bda57_o.jpg
flickr! pic by @rliuccic

nice vantage point as well. where was this taken kaha...
we are on our way in becoming a premier tourist destination! :banana:

i would love to visit this place once completed! :D

...thanks to @SUV111


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2170/2460708477_f23b0af60c.jpg?v=0

...look how promising is the Imperial Waterpark Resort & Spa
(tall building on the right side is the latest addition to the EGI Condos)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/2447917526_9b0a7bda57_o.jpg
flickr! pic by @rliuccic

was this shot from Maribago Blue Waters resort? :dunno:

^^ the photo of @SUV111, he indicated that it was taken at White Sands...anong katabi ng White Sands...looks like, katabi lang ang place na kinunan nong pic na tinatanong mo....

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/524/cimg0368ey9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

background: imperial palace hotel and EGI condominium

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8255/cimg0377ex1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

nindot kau ang view sa?.. :D

Wow nice view!!!

what is this beautiful structure blocking the imperial palace resort? :lol:
seriously, it looks like the resort's buildings are taking shape na. really massive!

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8255/cimg0377ex1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

nindot kau ang view sa?.. :D

:nuts: i can see cebu's mountains from down here. thanks @marvin :okay:

:nuts: i can see cebu's mountains from down here. thanks @marvin :okay:

haha! mountains duol sa dagat! :banana:
rectangular shape lagi iyang shades noh? :banana:

Developer opens Lapu-Lapu project to condotel buyers (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/06/02/bus/developer.opens.lapu.lapu.project.to.condotel.buyers.html)
Sun-Star Online
Monday, June 02, 2008

WITH the unveiling of its official logo, the latest hotel and resort development in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City opened its doors to investors who want to own a vacation home and enjoy a five-star hotel lifestyle.

Philippine BXT Corp. (PhilBXT), developer of Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, announced last Saturday that it is now ready to accept applications to purchase condo-hotel units at the resort project.

Bruce Chiongbian, vice-president of Phil BXT, said the company is offering “market driven investments,” like the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort that is targeted for completion by the end of this year.

“The investor will also enjoy privileges exclusive only to him,” said Reno Bacolod, Imperial Palace marketing manager.

He said that aside from owning a fully-furnished hotel room, the investor will also be assigned one golf share without any added cost.

The company will also offer a three-year return-of-investment scheme where investors will earn a guaranteed eight percent of the actual investment price every year during the first three years of the hotel’s operation. After three years of its operation, the hotel may also offer to buy back the unit at the original purchase price.

“This, if the investor will allow it,” Bacolod said.

He said that all 10 units located on the ninth floor of Imperial Palace’s Building D have been blocked off.

A total of 70 one-bedroom suites are now available with prices ranging from P9 million to over P11 million.

Once the resort becomes fully operational, it will have a total of 556 hotel rooms and amenities that will “surpass standard requirements.”

Hotel rooms will have an area ranging from a minimum of 38 square meters to 110 square meters.

Aside from the hotel rooms, the 7.5-hectare resort will also feature, among others, restaurants, pool and a golf course. (DME)

Imperial Palace Waterpark targets December opening (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=52&type=2&sec=71&aid=2008060279)
The Freeman
Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The Imperial Palace WaterPark Resort and Spa will open a total of 556 five-star rooms this coming December 2008, as the developer of the P3 billion resort project vows to finish the construction on schedule.

“We are running on schedule, and will have a soft opening of the available 556 rooms by December this year,” said Philippine BXT Corporation chairman Yong Jun Park.

Once opened, Imperial Palace WaterPark Resort will become the largest five-star resort in Cebu.

Upon the scheduled opening of the resort on December this year, the company will also start to build a 70-hectare Golf Course facility that will be situated near Mactan Island area, said Bruce Chiongbian, the company vice president for golf course development.

The opening of Korean-led Imperial Palace Water Park Resort is seen to maximize Cebu’s attractiveness to Korean travelers, as it will provide an additional five-star accommodation of over 500 rooms.

In a study conducted by the company, there are at least 11 million Korean tourists eyeing the Philippines or Cebu as their preferred destination. However, due to the perceived room shortage problem, around 200 thousand to 300 thousand Korean tourists visit the Philippines every year.

Phil. BXT Corporation, the developer of the project, has tapped the services of Imperial Palace Hotel in Seoul, Korea to run and manage the resort. Imperial Palace Hotel is one of the finest in Korea with a vast network in their home country and the rest of the world.

Of the total 556 rooms, 300 room units will be available for sale for investors, and these units will be managed by Imperial Palace Hotel chain.

Next month, a team of Imperial Place Hotel management group will be in Cebu to train employees of the resort, with the target hiring of at least 1,500 resort workers. —Ehda M. Dagooc

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/524/cimg0368ey9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

background: imperial palace hotel and EGI condominium

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8255/cimg0377ex1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

nindot kau ang view sa?.. :D

wow nindot gyud mura na gyud og pina miami ang dating!!!! :banana:

from miami..... to mactan..... the transformation begins..... your vacation will never be the same again in cebu.... experience the alluring holiday ambiance of cebu's world-class resort destinations.....

cebu.... beyond expectations!:rock::rock::rock:

any update...?

Latest Construction Update (as of July 2008)
70% complete

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/5753/ip1sb3.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6955/ip2ng6.jpg

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/6889/ip3ke3.jpg

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/5273/ip4gb6.jpg

photos from Imperial Palace's official website

^^ in a few months, those will turn into a white sand beach...hehehhe

flickr pic @philcebuproperties

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2687771098_b7a4573d71_o.jpg

^^ in a few months, those will turn into a white sand beach...hehehhe

I wonder saan nila kukunin this time ang white sand? :cheers:

^^ i think di na allowed yan ngayon na mag-angkat ng white sand sa ibang lugar...but Cebuanos are very resourceful....perhaps, they will use "anapog" which Cebu has a lot of it...by grinding it very finely...walah! ...instant white sand beach! hehehehhe!

^^ i think di na allowed yan ngayon na mag-angkat ng white sand sa ibang lugar...but Cebuanos are very resourceful....perhaps, they will use "anapog" which Cebu has a lot of it...by grinding it very finely...walah! ...instant white sand beach! hehehehhe!

The second factor is the skill and artistry of the workers. Cebu has a history of its people’s ingenuity in making do with what they have, given the land they cannot really depend on for food and livelihood. Cebuanos are used to making things with whatever is on hand for them to work with. And because they are surrounded by beautiful, natural scenery, they can’t help but turn out things of beauty. They are naturally artistic.

from : this (http://www.cebu-philippines.net/cebu-furniture-exporter.html)

...look at the background! ...it's her....hehehhe!


pic by @cellularlens of flickr!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2713124552_d97b0726c3_o.jpg

^^ nice!!!

