Superior Room Promo P799 with Breakfast for 2!

ONE HALF PRICE SALE FOR SUPERIOR ROOM WITH BREAKFAST FOR TWO PERSONS, ONLY P799 PER NIGHT!

Enjoy the amenities of our Superior Room in the Orchid Hotel at Virgin Beach Resort with this half price web site promo for only P799 instead of the regular published rate of P1,600 per night.  The room features air con, electric fan, tv/dvd, mini fridge, private bath with hot/cold shower, lock box, double or twin beds, veranda exit and breakfast for two persons.  

To avail of this promo, you must reservce at least one week in advance via our email, virginbeachresortcebu@yahoo.com and pay in full upon check in.  There is no limit to how many nights you can stay.  Breakfast includes pancake or french toast and coffee or juice.  No outside food is allowed with this half price sale.  Tax is included but we suggest 10% tip (service fee) to be given to the front desk at check out (divided with all the staff).  We do have a sari-sari store at the resort for your convenience and we offer low cost menu items in our restaurant.  Limited number of rooms are available for this promo so please book early.

We look forward to serving you and your groups at Virgin Beach Resort...a tropical paradise!

CATERING PACKAGES AT VIRGIN BEACH RESORT

CATERING PACKAGES AT VIRGIN BEACH RESORT

private buffet lunch or dinner by the pool, dining room, function room or seaside club house

CATERING PACKAGE A P250 PER PERSON (children under 6 half price)

• Soup, achara salad, rice, buko salad, mineral water, one round soft drinks
• Three entrees: pancit canton, chop suey,  pork or chicken alfritada 
• VBR centerpiece each table (fresh or plastic flowers)
• Sound system with microphone and podium
• One hour karoke and one hour billiards
• 20% discount on all rooms for same night as function
• Swimming pool use for only P50 per person (proper swimming attire)Minimum of 20 persons

CATERING PACKAGE B P275 PER PERSON (children under 6 half price)

• Soup, achara salad, rice, buko salad, mineral water, one round soft drinks
• Four entrees: same as above with addition of pork or chicken adobo
• VBR centerpiece each table (fresh or plastic flowers)
• Sound system with microphone and podium
• Two hour karoke and two hour billiards
• 25% discount on all rooms for same night as function
• Swimming pool use for only P50 per person (proper swimming attire)Minimum of 30 persons

CATERING PACKAGE C P300 PER PERSON (children under 6 half price)

• Soup, achara salad, rice, buko salad, mineral water, one round soft drinks
• Five entrees: same as above with addition of Filipino beefsteak or sweet/sour fish
• VBR centerpiece each table (fresh or plastic flowers)
• Sound system with microphone and podium
• Three hour karoke and three hour billiards
• 30% discount on all rooms for same night as function
• Swimming pool use for only P50 per person (proper swimming attire)Minimum of 40 persons

OPTIONAL ITEMS:  Lechon Baboy P5,000. VBR transfer P3,000 from Airport, Metro Cebu or Pier each way (up to 20 persons). VBR transfer P500 from Bogo City each way (up to 20 persons). Live Music: negotiable.

CORKAGE:  Lechon Baboy P4,000. Beer P200 per case. Soft drinks P200 per case. Spirits P100 per bottle.

SPECIAL PACKAGES for reunions, team building, business gatherings, church and family gatherings, weddings, receptions, concerts, school and government events.  Please contact us by email at virginbeachresortcebu@yahoo.com and contact us by phone or text at 032-354-8661, 0917-307-8341, 0915-455-6990

Please visit us online at http://virginbeachresortcebu.com and “like” us face book.

