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sanctuary, refurbished essentials gave
an updated look, and cove lighting
reenergized the bed and bathrooms.
Even the two restaurants, La
Marea and Lanai, were given new life.
Lanai’s bamboo mural and birdcage
accents are certainly a delight, and
the use of natural light is copious.
La Merea’s menu is filled with
sumptuous local favorites – karekare,
kaldereta, and sinampalukang
tocinong manok, and also provides an
international selection such as pizza,
pasta, sandwiches for snacks, and
a filling American and continental
breakfast.
Perfect setting
“The beach and the pool are the
popular spots,” laughs Mrs. Ruiz.
Guests would languish in the sand,
read a book, play water sports games,
and sometimes, a good game of tugand-war.
“Christmas is magical here
– there are lights all over, and we have
a New Year’s celebration countdown
with fireworks display,” she narrates.
The club has an extensive list of
recreation and sports equipment like
the aqua cycles, banana boat rides,
kayaks, and jet skis, to name a few.
For indoor activities, there’s a stack
of game boards, chess and mahjong
sets, and even the famous Pinoy alltime
favorite magic-sing is available
to amuse the kids and even the older
crowds.
Recently, Montemar opened
its exclusive gates to day tours and
corporate packages. “We have been
receiving requests for team buildings
and leadership seminars, and since
we have the room capacity, we can
accommodate a big number,” says
resident manager Virgilio Alonzo.
The club can accommodate 450
guests and can boast of facilities
for their corporate clients. “We
have a conference room that can
accommodate 500 people, function
rooms for meetings, and an obstacle
course that we provided especially
for this purpose,” he says. In the
evenings, the club’s staff lights a
bonfire in the beach.
Saving pawikans
In 2005, Montemar Beach Club
launched the Pawikan Conservation
Project to protect endangered marine
turtles. Together with the local
government, the Philippine Animal
and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) and
the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR),
Montemar conducts awareness
programs and alternative livelihood
with the Bagac community to preserve
the wildlife and stop poaching.
Often seen along the shores
are Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, and
Hawksbill Turtle. Currently, there
are three pawikans under the staff’s
watchful eye, waiting to be released
after rehabilitation. The club also
celebrates an annual Grand Pawikan
Festival in November where the
hatchlings are released back to the
sea.
Strict policy
The exclusiveness explains the very
strict policy in reservations and
oculars visits. “We take the security of
our members seriously,” says Alonzo.
Club membership is thoroughly
checked. A committee screens and
approves all potential members.
Special discounts on room rates are
extended to members, including
priority in reservations. “We’re really
booked during peak seasons, so the
need to book in advance is a must” he
says.
Old world service
“We have regulars who’ve been
coming for years. We know their
preferred room, favorite item on the
menu, their usual drink, their regular
masseuse, even their little quirks –
we know them personally,” Alonzo
smiles.
“We try to provide our guests
with the best service,” he says. Which
is why, according to him, the board
decided to build a relationship with
Plantersbank.
“We saw how Plantersbank takes
good care of their clients and we like
the service that they accord us—much
like what we extend to our guests,” he
says, reflecting on the similarities of
the industry.
To end, Mrs. Ruiz says, “I see most
of the old members, such as myself,
bring their now grown-children and
grandchildren for family get-togethers.
It’s nice to share this legacy.”
It goes without saying that
tradition, family, and idyllic living
may not be the words usually
associated with beach resorts, but it
perfectly captures the cozy and classic
atmosphere, if not quiet charisma, of
Montemar.
Montemar
Makati Sales Office: 10/F Telecom Plaza
Building, 316 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Salcedo
Village, Makati City
Sales Telephone Nos.: (02) 811-5496,
892-6497, 892-6498
Fax No.: (02) 811-5235
Email: inquiry@montemar.com.ph
Website: www.montemar.com.ph
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