^^ i think di na allowed yan ngayon na mag-angkat ng white sand sa ibang lugar...but Cebuanos are very resourceful....perhaps, they will use "anapog" which Cebu has a lot of it...by grinding it very finely...walah! ...instant white sand beach! hehehehhe!

or perhaps synthetic white sand made of silicon..


...

^^ i hope ang Saudi Arabia, mag export sila ng sand nila...hehehe...meron sila rito light brown, white at red sand....red kaha, para unique...ehehhe!

Pagkatapos nung isa.....

http://i35.************/dli4pl.jpg
wala ako magawa eh :D

^^ nice bai! ..tapusin mo rin yong main building...hehhehe!

flickr pic by @goyo916

...the one on the right is the new building of EGI City by the Sea Hotel...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2768765633_b7f9b97eeb_b.jpg

...please check out the Public Information Video in their official webiste:


http://www.imperialcebu.com/eng/main.htm

Pagkatapos nung isa.....

http://i35.************/dli4pl.jpg
wala ako magawa eh :D

nakakainis talaga yung karamihan na nagdedevlop dyan sa maribago, ang hilig nilang magtayo nang stuctures, mga seawall at mga concrete sa shoreline, nasa tubig na nga yung iba, pangit tingnan nawawala yung natural rock formation and sand...same thing with the marigondon shoreline..bat kaya ganyan mostly ang development dyan sa mactan...alam kaya nila na nakakasira sila sa natural view nang shoreline!!!!hahaaayyy..:bash:

nakakainis talaga yung karamihan na nagdedevlop dyan sa maribago, ang hilig nilang magtayo nang stuctures, mga seawall at mga concrete sa shoreline, nasa tubig na nga yung iba, pangit tingnan nawawala yung natural rock formation and sand...same thing with the marigondon shoreline..bat kaya ganyan mostly ang development dyan sa mactan...alam kaya nila na nakakasira sila sa natural view nang shoreline!!!!hahaaayyy..:bash:

are you talking about resorts like blue reef and others? yah, i agree with you...

passed by the area a while ago...the location is not a spectacular as Shang...and the road sucks...

if Radaza has brains, he better push for the creation of a wide sea-side avenue that would run adjacent to Mactan's Golden Mile, rather than pursue his quixotic (and pathetic) reclamation project

^^ yes, that area, wala pa gyud panindoti ang road...maybe, ang reason ka'y basin ang mga big trucks sa construction mo-guba lang sa road while construction on-going...i hope, inig start sa finishing sa building, they will rehabilitate that area there... SAME CASE sa Shang-rila, i thought dili i-rehabilitate ang road while on-going ang construction pero pag-open, na ayos man diay ang road...

u think they can open by year's end? All the structures still doesn't have windows. It's not easy to put in the interior. You can't rush the interior if you want durability and luxury.

^^ as per their official website, it's "OPENING DECEMBER 2008"

here: http://www.imperialpalace.co.kr/eng/company/ci.asp

updates!! i got this pic ganina lang.. The Imperial Palace Resort

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2836333142_6ff61fa238.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2835498081_561edcf481.jpg?v=0

According to the Imperial Palace website, construction progress is already at 70%.
Click the link to see the updates.

http://www.imperialcebu.com/eng/sub4_4.htm

makasulod kaha ta locals dinhi? :(

makasulod kaha ta locals dinhi? :(

Sulod uy! Aw kung dili, ato sang i-persona non-grata ang mga Koreano dinhi.:banana:

3months more to go...

3months more to go...

guaranteed? or hopefully?:)

...Mandaue City & Mactan Island (see the Imperial Hotel? ...it's massive!)


flickr pic by @asyzoom
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2934902028_f28d6cb99e_b.jpg

In the bottom of the pic is the house of Y. Larrazabal (Cebu Doctors), he spent more than 8 million pesos just in "riprap" alone to elevate his property to take advantage of the city views

^^ P8M para riprap?!? naa bay charity ward ang ilang mga hospital?

This seems to be true bay because I heard years ago that his house is worth at least P40 million. But Doc Yong and wife Donna remain mum about media inquiries about it. ^^:cheers:

^^ di ba, diniscribe na ilang balay sa mga showbiznews nga "palasyo" kuno, dili balay...hehe!

^^ di ba, diniscribe na ilang balay sa mga showbiznews nga "palasyo" kuno, dili balay...hehe!

Bitaw sa una bay. Dako gyud siguro sila gasto. ^^

This seems to be true bay because I heard years ago that his house is worth at least P40 million. But Doc Yong and wife Donna remain mum about media inquiries about it. ^^:cheers:

I think it can easily be more than 100M considering the massive grading work and imported materials used to build it.

^^ P8M para riprap?!? naa bay charity ward ang ilang mga hospital?

My wife is the charge nurse for the CDUH charity ward, so there is.

^^that's good. i think they deserve it. i just wish they can give back more to their employees.

This seems to be true bay because I heard years ago that his house is worth at least P40 million. But Doc Yong and wife Donna remain mum about media inquiries about it. ^^:cheers:

mas maau no comment kay kuyaw ang backlash na oftentimes irrational. pistahan jud nis mga hao-shiao journalists kung mo-confirm sila :lol:

http://www.imperialcebu.com/eng/sub4_4.htm

^^ i'll do it for you bai....here!


...as of September 2008
http://www.imageocean.net/images/agokkg6lglj3t5albae7.jpg



http://www.imageocean.net/images/h2kv60gh1d3h3gin2u8.jpg



http://www.imageocean.net/images/uqr5uw3d4ab1uyddvi.jpg



http://www.imageocean.net/images/4j5xny1at1tmv8cs41d.jpg

^^ this is massive...

^^ yeah..looks like housing to me....:jk::lol::lol::lol:

new photos (still as of September 2008)

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/imperial%20palace/1115082.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/imperial%20palace/1115081.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/imperial%20palace/1115086.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/imperial%20palace/1115085.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/imperial%20palace/1115084.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/dabert/Cebu%20Pics/imperial%20palace/1115083.jpg

pics from http://www.imperialcebu.com/eng/sub4_4.htm

nice!!!

ngigah oi. pirting paspasa sa construction.

hapit na gyud...

may unta mahuman nani para mas mo daghan pa ang mo ari na tourist who knows one of those tourist na maka kita sa kanindot sa cebu maka decide pod mo invest diri.

^^

yeah, koreans todo todo....:lol::lol:

They were supposed to open last December. Any news if they did?

yeah any news? i'm planning to spend Valentines there sa Imperial Palace :cheers2:

yeah any news? i'm planning to spend Valentines there sa Imperial Palace :cheers2:

their website says that they are 90% complete. there are also pix as of dec 2008. most structural construction are finished i think, kulang na lang ay finishing works and landscaping.

^ Here:

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/8739/35536101bw5.jpg

^^

wow! BTW, I'm proud that the korean owner is prioritizing the HRM and Tourism graduates of my beloved alma mater to work in Imperial Palace coz remember, Atty. Go is the Korean Consul of Cebu....:)

^^ what happened to their case on "illegal quarrying"?

the building is huge if you look at it in person.