VIRGIN BEACH RESORT ROOM RATES FOR 2012

Orchid Deluxe Large Duplex Cottage Suites

We have two large duplex cottages at Virgin Beach Resort Cebu.  Both are facing the sea and swimming pool and feature private veranda front and back, comfortable custom veranda furniture, airconditioning, hot water in shower, kitchenette (with refrigerator, rice cooker, hot plate, utincils), table/chairs, electric fan, tv/dvd player, satalite t.v., safe, two double beds (option to add one more double bed for total capacity of 6 persons).  Rooms have divider for sleeping area and large closet/storage for long term guests. Two suites in each cottage for total of 4 large suite room.  New for 2012 is our "FAMILY ROOM SUITE", same size as the others but smaller kitchenette and 4 double beds (large bed for two persons), so has the capacity for 8 adults.

OVERNIGHT RATE (24 hours) P2,500 PER NIGHT

WEEKLY RATE (7 NIGHTS) P2,000 PER NIGHT

MONTHLY RATE (30 NIGHTS) P1,500 PER NIGHT

*  12% Philippine Value Added Tax (V.A.T.) included in rate.

** 10% Service Fee (or Tip) is NOT included in rate.

Orchid Deluxe Small Duplex Cottage Suites

We have three small duplex cottages at Virgin Beach Resort Cebu on the south side of the hotel with veranda view of the sea and swimming pool.  All feature private verandas at the front with comfortable custom veranda furniture, airconditioning, hot water in the shower, electric fan, kitchenette (with refrigerator, rice cooker, hot plate, utincils), table/chairs, t.v./dvd, satalite tv, one double bed with night stand and room divider.  We have three small deluxe duplex cottages with two suite rooms each for a total of 6 small deluxe suites.

OVERNIGHT RATE (24 HOURS) P2,000 PER NIGHT

WEEKLY RATE (7 NIGHTS) P1,600 PER NIGHT

MONTHLY RATE (30 NIGHTS) P1,200 PER NIGHT

*  12% Philippine Added Tax (V.A.T.) is included in the rate

**  10% Service Fe (or Tip) is NOT included in the rate

Orchid Hotel Superior Rooms

The Orchid Hotel has 10 superior rooms with the reception, entertainment area and Orchid Bar and Restaurant.  There are 5 rooms on each side with the common areas in the middle and veranda all the way around with custom comfortable veranda furniture.  There is an entrance to each superior room from the common area and from the veranda.  All rooms have private shower with hot water, airconditioning, electric fan, mini frig, tv/dvd and either one double bed or two twin beds.

OVERNIGHT RATE (24 HOURS) P1,600 PER NIGHT

WEEKLY RATE (7 NIGHTS) P1,400 PER NIGHT

MONTHLY RATE (30 NIGHTS) P1,000 PER NIGHT

*  12% Philippine Value Added Tax (V.A.T.) is inclued in the rate

**  10% Service Fee (or Tip) is NOT included in the rate

Bougainvillea Hotel Standard Rooms

The Bougainvillea Hotel has 6 standard rooms with two shared bath.  There is a veranda front and back with tables and chairs for our guests.  The rooms are small (only 9 squre meters) and feature airconditioning, electric fan, table/chairs, tv/dvd, double bed or double bunks and mini frig.  As one guest said, "all rooms are the same size when you close your eyes".

OVERNIGHT RATE (24 HOURS) P800

WEEKLY RATE (7 NIGHTS) P600

MONTHLY RATE (30 NIGHTS) P400

with aircon, please add P300 per night

*  12% Philippine Value Added Tax (V.A.T.) is included in the rate

**  10% Service Fee (or Tip) is NOT included in the rate

Gumamela Barkada Lodge

The Barkada Lodge is our lowest priced accommodations.  We have one lodge with two rooms and each room has 6 bunk beds or room for 12 in each room for a total of 24 persons.  There is electric fan only and toilet and bath facilites are in the common c.r. of the hotel and conference room.  Each room has several tables and chairs in addition to the bunk beds and each room has a veranda with table and chairs for our guests.

OVERNIGHT RATE (24 HOURS) P300 PER PERSON

Includes linen and use of all resort amenities.  Front and back varanda.  Without linen (bring your own bedding and towel) P200 per person.  Aircon now available for only P300 per room per night (8 hours) or P600 per room for 24 hours.

