My Cebu staycation: Eat, sleep, repeat
There’s a lot to be discovered and explored in the long and narrow island of Cebu. But, based on my experience, you won’t get to do much of that when you stay in Fili Hotel. I blame the first integrated resort to rise in the southern province for having such an inviting room and great set of facilities that I had to adjust my itinerary to enjoy the pleasures at my disposal. While some hotels are intended merely for sleep, my stay at Fili became more of a staycation, which wasn’t the original plan, but I was more than happy to indulge in it.
For one, my suite was lavish. It had a bathroom with a spacious shower and a bathtub that had its own corner space. The welcome snacks—a selection of pastries from the deli, a generous bowl of fresh fruits and an artful plate of chocolate confectionaries—was a hair short of being a feast.
They didn’t scrimp on water bottles, too. There was enough to last me my entire three-night stay.
Most celebratedLastly, it offered stunning views of the mountain and the sea. In a way, I felt spoiled, that even in the short time I was out for a meal, all I could think about was heading back to my room, drawing the curtains and just lounging on the soft bed.
One of the things that lured me to Fili is its proximity to Mott 32, which is one of the most celebrated and awarded Chinese restaurants in the world. I had dined in their Hong Kong outpost years ago and I, along with my palate, remember having a delicious meal, so trying the local branch is a bait I am willing to take anytime.
Mott 32, which has expanded internationally with outposts in Las Vegas, Vancouver, Singapore, Dubai and Seoul, has kept its signature New York industrial mixed with Chinese cultural design aesthetic, making it one of most artful restaurants not just in Cebu but in the whole country. Offering water views by day and a more dramatic, dimly lit setting at night, the space is equipped to make any dining occasion special.
And it’s the same with the food. The Barbecue Iberico Pluma Pork and 42-day Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck may be the main characters, but the whole ensemble, including the Birthday Noodles and homemade dimsum as well as the fancy cocktails, definitely stood out.Reward
My days at Fili became somewhat of a routine. I took a minute to watch the mountains and sea from my room, headed to the spacious and furnished gym for a 30-minute run, slowed down by taking a dip in the infinity pool, took a quick and refreshing shower, and then proceeded to the fourth floor to partake of the breakfast buffet, which was like a reward to my active start of the day.
The food offering was so extensive that I had to go about it strategically. Noodle bowls and siomai on the first day; chicken tocino, tapa and bangus with fried rice and egg on the second; and taho, waffles and French pastries on my last. I didn’t even get to sample anything on the Korean shelf, the heavier items like the breakfast ham and lechon sisig, as well as the healthier fare such as malunggay gluten-free rolls, and watermelon and golden melon booster shots because I already got full on my second serving. There was enough to keep me satisfied with the variety for a week, I believe.
There are many tangible items I can mention that made my stay at Fili worthwhile, such as the Bukayo Croissant and the Barako Martini at the Lobby Lounge, and the lengthy cotton towels in the bathroom (my tall frame appreciated it). But one thing that supersedes all these was the warm, sincere service of the staff. It’s pretty palpable throughout my stay—from the restaurant manager who asked me every single day how my sleep was, to the friendly concierge who struck a conversation with me.
Nustar Resort and Casino, where the hotel is located, may be away from the city. But, with everything that I experienced and thoroughly enjoyed, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. INQFili Hotel is at Nustar Resort and Casino, Kawit Island, South Road Properties, Cebu City, Cebu; tel. (032) 8888282; email contactus@nustar.com.ph.
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