^^ what happened to their case on "illegal quarrying"?

Just heard it now lang. I dunno bai...:)

^^ Wow! pang world class ang dating ng Hotel...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kQ0NwgjkH4

how can i embed video here from youtube?
thank you...

^^ just like posting a pic but use the word "youtube" instead...anyway, let me do it for you bai..here:

6kQ0NwgjkH4

International gyod ang promotion sa imperial palace.

yeah any news? i'm planning to spend Valentines there sa Imperial Palace :cheers2:

@bai resty heres updated sa Imperial Palace 1/7/09

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3180703113_5d8b9a6ac6_o.jpg

:)

International gyod ang promotion sa imperial palace.

International gyud? or pang-koreans?

:okay:

Imperial Palace Waterpark declared tourism ecozone (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=436725&publicationSubCategoryId=108)
By Ehda M. Dagooc Updated February 02, 2009 12:00 AM


The Philippine government has proclaimed the eight-hectare Imperial Palace WaterPark Resort and Spa in Mactan Island, as the first tourism economic zone in Cebu.

The P4.5 billion condotel project, developed by Korean-led company Philippine BXT Corporation targets to have its soft opening and start partial commercial operation on March this year.

"This is the first tourism economic zone proclaimed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Cebu, if not in the Visayas," said Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Lilia De Lima.

During the ceremonial turn-over of the proclamation, De Lima said the development will show to the world that Philippines, specifically Cebu that business is bullish, despite the global economic downturn.

Under Presidential Proclamation number 1681, BXT Corporation automatically avails fiscal perks from the government, such as duty-free importation of capital equipment, and other tax incentives, including the promotions of the Department of Tourism's (DOT) "Live Your Dream" campaign.

DOT secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano said in an interview that other tourism-related projects in Cebu will soon be declared as Tourism Zone, and this will help tourism sector thrive amid the distressed economic situation in the world, while attracting more investors to put in tourism-related projects in the Philippines.

Also, to attract more investments in the tourism industry the DOT and PEZA inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA), to grant special economic zone status to tourism development zone; tourism estates including grant of incentives to registrable activities.

Pursuant to Republic Act number 7916, as amended by R.A. number 8748, tourism development zones/tourism estates may be granted Special Eco-Zone status upon registration to PEZA and issuance of the required Presidential Proclamation.

PEZA however will only consider proposed tourism development zones/tourism estates endorsed by the DOT, consistent with the guidelines created by both concerned agencies.

Tourist-oriented enterprises locating in Tourism Economic Zone (TEZ) may be granted fiscal and non-fiscal incentives provided under RA 7916, as amended.

According to Durano, the Robinson's Land condotel project on Mactan Island called Amisa, and other expansion projects like that of Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa are now currently applying as TEZ.

DOT and PEZA have identified the list of registrable activities for availment of incentives that will be locating inside the proclaimed TEZ, these are; Deluxe or First Class Hotel, condominium hotels and serviced residences/apartments; AAA class resort; theme park; museum/art galleries; health and wellness facility, sports and recreational center; international convention/trade center and airport, seaport.

Phil. BXT Corporation, the developer of the project, has tapped the services of Imperial Palace Hotel in Seoul, Korea to run and manage the resort. Imperial Palace Hotel is one of the finest in Korea with a vast network in their home country and the rest of the world.

Of the total 556 rooms, 425 room units will be available for sale for investors, and these units will be managed by Imperial Palace Hotel chain.

International gyud? or pang-koreans?

they're not as bad as some filipinos would think baya, although they can be xenophobic towards people of different races--my friends admit that--it's a trait that is slowly dying down among the young people as they become more open to the world...remember, they spent nearly half a millenium as a hermit kingdom secluded from the world...

besides, i bet people in other countries could think the same about us filipinos too (read: "why are they all over the place?")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kQ0NwgjkH4

translated bits from a few words i understood and the rest from inference:
"thinking (think) of good quality and value resort a few hours from Seoul"

...bai, @slemarken...thanks sa link...here's some of the photos of

Cebu's 1st EcoTourism Zone, IMPERIAL WATERPARK RESORT & SPA:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll57/flyingfish14/P1301508.jpg


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll57/flyingfish14/P1301511.jpg


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll57/flyingfish14/P1301513.jpg


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll57/flyingfish14/P1301598.jpg


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll57/flyingfish14/P1301669.jpg


http://images.donelthedrifter.multiply.com/image/6/photos/212/1200x1200/18/P1301601.jpg?et=r0GubnL3Ihbvu5eBrwCkWA&nmid=188625421


source: http://donelthedrifter.multiply.com/photos/album/212

^^

not only Cebu's first but the entire country in general! WOW! :cool::cool:

WOW...this one is very nice...:cheers:

i hope the bare white paint is only a primer.

^^

i hope so too. pero they say that the grand opening will be on April pa so basin naa pay mga add-ons, hope it would be the paint...hehehe

...bai correction, it's Bohol which got the 1st permit for EcoTourism Zone :okay:


^^

not only Cebu's first but the entire country in general! WOW! :cool::cool:

...i think final na yan bai...the building looks beautiful up close...just like Shangri-la's...

i hope the bare white paint is only a primer.

...bai correction, it's Bohol which got the 1st permit for EcoTourism Zone :okay:

Bai, it is not an Ecotourism zone but a Tourism Economic Zone..TEZ (which does not really focus on the eco or environmental side), and the first one to be granted as such in the entire country.

But you are right with Bohol I think, in the Ecotourism Zone side.:cheers:

New Cebu hotel hiring 1,000
By Roderick T. dela Cruz
Manila Standard Today



CEBU—A five-star hotel and resort built by Korean investors on Mactan Island is now hiring more than 1,000 staff to run the 7.5-hectare project when it opens in April this year.

“During this global economic downturn, we are showing to the world that Cebu is bullish,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Durano said Philippine BXT Corp. had spent more than P4 billion to build the 557-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa on a 7.5-hectare paradise in Maribago, Lapu Lapu City.

It will be run by Imperial Palace, which also manages hotels in Seoul, Korea and Fukuoka, Japan.

The project has a 180-meter wide beach line, impressive swimming facilities and private villas.

The resort will soon have its own 18-hole golf course and country club designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer in central Cebu.

Durano said more than 2,000 Filipinos were employed during the construction phase of the project, while 1,100 others will be employed as hotel staff when it opens this year.

Shenon Kwon, public relations manager of Phil BXT, confirmed that positions were available for all divisions in the company, including administration, guest relations and reception, room, restaurants, laundry and facilities.

Durano said thousands of others would benefit from the project, including suppliers, transport owners, and retail operators.

Lilia de Lima, director-general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, said the project proved that there were opportunities in the economy, despite the financial difficulties of electronic companies located in special economic zones.