*  12 % Philippine Value Added Tax (V.A.T.) is included in the rate

**  10% Service Fee (or Tip) is NOT included in the rate

PROMOTIONAL PACKAGES AT VIRGIN BEACH RESORT FOR 2012

WE ARE CURRENTLY OFFERING THE FOLLOWING PROMOTIONAL RATES AND PACKAGES AT VIRGIN BEACH!

VBR P0RMO #A  Free Standard Room for one week when you purchase the meal package for P5,000 per person.  Electric fan only, 3 two item meals per day with mineral water.  Aircon P300 per day.  Must reserve one week in advance and pay in Pesos upon check-in.

VBR PROMO #B  All Inclusive Tropical Vacation Package for Two Persons $299.  Includes round trip transfer from Metro Cebu or Mactan/Cebu International Airport.  8 days, 7 nights in Superior Room (with aircon) double occupancy, 3 two item meals per day for two persons with mineral water.  Must reserve and pay via PayPal by credit card one week in advance.  12% tax included but tip is extra, P1,500 to front desk at check out.  Non refundable but changeable or transferable for $50.  There is no credit for unused portion.

VBR PROMO #C  Fam Trip (Familiarization Trip) for travel and hospitality field personnel, including travel agents, airline employees, hotel and restaurant owners/managers/workers and travel/photo/Filipino bloggers or  any Philippine related web site owner with link exchange.  We will offer one free night in our Superior Room for two persons (electric fan only) and no meals.  Must have proper I.D. and business card and reserve at least one week in advance.  We offer 20% commission on booking Published Rates with us.

VBR PROMO #1  Standard Room with breakfast for two persons for only P600 per night.  Must reserve at least one week in advance and pay in Pesos upon check-in.  Breakfast is choice of pancake or French toast. Electric fan only, aircon add P300 per night. Tip not included.

VBR PROMO #2  Superior Room with breakfast for two persons for only P1,000 per night. Must reserve at least one week in advance and pay in Pesos upon check-in. Breakfast is choice of pancake or French toast. Electric fan only, aircon add P300 per night. Tip not included.

VBR PROMO #3  Sports Fishing Package P4,999 per person, double occupancy. Includes round trip transfer, two night superior room with aircon, 6 two item meals per person with mineral water, 8 hours fishing in motorized pump boat  with experienced crew (day or night fishing). Single occupancy add P4,000.  Must reserve one week in advance, pay in Pesos at check-in, tips not included (P500 per person).

VBR PROMO #4  Scuba Diving Package P4,999 per person, double occupancy. Includes round trip transfer, two nights superior room with aircon, 6 two item meals per person with  mineral water, 4 dives at VBR or other resort.  Single occupancy add P4,000.  Must reserve at least one week in advance and pay in Pesos at check-in, tips are not included (P500 p.p. to front desk, please).

VBR PROMO #5  Pro Golf Package P4,999 per person, double occupancy.  Includes round trip transfer, two nights superior room with air
Con. 6 two item meals per person with mineral water , one 18 hole round of golf at nearby golf course.  Single occupancy add P4,000. Must reserve at least one week in advance and pay in Pesos at check-in, tips are not included (P500 p.p. to front desk, please).

VBR PROMO #6  Romantic Get-Away Package P2,999 per person, double occupancy. Includes round trip transfer, two nights Superior Room with electric fan (aircon P300 per night), 6 two item meals per person with mineral water , dinner cruise on motorized pump boat and a sunset tartanilla  ride with dinner by the sea. Must reserve at least one week, pay in pesos, tips not included (P300 per person).

VBR PROMO #7  All Inclusive Packages for Groups (minimum 8 persons) includes round trip transfer, overnight lodging with aircon, 3 two item meals per person with mineral water. STANDARD ROOM P1,500 per person double occupancy, SUPERIOR ROOM P2,000 per person, double occupancy, DELUXE ROOM P2,500 per person, double occupancy.  Reserve one week in advance. Tip extra.

