“Panglao is so amazing!” These are the exact words uttered by no less than Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Department of Tourism (DOT) national head, during her recent short stay in the island province of Bohol, particularly in Panglao.
She was here a couple of weeks ago to do some ocular inspections of our place and find out if Bohol is now ready to implement and participate in the “Travel Bubble” program of the Tourism Department.
Panlgao town is very fortunate as most of Secretary Puyat’s time during her visit here was spent in this municipality – “an island paradise” – as claimed by most tourists. Declared as the tourism hub of Bohol, Panglao cradles several resorts and hotels. One of these has gained the praises of Secretary Puyat – The Bellevue Resort.
She was very open with her favorable comments as she stepped into the lobby of the resort. She was thoroughly amazed, not only at the way the welcoming staff sincerely received her, but also at the unique and elegant manner they greeted her. The “Mabuhay Gesture”, advocated by the Department of Tourism, was well manifested by the front line staff of The Bellevue Resort. Secretary Puyat was very impressed at the way they put their right palms on their upper left bust simultaneous with the slight bowing of their heads to indicate their silent words of welcome to the distinguished guest.
Aside from the health protocols like the foot bath, body temperature check, the provision of hand sanitizers contained in a specially designed container (among others), The Bellevue Resort also offered a uniquely concocted kind of welcome drink called the “immune booster”. This is a mixture of fresh lemongrass, ginger, and honey – a real thirst quencher.
Moreover, the mandatory scanning of the QR code at the entrance of the hotel was also an added security health feature that will aid authorities just in case there is a need for contact tracing.
Here’s more! The baggage storage area near the check-in counter of the resort is equipped excellently with Ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizing gadgets which will disinfect all the guests’ pieces of luggage before all these will be wheeled into the guests’ rooms. To complete each visitor’s comfort, a small box that can accommodate personal belongings like wallets, mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers, handbags, etc., is also conspicuously placed near the check-in counter for disinfection purposes.
The big signage showing the disadvantages of using “face masks with valves/vents” posted near the body temperature checking area caught quickly the attention of Secretary Eduardo Año of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG chief, who was with Sec. Puyat during the above-mentioned visit, immediately took a photo of the signage together with his comment: “Buti pa kayo dito, nauna na kayo mag post ng ganito.”
One of the most appreciated activities which The Bellevue Resort is uniquely doing is its “Vertical Entertainment” moment. This is a form of amusement/happy activity offered by the hotel where musical performers do their live renditions at the center of the resort’s open ground while all their in-house guests go to the lobby to watch and enjoy the performance.
The Bellevue Resort’s health protocols, its sight, location, people, accommodation, hospitality, and warmth are just few of the reasons that convinced the Tourism Secretary to say that Panglao in particular, and Bohol in general are, indeed, amazing places to visit.