De Lima went to Cebu last year to declare the hotel area a tourism economic zone. She said Phil BXT’s project was the first tourism ecozone declared by President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo in the Visayas.

“We see the potential of our investments here in Cebu,” said Park Jong Hwan, president of Phil BXT.

Amando Huh, general manager of Imperial Palace, said the hotel company was also looking at other investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Durano said the new five-star hotel would provide more rooms for foreign tourists, which are expected to remain above three million this year, despite the global economic crisis. Some 3.2 million foreign tourists visited the Philippines, he said.

Durano said the last four years were the renaissance period for Philippine tourism, with the impressive growth in international visitor arrivals and tourism investments.

...bai correction, it's Bohol which got the 1st permit for EcoTourism Zone :okay:

Bai, it is not an Ecotourism zone but a Tourism Economic Zone..TEZ (which does not really focus on the eco or environmental side), and the first one to be granted as such in the entire country.

But you are right with Bohol I think, in the Ecotourism Zone side.:cheers:

you guys are definitely awesome!! total power! :cool:

sec. ace durano revealed before that bantayan island will become an ecotourism zone...and hopefully the current seaport will be relocated to brgy. baigad to make way for a full swing promotion of sta. fe town as a white-sand beach resort destination....

This is very good for Cebu!

^^ what's soon to rise bai? AMISA? heheheh!

ang ganda ng Imperial Palace!! :eek: hmmm, parang may next na akong pupuntahan sa bakasyon :D

Cebu deserved to be best...............love it!

^^ and only the best! it would be nice that cebu will feature many more multi-million resort developments, casinos, golf courses, private villas, hotels, theme parks, entertainment centers, etc. when you think of "leisure"... you will only think of "cebu"... cebu means leisure!

^^ business and leisure all in one and only serving the BEST! :cool:

^^^^
mura gyud og mga linya sa brochure...hahaha! advertise kaayo...:lol::lol:
sakto na masobraan nya sa propaganda! kalma lang... :lol:
magexpect nya too much ang mga visitors..
daghan pa baya og bati diri sa ato cebu, labi na sa mactan..:lol:

^^

sakto! sakto! sakto! :lol::master::master:

i think the most pressing matters now.. is to develop a five to six star class circumferential road in the whole of Mactan Island. With an International Airport, a burgeoning Export Zones and Tourist Belt, i believe Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova has a very secure place in Cebu's highly developing economy.

i think the most pressing matters now.. is to develop a five to six star class circumferential road in the whole of Mactan Island. With an International Airport, a burgeoning Export Zones and Tourist Belt, i believe Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova has a very secure place in Cebu's highly developing economy.

excellent idea,
a nice comfortable 6 lane highway annexing all the export amneties, hotels, resorts, condos and compound-residences with the airport and further on to the city of cebu. prettily landscaped on the island between the lanes with tall palmtrees and colorful native plants i.e. bouganvilla, etc.

^^ like the famous sunset boulevard?

^^

EXACTLY! :okay::okay:

^^

EXACTLY! :okay::okay:

you guys got it ! that would push mactan & cebu to great quality. they should then also plan bus lanes on the outer sides to complement the brt proposal.

bai, open na man daw. how much ang entrance to use the water park?

and naay forumer who knows if they have condos? ganahan ko magpa-accredit!:banana:

^^ yes. imperial palace has condos available. you can actually join us either this friday or saturday for project orientation. i'm still waiting for the schedule confirmation from mr. reno bacolod, head of marketing at imperial palace.

so when is this resort open to the public? Any idea how much their rooms are?

grand opening this coming march 2009. condos starting at 9M for one-bedroom suite having an area of 76 sq.mt. or 818 sq.ft.

anyone have news as to their rates? Was thinking of trying them out this holy week, IF they are already available. If they want to target holy week guests, they should be already offering, if not, they may be losing out already as others would have made their holy week plans as early as possible. Thus, naka-lock in na yung iba.

^^ i just asked reno bacolod, the marketing director of imperial palace, about the waterpark's rates and he said that only hotel guests and condotel suite owners are privileged to use the waterpark. you need to check-in first before you can enjoy the waterpark as part of the hotel package. he talks about exclusivity.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2146/img0096copy.jpg

^^^That sucks! I think Imperial would have a bit of problem competing with shangrila and Plantation since that waterpark usually be more attractive to families with kids. Most of the tourists that visit the Philippines or Cebu are mostly adults couples and such. We never know, maybe it might attrack a newer crowd where it is more of a family based leisure travelers. I'm sure filipino tourists would be more attracted with this than mostly foreign.

I think the concept of waterpark should be more for public use.

^^^^
This article seems to contradict the idea that it is only for check in guests.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/comment/reply/20536

Resort keeps optimism

March 4, 2009



A FOREIGN-funded hotel and resort in Mactan Island is set to open next quarter, barely three years after it broke ground in July 2006.

The Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, located in Lapu-Lapu City, is confident it will perform well this year despite the declining number of Korean tourists in Cebu.

The P3-billion project, developed by Philippine BXT Corp., will be operated by Korean hotel chain Imperial Palace. The hotel and resort is registered under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as a tourism economic zone.

Amando Huh, general manager-designate of Imperial Palace, told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday that the waterpark will allow the resort to attract not only the leisure travel market, but also local and foreign water sport enthusiasts.

“(This) kind of attraction will bring in the tourists and locals,” he said.

Imperial Palace will also offer day-use packages for Cebu residents at “attractive and reasonable” prices.

Huh said Imperial Palace also expects Korean honeymooners, who consider Cebu as a honeymoon destination, to drive its sales performance in its first year of operations.

“Honeymoon travelers are not decreasing,” he added.

For those in the leisure market who want to “completely relax,” Imperial Palace offers pool villas, which have private pools and Jacuzzis.

Jobs

Adventurous guests, on the other hand, can choose from a variety of water attractions—the Wave Rider, an artificial tide pool; Captain Hook’s Pool that features a ride on Captain Hook’s ship and a water slide; and the Amazon River, which allows one to ride down the pool through an inflatable tube. The resort also features a swimming pool for toddlers and a pool with a beach. Water sports are available for children and adults.

As Imperial Palace prepares for its opening on May 20, Huh said the company is busy filling up a number of positions for the hotel operations.

Upon opening, Imperial Palace will hire at least 1,000 individuals. Around 30 expatriates have also been hired by the company for some of its food and beverage outlets.

Huh said Imperial Palace will also offer nine restaurants—all to be operated by the hotel—that offer international, Asian and contemporary cuisine.

One of the restaurants, Maru, will offer traditional Korean food prepared by Korean chefs who will use ingredients that will be imported from the Imperial Palace headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.

Imperial Palace sits on an eight-hectare property in Barangay Maribago. It will have 557 rooms, including 48 pool villas.

Its fitness and wellness facilities include the Caracalla Spa that has nine spa suite rooms, 11 treatment rooms, separate sauna for men and women, steam room and a plunge pool. Meeting facilities and function rooms will also be available.