VBR PROMO #8  Superior Room, single occupancy, breakfast daily, one month, only P10,000. Electric fan only, Aircon add P2,000. Double occupancy is additional P3,000.  Breakfast is pancake or French toast with mineral water.  Must reserve one week in advance.

VBR PROMO #9  Superior Room with aircon, two persons, two nights with meals only P2,500. 6 two item meals per person with mineral water.  Must reserve at least one week in advance and pay in Pesos at check in.  Tip is not included, please pay $250 to front desk.

RETIREMENT PACKAGE A  Retire at VBR for only $600 a Month!  Superior Room with Aircon, 3 two item meals per day with mineral water, free transfer to resort, one free trip to Bogo per week.  Second person in room with meals only $400 , total $1,000.  One year lease required but if you stay one year, VBR guarantees this rate in dollars and will not increase for the life of guest (65 above).

RETIREMENT PACKAGE B  Retire at Virgin Beach Resort for only P5,000 per Month!  Superior Room single occupancy plus utility package of P3,000 per month.  Second person add P2,000 per month for a total of P10,000 per month.  One year lease required and check in payment of 6 months rent.

CUSTOM ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES AVAILABLE on request.  Please reserve at least one week in advance and pay in advance to receive a substantial discount.  All prepaid packages are non-refundable but changeable and transferable for a fee.

Virgin Beach Resort reserves the right to limit the availability of these promotional packages.  Rates are subject to change without notice from Virgin Beach Resort.  All guests must follow rules and regulations set forth for guests staying at Virgin Beach Resort.  Illegal activities and drug use will not be tolerated and guests will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

IS IT CHEAPER TO LIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

Is it really cheaper to live in the Philippines than in the U.S.? A lot of people have been misguided into living in the Philippines because they believe it is cheaper than in the U.S.

BUT IS IT? Depends on your point of view and of course if you believe it is, then maybe it is for you. But let’s examine some of the basics.

If you smoke or drink, then YES, it is much cheaper in the Philippines as there is no big tax on tobacco and alcohol like in the U.S. Haircuts, manicures, and any service related item is going to be much cheaper as the average minimum wage in the Philippines is around $6 a day (Metro Manila area is higher and some provincial areas are lower). Many many many people are willing to work for even less than that and as little as $2 a day.

However, if you look at food, clothing and shelter, I’m not so sure it is that much cheaper and in some cases turns out to be more expensive than in the U.S. (hope to get lots of comments about this). I’ve been married to a Filipina since 1990 and have stayed average of 3 months a year in the Philippines (currently working in the U.S. and plan to live at least 6 months a year in the Philippines after my two children graduate from college in California), so I have seen costs rise and feel I am qualified to compare the two countries.

Some food items are cheaper in the Philippines, but not all. Dairy, meat and eggs are definately about the same or in most cases higher in the Philipines. We definately have cheap food in the U.S. compared to most countries. Fast food and restaurants tend to be a little cheaper due to lower labor costs but then they have 3 to 5 times more employees than in the U.S. so their total labor cost is higher than you might first think. Portions tend to be smaller in Philippine fast foods, so if you compare same size item, it is about the same as the U.S. Carrenderias are an exception, but then there is nothing to compare that in the U.S. as the health department would not allow such a food establishment anywhere. Also, soft drinks that are sold in the sari-sari store may seem cheap, but remember you are purchasing the contents only and do not have to pay for expensive packaging as in the U.S. Can drinks are about the same except they do not charge a redemption value in the Philippines. Some local vegetables are cheaper in the Philippines but when you consider all vegetables, i think the U.S. still has lower cost food items.

