Wow...so much has happened since my last blog in january of 2007, don't know where to begin. Well, the latest is that we purchased a jet ski when i was there in february 08 and it is great...a kawasaki 550 cc that really goes fast. we rent it for p500 for 15 minutes, p1,000 for 30 minutes and p2,000 for one hour. it is really thrilling...you see the clear water underneath you as you skim the water so fast...and jumping over the waves is great. oh, the rates include instruction and fuel...we furnish the life jacket of course. it is a two seater so you can have two on the jet ski at once. i think it only takes 15 minutes or less to go to bogo or malapascua island. other great thing we did while i was there in february was finish the 5th duplex cottage on the south side of the hotel. similar to the others but a little smaller. rent for these units are only p5,000 per month plus utilities. we've had lots of people rent cottages by the month and they really love it...they have complete use of the facilities and yet can cook their own meals etc and everybody is very friendly and helpful to each other. most of the long term guests have been americans but we've had aussies, kiwis, euros, canadians, pinoy and other asians...everyone is welcome! just before i left, i put our order in to a lapida maker to make a lifesize statue of san juan bautista (john the baptist) as he is our patron saint at the resort (also, he and i share the same day). we plan to bless and celebrate this coming june when i'm there...our barrio fiesta will be june 29 and you're all invited...lechon baboy, isda escabeche, manok adobo, buko salad, pancit canton and more...all for only p300 plus the program included rondella, 2 dance troupes, singers, bikini contest and more. entrance to the resort for day use will be free on san juan day (june 24) but of course, table and kiosko charges will apply. oh, forgot to mention that we finished the water slide last january and with a mat (fun board) you can slide down lickidy split. coming attractions that we'll start soon is jacuzzi near the pool, fish pond near the beach, fountain near the hotel, of course the san juan shrine near the beach, aircon function room near the kitchen, cover for the basketball court, portoco for the entrance of hotel and later on 3 luxury duplex cottages on the north side of the hotel. right now, 2 of our staff are taking training in massage therapy so by the time i'm there in june, we will offer therapeutic massage for only p500 per hour. will upload new photos tomorrow...i'll try to blog more often.

We have just recently completed our 4th deluxe duplex cottage and it feature 2 units. Each unit has its own bath room (c.r.) complete with shower (hot and cold water), flush toilet, sink and storage area. Each unit is self catering and includes mini frig, gas cooker, sink, pots and pan and china, glasses and silverware. Dinning table for two and room divider with double bed, night stand, tv/dvd player, aircon, electric fan, satalite tv etc. Private veranda features two native style relaxing chairs with table. Unit rents for $30 a night or $25 a night by the week. We can also offer this cottage to long term staying guests for $200 a month including utilitities. We have also completed our large basketball court and hope to add the roof for all weather playing soon. Hope you can visit us in person.

My wife and children are still at VBR. We bought a Suziki Mini Van recently with aircon and use it for service for the resort (transfers from airport/Cebu City etc). It is a standard transmission and Fe is learning how to shift. RonRon is 14 now and is also learning how to drive. They used the boats again...smaller ones with oars and were able to go out to the corral reef and snorkel. They loved it. Will have some new photos when they come back. In the meantime, enjoy the phots from my last trip. We always fly Philippine Airlines and belong to their Mabuhay Miles Program and use the miles for free business class MNL/CEB round trip. It allows us to use the Mabuhay Lounge in Manila on our way to Cebu (free food etc.) and also in Cebu on our way home. We'll have enough by next year (miles will expire in 3 years) to make a side trip to Hong Kong from Manila (round trip). I'll be going to VBR in October (I really want to retire there), so if you'll be in Cebu then, be sure to come up to visit me.

Hi! We would like to invite you to our Virgin Beach Resort in Malbago, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines. We will be adding photos weekly and will eventually have all the latest pix for you to see. VBR is a quiet, peaceful, secluded, out of the way, off the beaten bath deluxe resort with a accomodations to fit every budget. We hope to use the blog to let you know of parties, events, projects, upgrades and happenings at VBR. Currently, my family is at VBR and enjoying the new 20 foot boat that was completed this past February of 2006. It has a 6 horse power briggs and straton and can carry 8 passengers for snorkeling at the nearby corral reef and fishing in the channel. We plan to add a 20 h.p. engine so we can go to Malapascua Island (about 10 miles north of us). That's all for today...will add more tomorrow.