Aside from its “unique” facilities and amenities, Huh said the hotel-resort aims to provide each guest a “memorable” time. “The memorable experience is what makes our guests come back,” he added. (DME)

^^^That sucks! I think Imperial would have a bit of problem competing with shangrila and Plantation since that waterpark usually be more attractive to families with kids. Most of the tourists that visit the Philippines or Cebu are mostly adults couples and such. We never know, maybe it might attrack a newer crowd where it is more of a family based leisure travelers. I'm sure filipino tourists would be more attracted with this than mostly foreign.

^^I think the concept of waterpark should be more for public use.

Accdg. to Reno Bacolod, the waterpark facilities can only be used by in-house guests and condotel owners. Restaurants, spa, karaoke, etc. are open to walk-ins.

I find it very reasonable that the waterpark is restricted because opening it to the public will forfeit the purpose of providing added luxury to hotel guests and condotel owners. when you talk about a different kind of experience, you have to consider exclusivity. Extra care is given to every guests and condotel owners.

Imperial Palace is not your ordinary resort hotel. Villas and condotel owners invest at least 8 million for their units. All villas with private pools were sold out starting at 22 million pesos for the smallest villa.

Accdg. to Reno Bacolod, the waterpark facilities can only be used by in-house guests and condotel owners. Restaurants, spa, karaoke, etc. are open to walk-ins.

I find it very reasonable that the waterpark is restricted because opening it to the public will forfeit the purpose of providing added luxury to hotel guests and condotel owners. when you talk about a different kind of experience, you have to consider exclusivity. Extra care is given to every guests and condotel owners.

Imperial Palace is not your ordinary resort hotel. Villas and condotel owners invest at least 8 million for their units. All villas with private pools were sold out starting at 22 million pesos for the smallest villa.

I think in this case, THE PRICE of the day-use package would set the level of exclusivity. Like the case of Shangri-la's day use package. Do we see the entire hotel flooded with outsiders? Maybe not, because it is expensive and not for your common Dodong and Inday. So I think eventually, their staunch stand on exclusivity (which of course they would market especially during the selling stage of the units) would probably give in to demand, or when they figure out that there is much to gain by allowing day-users to enjoy their water facilities at a premium price.

^^ agree sab ko ana bai @vatics about "exclusivity" !!! ...imagine kung i-open sa public with afordable rates, mura na'g hinoon mahimo ng Villa Teresita sa Talisay...mahimong ka-cheapan....so, sakto gyud na ilang gihimo ka'y 5-star rated hotel baya ni...dili ni pang-masa....hehehe! ...ang privacy sa mga guests ma-apektuhan pa gyud...

ill stay here next time im incebu

IMO, there is nothing wrong with exclusivity man sad and partly also that mactan's beaches aren't those like boracay, bantayan, etc. with nice expanse of beachfront where you can walk along from place to place in bare foot!

not only are villa and condotel owners enjoy the waterpark facility but included in their investment price is the golf club membership. the golf course will be developed in cordova which has an excellent coastal view.

^^ i just asked reno bacolod, the marketing director of imperial palace, about the waterpark's rates and he said that only hotel guests and condotel suite owners are privileged to use the waterpark. you need to check-in first before you can enjoy the waterpark as part of the hotel package. he talks about exclusivity.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2146/img0096copy.jpg

THIS ONE IS HUGE.:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Accdg. to Reno Bacolod, the waterpark facilities can only be used by in-house guests and condotel owners. Restaurants, spa, karaoke, etc. are open to walk-ins.

I find it very reasonable that the waterpark is restricted because opening it to the public will forfeit the purpose of providing added luxury to hotel guests and condotel owners. when you talk about a different kind of experience, you have to consider exclusivity. Extra care is given to every guests and condotel owners.

Imperial Palace is not your ordinary resort hotel. Villas and condotel owners invest at least 8 million for their units. All villas with private pools were sold out starting at 22 million pesos for the smallest villa.

Well, they will charge the outside user and the management can impose a strict rule that people will have to follow. If they restrict outsiders who can afford the use of it, would probably cause them to lose business because maintaining and running a waterpark is a bit more costlier than maintaining a hotel-beach resort like Shangrila because of the added feature and attraction of the park.

The management should make sure proper attire is worn for swimming, outside foods are not allowed and such. Somehow you're right the need of restrictions because it's actually a hotel and resort place and not just a water park.

This is why I think this concept isn't really good and they would lose business right away because they won't be able to completely serve the hotel clients the utmost luxury and relaxed experience that shangrila, Plantatation bay and hilton hotel can offer except inside the hotel building itself. These types of hotels usually should cater for family holiday (couples with young kids most especially) instead of a luxurious and romantic setting for singles ,couples or honeymooners which seems to be the type of tourists Cebu has been getting.

^^ that's too early for you to assume bai...we'll see! ..you know bai, in demand baya ang mga resort-type hotel sa Cebu og pirmi full occupancy...plus, na-a baya daghan sa Cebu nga mga can-afford nga mo-check-in lang gyud para makagamit sa facilities...

@mwg12a... please do not limit what cebu can offer to tourists because that is what people are looking forward to when they are in cebu...there is always something different every time they visit cebu...and cebu never fails to surprise them.

imperial palace waterpark resort & spa caters to many different types of tourists, not only honeymooners or families on vacation. remember that the resort also promotes medical tourism with its healthcare facilities found within the confines of the resort.

imperial palace facilities include:
* seaside filipino restaurant
* chinese restaurant
* korean restaurant
* buffet & cafe
* marine sports shop
* fitness club
* spa & massage clinic
* medical & derma clinic
* grand ballroom
* function rooms
* karaoke bar
* bakery
* promenade deck
* business center
* shopping center
* coffee lounge
* tennis courts

for villa & condotel suite owners, they get a playing right to a world class golf course designed by the legendary arnold palmer.

^^

@mwg: don't think too hard bai...;)

^^

@mwg: don't think too hard bai...;)

ay naku! nia na pud mo mag-abot diri. lalis nasad. nahala pasagdi na siya sa iyang gibati. :lol::lol::lol::lol:

^^

uy, i was not thinking that way, i was just reaffirming others opinions here... :okay:

ay naku! nia na pud mo mag-abot diri. lalis nasad. nahala pasagdi na siya sa iyang gibati. :lol::lol::lol::lol:

^^

uy, i was not thinking that way, i was just reaffirming others opinions here... :okay:

:):banana:

OT: Maau kay wa mu init ang ulo. Bati kau na na impression kanang mag init ang ulo sa forum. masunog ta..fire prevention month pa ra ba. hehe

Dapat friendly ta sa uban kay basin people would think na dili friendly ang mga taga Cebu..di na nya sila mu visit diri..esp sa Imperial Palace Waterpark.