Electricity cost is so varied in the U.S. it is hard to compare, but generally the electricityy is more expensive in the Philippines. The reason you may be able to live with less utility payment is that your consumption (if you live Filipino style, that is, little or no aircon, much fewer electronic gadgets, lights, appliances etc) is lower an you may not see the difference in the U.S. But have a big refrigerator, American washer and dryer, and on and on and I think you get the picture that it is cheaper electricity in the U.S. Other utilities may not cost much at the present in the Philippines, but I notice water bills per cubic feet are much more expensive in the Philippines and will rise just as they do in the U.S. Big difference of course that in the U.S. we have big lawns that use more water so you may not notice any difference or water may be less since you probably won’t have a big yard/lawn in the Philippines. Of course, you may not even have to pay for sewage or trash collection in the Philippines, but remember that you will have to deal with the smells and piles of trash that the lack of adequate sewage and trash service cause.

You can definately save on clothing in the Philippines, tho many of the items are the same price. Big difference is the quality of clothing that is manufactured for sale in the Philippines. U.S. quality is usually higher or if you purchase a higher quality in the Philippines, the price will be about the same. You can save in the Philippines because you usually will not have to wear coats, sweaters and winter clothing (except in some mountain areas). However, keep in mind that “American sizes” are hard to find if you are BIG AND TALL. However, since material may be about the same (or slightly higher, depending), it will be cheaper to have things custom made because of the cheap labor.

Housing in the Philippines can be cheaper than in the U.S. if you rent and do not require all the amenities you have in the U.S. There are of course some native type housing that you can rent for as little as $20 a month and some even have water included in the rent. I just read some posts for condos in Cebu that cost $200,000 and up. Wow! Condos in our town in the U.S. still start at P75,000. House with lot (as is normal in the U.S.) still are available in many areas for P100,000 or less and compare that to some subdivisions in the Philippines for P5,000,000 and I think you get the picture. Land has increased dramatically in the Philippines and you can buy “tax declaration title” land still cheap, but look into this first as the person on the original title will still have claim to your property. 20 years ago you could buy beach property for under P100 per square meter, but not any more. And now there are many restrictions on how close you can build to the sea, you may wish to check before you buy. Also consider the typhoon damage and storm surge building close to the sea. Building a custom home can be cheaper due to cheap labor in the Philippines but quality materials will cost the same or more in the Philippines than in the U.S.

But I think there are other things to consider besides being cheap or not in the Philippines and that is the quality of life. If you are a country boy and don’t need to live in the city, you can have the quality of life you are looking for at a much cheaper price than in the U.S. I know my blood pressure and general health are improved when I’m in the Philippines as it is a more relaxed pace and not the stressful life like in the U.S. People are friendlier in the Philippines (this is a general statement and I’m sure you can quote exceptions or conditions). 

You also need to consider a “safety net” when thinking about moving to the Philippines. The U.S. provides lots of social services for people in need and this simply does not exist on the same scale in the Philippines. I hear too many stories of expats who need money/food/housing and somehow feel that other Americans in the Philippines owe them this “safety net”. Better think twice about moving to the Philippines if you do not have a “back up plan”, “Plan B”, “safety net” etc. The U.S. Consulate will not loan you money when you need it and you will not be able to get financial help from a church in the Philippines (like in the U.S.).

My reason for living in the Philippines? My wife is a Filipina, my heart is at Virgin Beach Resort, I love the Filipino people and their beautiful country.

Points of Interest Traveling from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Virgin Beach Resort

POINTS OF INTEREST traveling from MACTAN-CEBU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to VIRGIN BEACH RESORT!

Mactan-Cebu International and Domestic Airport is the second busiest airport in the Philippines with more than 600 commercial flights weekly and more than 10,000 passengers daily or 4.5 million per year.  The runway is 1,000 meters long, capable of accommodating the 747-400 jet planes.  It was built in the mid 1960s by the U.S. Navy Sea Bees (construction battalion) to allow U.S. military personel to have R&R in Cebu City, the Lahug, Cebu City Airport being too small to land the larger planes.  15 commercial airlines from 7 different countries plus 12 different Philippine domestic cities service the airport along with 2 cargo carriers, Fed Ex being one of them.

