Waterfront's Ambassador Club: Substance and style

CEBU, Philippines - In mid-October, I had the much-needed rest and “alone” time. I just went through some stressful months so that when I received the invitation for an overnight try-out at the Ambassador Club, hurriedly did I pack a small bag with some books.

Fortunately, a niece from the U.S. came a-visiting with her husband, the latter a first-timer in Cebu. So, I wiggled a couple of hours from their tight schedule for us to have cocktails before their dinner at my sister-in-law’s place. It was the best way to “kill two birds with one stone” – check out the ambiance of the Ambassador Lounge at cocktail time ( 5 – 7pm) and a comfortable, exclusive place to bond with my relatives.

Joy & Paul Rosenbaum spend the first half of the year in Fire Island (a resort place, like the Hamptons, in New York) and the last half of the year in Los Angeles. They just sold their flourishing boutique in Fire Island, considering themselves “retired.” I was so happy to meet Paul finally, as I consider Joy like a daughter who I had not seen for several years.

TheRosenbaums were immediately impressed by the cozy ambiance and the great vistas afforded by the 60-degree glass windows. When we surveyed the buffet, we were in for a delightful surprise: heavy cocktails, actually dinner fare for westerners who consider a salad bar, the entrée choices of a hot pasta casserole and a chicken dish truly satisfying. There were delicious sandwiches too and a dessert array of baked sweets and fresh fruits (which Paul indulged in). I noticed Pastry Chef Gabriel Garcia checking out the buffet that evening.

Then, when we were merrily chatting, the service staff was at a respectable distance to be unobtrusive, but anticipating our need even before we felt it. Wine poured as soon as my glass was half-empty; water goblets promptly refilled. My guests were reluctant to leave at the appointed hour when the family driver fetched them.

Earlier in the afternoon, I appreciated the express check in at the 18th floor – the Ambassador Club floor – escorted by no less than hotel executive Karen Mendoza who informed me that the Club only has 24 guest rooms and suites. My Ambassador Suite was a home away from home, with a kitchenette and all the attendant amenities.

What was most important were the softness and sizes (big!) of the pillows. I was in dreamland without even opening any of my books. The exhaustion set in full force once my body was ensconced in pampering comfort.

By 9am the next morning, I was enjoying breakfast at the Ambassador Lounge. This time, they not only serve the expected continental fare but a congee station with all the condiments and ingredients of the authentic Chinese/Japanese porridge. One other special touch: before I retired the previous night, the attendants asked if I wanted a specific food for breakfast. I ordered danggit. And there was a saucer of the dried fish with spiced vinegar! Bravo!

As I had my Travel Update column due that day, I went up to the upper level of the Lounge, where the Business Center is located. They have three computer work areas where I finished and emailed my column article in good time. Adjacent to the area are two meeting rooms.

When you book for an Ambassador Club room or suite, aside from the free breakfast and cocktail fare in the evening — where you can entertain business colleagues (I think there is a minimum number per guest.), there is a fax machine in every room and free wi-fi connection. Daily suit pressing and shoeshine, all-day beverages and a butler at your service, are inclusive of the room rate.

With a spectacular view in each room and at the Lounge where one enjoys a leisurely meal, Ambassador Club offers substance and style indeed to its upper echelon business executives, topnotch entrepreneurs and economic movers who all need a haven at the end of a hectic day.