^^

OT: hahaha...really im not that type of person that hold grudges to the extent of chasing after the person coz even though we might have "FAR" too different opinions regarding those things (di na lang ko magsaba), its just an isolated case! :lol::lol::laugh:

^^

OT: hahaha...really im not that type of person that hold grudges to the extent of chasing after the person coz even though we might have "FAR" too different opinions regarding those things (di na lang ko magsaba), its just an isolated case! :lol::lol::laugh:

Bitaw. :banana: :banana:

Na excite pud ko aning waterpark bisan di ko kahibaw mu langoy (nag tuon2 pa). Pila kahay bayad ani noh? Lingaw mag slide2. pwede ra mag salbabida..kanang pang bata ba. kanang itik ug purma. haha! dapat makat-on na ko.

^^

hahaha...di ka kahibalo mulangoy sa? hehehe

^^ naa koy buwaya og dolphin nga salbabida @hiroshima... hulam ka? :) dili pwede itik kay hugawan mana.... :lol::lol::lol:

^^

haha!
nahan kog Butanding or Pawikan na salbabida.. pwede pud star fish or sea urchin, lapu2, tilapya. magpa custom-made. hehe... kung wa gyud...kanang ligid sa trak na lang! HAHAHA!

OT na ni oi. balik sa topic :bash:

15 hotels to open this year (http://http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news4_mar23_2009)
By Roderick T. dela Cruz

FIFTEEN new hotels and resorts offering 2,000 rooms will open this year despite the economic downturn, the Tourism Department says.

The new properties are worth P20 billion, and they will be employing 3,000 workers, the department says.

It says some of these new properties have already opened, and they include 28 cluster villas under the Amanpulo Resorts, which owns Sugihara Villa Resort, Vauban Villa Resort, Salamanca Villa Resort, Almonavides Villa Resort, La Galice Villa Resort, Kapangyarihan Villa Resort, and La Pucelle Villa Resort.

Rates at the Amanpulo properties start at $1,150 a night.

Shangri La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, with 219 rooms, opened to guests on March 2 with daily rates of P20,500.

Discovery Bay Misibis on Cagraray Island, Albay, with 38 villas, also opened early this year with room rates starting at $305 a night.

The 75-room Park Bed and Breakfast Hotel and Restaurant in Pasay City, which is managed by Legend Hotels International Corp., has also opened, and its rates start at P1,500 a night.

The 50-room Microtel Inn and Suites in Puerto Princesa opened early this year, and it offers a daily rate of P3,800.

The largest hotel in Cebu, the 556-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort, will open on May 20, although it has yet to announce its room rates, the department says.

It says more hotels and resorts are opening in the second half of the year, including the 232-room Oakwood Premier Manila in Ortigas Center, which opens its doors to guests in the third quarter. The room rates at its sister facility, the Oakwood Makati, start at P10,000 a night.

The 100-room Picasso Serviced Residences in Salcedo Village, Makati, is expected to be completed by Ardent Development Corp. by the second half.

Also opening in the second half are two luxury hotels near the airport in Manila and beside the Villamor Championship Golf Course.

The Newport Marriott Hotel will have 365 guest rooms, and Maxims Hotel 170 suites.

The P500-million Silang Wakeboard Park is rising up on a 12-hectare plot of land in Silang, Cavite, and it’s expected to open by August.

The Manila Ocean Park in Rizal Park is building extra facilities including a boutique hotel.

The Tourism Department is also processing an application from Bella Roca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano says these new investments in tourism-related facilities and establishments are expected to add more than 2,000 new accommodation rooms and generate 3,000 jobs.

“With this initial list of investments, the country is assured of a vibrant tourism industry with bigger revenue and more jobs,” Durano said.

The new hotels and resorts will pay no taxes for four to six years and may import capital equipment tax-free if they are registered with the Board of Investments, according to Victoria Jasmin, director of the Office of Tourism Standards.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Bill is expected to result in more investment and create more tourism zones once it is signed into law.

The Senate and the House’s bicameral conference committee has approved the bill, which will give the Tourism Department powers beyond its marketing functions.

i hope dili ni mapareha atong tindahan na dili magpasulod ug pinoy :ohno:

^^ it won't happen coz there are filipino buyers who invested on our pool villas.

Kita ko sa ilang Coaster gahapon on my way sa SM. (naa gyud suwat sa kilid imperial Palace)

Pero based sa news May 20 pa man sila open diba?

Basin nalibat lang ko...or nag hallucinate....pero 90% sure jud ko ilaha gyud tong Coaster. :)

Basin bag-o pa to gipalit?? wala man passengers. naa driver syempre..

^^ nag-test drive

^^ nag-test drive

How much ba ang room dito. i am planning to come to cebu with my business friends. any idea how much is per night?

^^ similar room rates charged at Shangri-la Mactan

http://www.imperialcebu.com/eng/sub4_4.htm

http://www.imperialcebu.com/eng/sub4_4.htm

nindot lagi na sya wake, thanks for sharing. hayy now cebu has an additional international hotel/ resort to offer for tourist. mabhuang na gyud ko kaanindot sa mga development oi hayyyy.:banana::banana:

Dapat exclusive ra gyud ang mo gamit sa waterparks and pool, only In-house guest and Condo owners. Kay once ila na open to the public and day use provilege...samok kaayo na. I remember once member ko sa Shangrila b4 then pwede pud day use..., pero after a couple of months ila gi undag kay samok kaayo...mga guest ni reklamo na.

Im sure mahal gyud na ilaha rates..the likes of Shang...But ilang main target is NOT LOCAL MARKET but foreigners..like Koreans, Chinese and Singaporeans.

Well, they will charge the outside user and the management can impose a strict rule that people will have to follow. If they restrict outsiders who can afford the use of it, would probably cause them to lose business because maintaining and running a waterpark is a bit more costlier than maintaining a hotel-beach resort like Shangrila because of the added feature and attraction of the park.

The management should make sure proper attire is worn for swimming, outside foods are not allowed and such. Somehow you're right the need of restrictions because it's actually a hotel and resort place and not just a water park.

This is why I think this concept isn't really good and they would lose business right away because they won't be able to completely serve the hotel clients the utmost luxury and relaxed experience that shangrila, Plantatation bay and hilton hotel can offer except inside the hotel building itself. These types of hotels usually should cater for family holiday (couples with young kids most especially) instead of a luxurious and romantic setting for singles ,couples or honeymooners which seems to be the type of tourists Cebu has been getting.

Even if they choose to be exclusive which i think they will; they will not lose the business as what you said. In the first place the main purpose for the resort is not to cater for LOCAL but for INTERNATIONAL MARKET.Like shang..occupancy is always 90% foreigners all year long.

excellent idea,
a nice comfortable 6 lane highway annexing all the export amneties, hotels, resorts, condos and compound-residences with the airport and further on to the city of cebu. prettily landscaped on the island between the lanes with tall palmtrees and colorful native plants i.e. bouganvilla, etc.

Pareho sa South Beach, Ocean Drive....Miami, Florida....hehehe.
i doubt......cguro 100yrs from now..hehehe

hapit na gyud...