Mactan Island is connected to Cebu Island by 2 bridges, the first being constructed in 1970-71 during the Ferdinand Marcos administration.  It is 846 meters long and 9 meters wide (two lanes only) and is know as the first mactan-Mandaue Bridge.  The second bridge, the Marcello Fernan Bridge (named after a famous Cebu Senator), was built by the Japanese in 1999 and is 1,237 meters long with the middle span of 185 meters, a cable stayed bridge that is the longest and widest of this type in the Philippines.  Before the bridges were built, passengers made their way to Cebu island via ferries and the Oauno family in Mandaue accumulated wealth from their pier operations in Mandaue City.

Mandaue City is home to a diverse group of manufacturers:  rattan furniture, shell craft, stone craft, fashion jewelery, furniture, batteries, food and beverage processing, clothing and an endless list of other products.

As you go north along the Natiional Hiway, the next town of interest is Lilo-an (after Consolacion).  The town plaza on the left as you make the curve, is typical of the Spanish settlements in the Philippines...the municipality one one side and the church on the other.  Most likely at one time the public market was on another side of the plaza also.  Lilo-an is also known for it's clay pottery businesses.  You will notice all types of clay pots for sale in front of houses and small stores.  The red clay comes from the nearyby mountains.

Danao City is the next town noteworthy of interest (after Compostela).  First you may notice the large Cebu Mitsumi factory on the left...employing tens of thousands of local workers.  They manufacture electronic components for brand names like Sony, JVC and others.  Danao is also the port for native pumpboats going to Camotes Island and home to a large fishing fleet.  Note the fish being sold along the road on the right side.

Also of interest is the Colonial Church on the left side just before the left turn opposite the pier.  Built in 1755, it is one of the oldest and largest churches on the island and in the country.  During World War II, it was almost completely destroyed, but rebuilt by the Durano family by 1985 to the original splendor.  Danao City is often called Durano City as the family has dominated politics, business (they own the sugar mill you see on the right as you leave town), shipyard, ice plant and untill a few years ago, the cement plant...and they dominate the social scene.

Danao City is also notorious for the illegal gun manufactureing industry.  It is said that more than 1,000 illegal gunsmiths operate in the town.  The industry is rumored to float on export to the Yakuza in Japan.  Any gun can be copied or imitated in Danao City.  the industry's mass product, however, is a 38 caliber six cylinder revolver, localled "palik".

After Danao City is the town of Carmen, noteworthy for the Antillian houses built during the end of the Spanish era and early American era.  These houses are built of mahogany wood that resists termites.  They also exhibit ornate architectural features and are typical of the houses of the era with the bodega or warehouse (sometimes made into a store) on the lower level and the living quarters on the upper level.  They also use capiz shells as windows as glass was very hard to come by at that time.  A few are preserved and are painted in period colors and you can even see the date 1943 on one home.  After leaving the town, a large factory on the left processes red sea weed from Mindano into garrageenan, a food stabilizer used in toothpaste, ice cream, puddings and others to keep them from seperating.  Shermberg Marketing is the name of the factory.  Lots of small beach resorts are along the highway as you pass by the sea...some for day use and others for overnight visitors.

Sogod is the last town on the highway along the sea as the road now goes into the mountains.  You can see the limestone very clearly on the hillsides and caves with bats and monkeys.  Barangay Lugo at the top of the mountains has a road going to the port of Tuboran (ferries from Negros) and is known for the local delicacy "bodbod kabog".  Try to stop and buy some from the people selling along the road.

As you begin to descend the mountains, you will begin to see large sugar cane fields lined with cocnut trees.  Barangay Illihan, a part of Tobogon town is the home to some of the original haciendas of the large Spanish land grants that are now farmed with sugar cane.  You will notice the abbreviation "hda" which stands for hacianda.

The first barangay of Bogo City is Binibag and soon after that, you will see a large public market selling all kinds of animals (bought by Cebu City buyers) on the right side in San Antonio.  Nearing the main part of Bogo City, you will see the Shrine of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Medal, on the right side on the hill.  Try to visit the shrine when you are at Virgin Beach Resort.

