MANILA, Philippines - Catbalogan City celebrates the opening of a new resort hotel, the first ever with a swimming pool in the bustling capital of Samar province. Jardin de Elena Resort nestles on the foothills of a mountain range cuddling the city, surrounded by trees and green foliage and projecting a perpetual atmosphere of fresh air and serene environs. The three-story country-style hotel offers tourist-standard rooms at local-friendly rates, with one- and two-bedroom suites ideal for transients searching for a cool and comfortable place to stay in the province’s center of commerce and trade. It also has fully air-conditioned dormitory-type rooms suitable for live-in seminars and conferences, and a function hall for parties and events that can accommodate up to 200 persons. On the other hand, the swimming pool provides a novel respite for locals who wish to avail of a safer and cleaner alternative to the beaches. Resort manager, Dr. Wesley Peter Astorga Quimbo says Jardin de Elena was built from his parents’ vision and long-time desire to provide the city with a tourism-oriented establishment which has been sorely lacking in spite of the city’s economic progress and burgeoning population. “Jardin de Elena hopes to create a palpable change in the community’s lifestyle and fill a void in recreational offerings that the people of Catbalogan and nearby towns can enjoy without spending too much of their hard-earned money,” he added. Jardin de Elena is located in Barangay San Andres, just a few minutes away from the city proper. For reservations, call (055) 2526148.