MAg tigum natah pag ayo ug $$$ para mo palit natah...yepeeeeeeeeee!!! :banana:

my friend e-mailed me the latest pics inside the imperial palace... it was taken last may 7...


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3520980146_6596918c90.jpg?v=0


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3520168239_16be3b0371.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3520167977_079be5e8e2.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3520979358_fd8d803399.jpg?v=0

wow.. nice na sya.. pero kulang pa jud sa landscaping..

^^ wala pa gyud diay nahuman lagi ana nga pics...hugaw pa kaayo...pero, these pics, lahi sab ang look...taken 10 May by @recycled_SLR of Flickr


IMO, dili pang 5-star ang landscaping...mura'g PUBLIC PARK lang...ka-cheap tan-awon!


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3521334588_06906d6e37_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3521334600_e17a974157_b.jpg

PGMA visits Cebu today
Tuesday, May 12, 2009

...Arroyo will arrive at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 9:45 a.m. and will proceed to the Imperial Palace Waterpark
Resort Hotel and Spa in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.

The Imperial Palace is the newest addition to Cebu’s world class resort hotels and has 557 guest rooms, suites and villas.

The signing of RA 9593 at the Imperial Palace will be witnessed by two senators and 18 congressmen, who are the authors and sponsors of the law. Arroyo will then have lunch with One Visayas Climate Change Summit organizers, participants and guests, including Regional Development Council (RDC) 6 Chairperson and Antique Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar Perez, RDC 7 Chairperson and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and RDC 8 Chairperson and Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Secretary Jose Atienza and Presidential Adviser for Climate Change Heherson Alvarez...

Inauguration ba ni? wa man gi mention... Murag inauguration na gyud.

Last Sunday, May 10, Imperial Palace started a simulation/dry-run for its hotel operations and today's visit of Madam President. The hotel is set for its grand inauguration by the first week of July.

^^

ahhh ok..

basin mu try ra sila sa slide. hehe check-up

my friend e-mailed me the latest pics inside the imperial palace... it was taken last may 7...


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3520980146_6596918c90.jpg?v=0


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3520168239_16be3b0371.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3520167977_079be5e8e2.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3520979358_fd8d803399.jpg?v=0

very very nice but murag i was expecting more unta.

^^ wala pa gyud diay nahuman lagi ana nga pics...hugaw pa kaayo...pero, these pics, lahi sab ang look...taken 10 May by @recycled_SLR of Flickr


IMO, dili pang 5-star ang landscaping...mura'g PUBLIC PARK lang...ka-cheap tan-awon!


same here. IMO hehe.. :)

Muimprove pa tingali na oi. Give it time sad . Hehehe.

Correct...

Muimprove pa tingali na oi. Give it time sad . Hehehe.


...lahi gyud bai...kung sa nag-eskwela pa, mura'g pang grade 1 man na nga design...hehehe...sorry bai mao ng akong panan-aw...saon man, daghan na man gyud ko'g naadtoang nga hotel nga mga simple lang ang landscaping pero pang 5-star ang dating...kana, mura man na landscaping sa typical public park sa Pilipinas or mas nindot pa gani ang ubang public park...hehehe!

...lahi gyud bai...kung sa nag-eskwela pa, mura'g pang grade 1 man na nga design...hehehe...sorry bai mao ng akong panan-aw...saon man, daghan na man gyud ko'g naadtoang nga hotel nga mga simple lang ang landscaping pero pang 5-star ang dating...kana, mura man na landscaping sa typical public park sa Pilipinas or mas nindot pa gani ang ubang public park...hehehe!

i think i get you bai, nakakita man pod baya ko ug nindot kaayo na landscaping hehehe. pero murag wala pa man tingali pod na nahuman. Pawt pa man kaayo ug dagway ba. Pero after more than a month unya ingani gyapon ang dagway, ay....hahahaha. Mura man bitaw ug gipadala ang mga empleyado ug tanom tagsa2x unya gibutang dha haha.

^^ kani nga picture ang akong gipasabot:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3521334588_06906d6e37_b.jpg

Mao sab na ang ako pasabot sa mga tanom na gipangdala sa mga empleyado. Mga moneymaker ug palmera, murag gipang-ibot sa ilang balay unya gidala dha hahaha. Hasta ang bato nga gilinya wa ko kasabot sa beauty hehehe. Pero tingali ilaha pa nang usbon oi. Mauwaw pod sila anang ingana unya 5 star.

gatan-aw ko sa porma sa mga building, murag dili worth the price tag...pero basin nindot diay ang sulod...

however, comparing the price of a unit to that of a similar one in Korea, especially in Seoul (na walay beach :)), for sure dugukon gyud ni ug palit sa mga korean...

Are there alot of Koreans buying Condo's in the Philippines? Is it "as a" vacation home or they actually reside there permanently?

The waterpark is almost similar with the waterpark in Orlando, the one owned by SeaWorld which was just openned two years ago. That is a very different concept for a hotel/residence, it is combined with a water park. Although, I think that one in Dubai 's Jumariah or what ever the name of that 6 star hotel, it has a water park outside it, it's called "wild wadi" or waddy something....

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/views/imperial.jpg

Resort opening moved

THE Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa has moved its formal opening to early July, instead of this month.

Despite the change in opening date, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort general manager Amando Huh said the hotel can accommodate activities and functions.

"The Manny Pacquiao Blog". Click here for stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.

The Imperial Palace in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City was the venue of President Arroyo’s cabinet meeting last Tuesday and the signing of a covenant during the One Visayas Climate Change Summit.

“We prepared for the event for two weeks,” Huh said.

He told Sun.Star Cebu that there has been a “little problem” in the construction of the hotel. Although he did not elaborate, Huh said the weather has been uncooperative as well.

“We also do not want to give a bad experience to our guests. Even if we only have one or two (of them), we want to give the best service,” he said.

Marketing efforts

In the meantime, Huh said the Imperial Palace has been inviting travel agents and tour operators to visit and stay at the hotel.

Huh said the July opening date is also in time with the summer vacation of those in Oriental countries, like Korea and Japan.

The resort is also conducting marketing activities targeted at Korean and Japanese travelers. The Imperial Palace group has also partnered with marketing firm Summit Hotels and Resorts for marketing efforts directed at travel markets in mainland China, Australia and Europe.

Huh said he will be going on a business trip to the United States to talk about the Imperial Palace brand to Koreans and Filipino-Americans there.

But marketing efforts in the US will start in metropolitan cities, like Los Angeles in California and New York.

Environment

Huh said the company is grateful for the support extended by the local government in Lapu-Lapu City.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Palace official said the resort will implement environmental protection programs.

One way of helping preserve the environment, said Huh, is by protecting the seawaters through the installation of a wastewater treatment facility. “We invested a lot of money for the facility,” he added.