Entering the main part of town, you will see the Bogo City Hall on the left side, where Ron and Fe Perry, the owners of Virgin Beach Resort were married in 1990.  Bogo is a growing, progressive city with 5 colleges, a dozen banks with ATMs, a very large public market, several department stores, a cineplex, library, museum, several parks, supermarkets, fast food outlets, public pier with large native pumpboats going to Masbate and Leyte.  Capitan Celio Island, a very small lighthouse island just off Nailon Point is being developed as a tourist sport and worthy of an island hopping trip.  Another pier in Palambato is used for roll-on-roll-off ferries for buses, cars and trucks goint to other islands.

Continuing after Bogo City is San Remegio with a pier at Hagnaya for ferries going to Bantayan Island.  But before San Remegio, the highway turns north at Don Pedro Rodriguez and on to Medellin, home of the BoMedCo Sugar Mill and the Mercedes Golf Course, on the right side of the highway.  You will see more haciendas and seemingly endless acres of sugar cane...all hand harvested between December and June (the dry season).  the sugar mill makes for an interesting visit if you have time.

The highway goes to the right at Barangay Curva and nearing the end of Medellin is Barangay Tindog (next is Lingkod?) and finally Barangay Batteria on the border of Daanbantayan.  Malbago is the next barangay of Daanbantayan and Virgin Beach Resort exit is on the right side at the waiting shed by the Virgin Beach Resort sign.  If you are coming by bus, just tell the conductor you want to get off here.  You can text us at the beach and we can fetch you by jeepney or you can walk the 1.5 km to the resort or take a ride on a habal-habal motorcycle.

The Malbago Christian Fellowship Church is in Sitio San Vicente on the right, a Christian Ministry started by the First Baptist Church of Tulare in joint effort with Virgin Beach Resort.  You are always welcome to visit here and volunteer if you wish to help the poor people in the area.

After the church, you will see a fork in the road, the left road leadinng to Sitio Suba and the right leading to Virgin Beach Resort.  It is clearly marked by a small sign.  Almost there, you see the private road to the beach again marked with a sing and then the entrance.  By the way, look for the very large lizard, locally called a "hawo" (looks like a little alligator).  They seem to be plentiful in the area.

AND FINALLY, WELCOME TO VIRGIN BEACH RESORT...A TROPICAL PARADISE!!!!

If you're tired of the noise, pollution, traffic, smell, crowdedness and fast pace of Metro Cebu and are looking for a rural, quiet, easy-going, laid back atmosphere, where traffic is hardly ever an issue and mostly the only noise you will hear are the roosters crowing in the morning, then the Northern part of Cebu just might be for you.

Bogo City is the trading center for agriculture goods coming from all of the northern towns of Cebu plus the island/province of Masbate, Leyte and even Negros.  There are plenty of banks with international ATMs, several department stores that take credit cards, super market, modern meat market, huge daily public market and plenty of Churches of all brands plus 4 colleges etc.  Even if you decide on living as far north as Daanbantayan, you are still only an hour at the most from Bogo City.

Bogo also has a hospital with some of the latest equipment, plenty of qualified doctors, dentists and laboratories.  There are at least a dozen pharmacies and two of them take credit cards.

There are no taxis in Bogo, but there are plenty of tricycles (motorcycles with side car) and tho there is a set rate per passenger per km or parts thereof, just be aware that if you're as big as I am, just consider paying double as you will take up the space of two Filipinos (lol).  Also, please be prepared to pay extra if you are the only passenger as the driver needs to make enough to pay his fuel/expenses for the trip.  Please don't do like some "ugly Americans" and complain that you were "ripped off" because the driver charged you P20 when the regular fare is P5.  For crying out loud, he has to make a living and he is doing it honestly and probably has a dozen mouths to feed at home including his parents and kids.  You might even consider giving a tip to this type of hard working individual.