The company vowed to strictly monitor cleaning agents and chemicals used by its housekeeping team. Chemical detergents, Huh said, are controlled and used within allowable levels.

Developed by Philippine BXT Corp., Imperial Palace features a number of themed swimming pools, water sports and nine restaurants that offer international cuisine, like authentic Korean food and other contemporary dishes.

The hotel, which is also registered as a tourism economic zone, sits on an eight-hectare property and houses 557 rooms, including 48 pool villas.

During its regular operations, Imperial Palace would employ at least 1,000 people. At present, there are already 300 employees on board and 27 expatriates.

^^no less than President Arroyo was dismayed with her recent visit/press conference held in the hotel. it was reported on the news that the President had to change her outfit and freshen herself up several times due to the hotel's unreliable power supply thus repeated failure on the air-conditioning system. it's just wise to postpone the opening until everything is sorted out.

Re: the hotel's landscaping, you don't expect something that is still under construction. i have confidence in the architect's work and will eventually become truly 5-STAR when the project is 101% complete. :)

there is still time for improvements in the landscaping. lightings will also be added in the landscape so i guess imperial will have to live up to people's expectation.

Imperial with the EGI condos (right)

flickr pic by @Sean.Caco
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2005/3538136199_a608bab7cc_b.jpg

Imperial with the EGI condos (right)

flickr pic by @Sean.Caco
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2005/3538136199_a608bab7cc_b.jpg

nice powdery white sand beach at the place where the shot was taken. murag man-made man guro ni nga white sand.

^^ correct! mura'g bag-o lang gyud nag refill...heheh!

^^ correct! mura'g bag-o lang gyud nag refill...heheh!

Basin mas sakto, bag-o lang nag "de-lomotization".:lol:

^^pirme man mi diha sa Maribago Blue Waters before, as far as i could remember, their beach has been that white and powdery. most dark spots were sea weeds and not rocks. i'd say most probably @bakasaurus is right :D

^^ de-lomotization....root word: "lomot" that green thing! :lol:

here's another pic from @sean_caco of flickr


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/3541229953_c436ef6667_b.jpg

nice powdery white sand beach at the place where the shot was taken. murag man-made man guro ni nga white sand.

IMO because mactan is an example of a rock island so white sands is not endemic of mactan but rather just supplementary of its development. ;):okay:

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa
Mactan Is. - Cebu


flickr pics by @tolz
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/489/tolz1x.jpg


http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8025/tolz2.jpg

^^ the resort looks so clean! nice find bai diehard

Imperial with the EGI condos (right)

flickr pic by @Sean.Caco
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2005/3538136199_a608bab7cc_b.jpg



wow...that looks awesome.......very refreshing to look at

Imperial Palace Waterpark opening spells employment (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=481959&publicationSubCategoryId=108)
By Debbie Dixie C. Duraliza
June 29, 2009

CEBU, Philippines - Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa (IP) will finally open its doors on July 1 and will initially offer 300 of its 557 hotel rooms, suites and villas.

Korea-based hotel group IP which owns several properties worldwide started its Cebu construction July 2006 and has already poured P4 billion in investment into the local economy. It is now poised to enter the tourism market targeting both local and foreign tourists.

IP General Manager Amando Huh said that although the Department of Tourism reported that majority of foreign tourists are Koreans, they want to attract a variety of guests from different countries, including Europe and U.S.

Huh said, "We don't want to be known as just a Korean hotel. We're happy to be part of Philippine tourism. There are similarities between Korea and the Philippines so we also want to be identified with the Cebuano community."

Imperial Palace has employed over 600 Filipino staff as well as those from Malaysia, Germany, and Sweden for its July 1 opening. When IP will be fully operational by September, it will employ 1,080 staff.

Since IP expects majority of their hotel guests to be Koreans, the hotel and resort staff are being meticulously trained on customer service and oriented on Korean culture and language. "Korean tourists can expect the same standard of service as those we offer in Korea."

On opening day, different restaurants will also be operational like Maru (Korean), Cheon San (Chinese), and Cafe Amiga (Asian and Western). Wine and cocktails will be open at the Delmar lobby lounge and karaoke at their Belami outlet.

In-house guests can also enjoy various waterpark facilities like the island pool and adventure pools like the toddler's pool, wave rider, Amazon river, water slides, beach pool and captain hook's pool.

Imperial Palace also has an extensive array of fitness and wellness facilities in their 709 square meter spa with massage rooms, sauna, plunge pool, steam Jacuzzi, treatment areas for different spa services as well as a fully equipped fitness center.

However, day packages will not be available as the hotel is only 92 percent completed. Huh said that at present, they are conducting 24 hours operational testing and fine-tuning to guarantee excellent customer service.

The hotel is nestled in an eight-hectare property in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.

Imperial Palace Resort
Mactan Island, Cebu
flickr photo by α is for äpΩL †

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/3729012815_91182771ec.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3728735181_c02b540099.jpg

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa
Mactan Is. - Cebu


flickr pics by @tolz
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/489/tolz1x.jpg


http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8025/tolz2.jpg

nice photo. if dli palang clear blue skies, murag sha og apartment blocks or hospital in some eastern european country. sorry ha.

pics by @burn182 of istorya.net

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs135.snc1/5772_1049148003954_1683335597_103597_1920682_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs155.snc1/5772_1049148083956_1683335597_103599_5979488_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs155.snc1/5772_1049148123957_1683335597_103600_3338459_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs155.snc1/5772_1049148243960_1683335597_103603_1981467_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs155.snc1/5772_1049148483966_1683335597_103608_7116220_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs155.snc1/5772_1049149003979_1683335597_103621_777999_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs155.snc1/5772_1049149043980_1683335597_103622_2274318_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs135.snc1/5772_1049149203984_1683335597_103626_5668949_n.jpg

nice photo. if dli palang clear blue skies, murag sha og apartment blocks or hospital in some eastern european country. sorry ha.

correct...

ni-click ba ni? daghan ba ug guest? hope i can also come and visit in this resort soon.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/Under%20Construction/imperialpalace8.jpg



http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/Under%20Construction/imperialpalace9.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/views/mactancebu.jpg

^^ breath taking scenery

nice gyud na nga angle diha oi...pang banner kaayu :okay:

Pics by @weewit


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3761684136_cff87fc42a.jpg

from the balcony
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3761684590_d5ea8a305b.jpg

room
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/3761685484_ce1a2bcf17.jpg

kids pool
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3760886571_a00bfd6b4d.jpg

lobby
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/3760885511_cf690d792d.jpg

3 letters... wow !

i'm from bacolod, and Cebu is definitely getting better and better. it only proves that the visayas region will grow.

^^ ...it is growing actually! :okay:

This place is absolutely awesome! But too pricy for me at Php 10 million for a 1 BR suite condotel. Ad says investors can stay free for 15 or 60 days option with a minimal daily maintenance fee... Free but with a fee? Humm... Even free will cost you something at this place. I can't imagine what the association dues would be like.