I love the friendliness of the Bogohanans and I'm always waving and talking to the people.  I have my regular "suki" or people I always do business with and I've found that most people in Bogo are hard working, honest and caring.

Forgot to mention restaurants and eateries.  There is a Jolybee (Filipino version of Mc Donalds) at Gaisano but be prepared for it to be very crowded during lunch as many students will be eating there.  They do not take a credit card there yet, but I've seen in Cebu City some fast food places that take a credit card now.  Carrenderias are Filipino sidewalk food stalls that sell small portions for a small price and there are several of these in Bogo as well as Barbeque places and places that sell lechon manuk or whole roasted chicken.  The local accompiniment for street food is "hanging rice" also known as "puso" which means heart as the hanging rise is kind of shaped like a heart.

There are plenty of Bake Shops that sell snacks also and tho many people prefer a certain one, I have found them all  to have excellent value and good tasting snacks.  Again, prices are more reasonable than in the U.S. both for fast food, sidewalk food, barbeque and bake shops, but remember that the portion is in direct relationship to the price.  Low price, small portion.  We are so used to "supersized" items in the U.S., it is refreshing to have a smaller portion and save on both calories and money.

Will blog more about the Northern part of Cebu later.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Wedding Packages at Virgin Beach Resort

WEDDING PACKAGES AT VIRGIN BEACH RESORT
private buffet lunch or dinner by the pool, dinning room, function room or seaside club house

WEDDING PACKAGE A  P40,000 FOR 100 PERSONS (P250 for each additional person)
* Soup, achara salad, rice, 3 entrees, dessert, mineral water, one round soft drinks
* 1 one layer wedding cake
* Floral arrangements and candle for each table
* Sound system with microphone and podium
* Bottle of wine for wedding toast
* Wedding guest book and gift item
* Decorated wedding cage with doves
* Deluxe room for overnight stay for newlyweds including breakfast for 2
* 2 hours karaoke and 2 hours billiards
* 20% discount on all rooms for same night as wedding
* Swimming pool use for only P50 per person (proper swimming attire)

WEDDING PACKAGE B  P50,000 FOR 100 PERSONS (P270 for each additional person)
* Soup, achara salad, rice, 4 entrees, dessert, mineral water, one round soft drinks
* 1 two layer wedding cake
* Floral arrangements and candle for each table
* Sound system with microphone and podium
* Bottle of wine for wedding toast
* Wedding guest book and gift item
* Decorated wedding cage with doves
* Deluxe room for overnight stay for newlyweds including breakfast for 2, courtesy bridal room
* 3 hours karaoke and 3 hours billiards
* 25% discount on all rooms for same night as wedding
* Swimming pool use for only P50 per person (proper swimming attire)

WEDDING PACKAGE C  P60,000 FOR 100 PERSONS (P300 for each additional person)
* Soup, achara salad, rice, 5 entrees, dessert, mineral water, one round soft drinks
* 1 three layer wedding cake
* Floral arrangements and candle for each table
* Sound system with microphone and podium
* Bottle of wine for wedding toast, two bottles of brandy
* Wedding guest book and gift item
* Decorated wedding cage with doves
* Decorated bridal car and courtesy bridal room
* Deluxe room for two nights for newlyweds including breakfast for 2
* 4 hours karaoke and 4 hours billiards
* 30% discount on all rooms for same night as wedding
* Swimming pool use for only P50 per person (proper swimming attire)

OPTIONAL RATES: Lechon P5,000, Wedding Balloons P350, Live Music Negotiable
CORKAGE: Lechon P400, Calf P400, Beer P200 case, Softdrinks P200 case, Wine P100 bottle
Special packages for reunions, team building, business, church and family functions
Please visit us online at http://virginbeachresortcebu.com and on facebook and YouTube
Contact us 032-354-8661, 0917-307-8341, 0915-455-6990,  vriginbeachresortcebu@yahoo.com