Thematic Ol' Hallow's Eve at Maribago Bluewater

CEBU, Philippines -  Maribago Bluewater became a sentimental resort to me when my first grandchild Meg (Margaret Therese) received her first invitation, at three months old, for the launching of Dolpo the Dolphin. Meg is now 5 years old, so when I got the invitation to “Trick or Treat” at the resort, I readily set my schedule. Unfortunately, Meg was unable to attend but my second and third grandchildren did – 3 year old Noah Inigo and Sabrina Noelle, turning 2 this December.

I booked an Amuma suite, aside from the media assigned room, so the little ones could take their nap right after their midday meal (We adults had a sumptuous seafood lunch spread out on the beach area). Noah’s nap had to wait however as he dragged his dad Allen to the swimming pool for a “quick dip” where we later had a hard time getting him out of the water.

The two kids in dreamland missed the various contests: horrible mask making, kite making (and flying) and cupcake macabre decorating. We never saw the events but we were able to get the loot baskets for trick or treaters. However, Noah and Sab had a delightful time at the pool slide with their parents until dinnertime.

The dining area was transformed into a cobwebby spooky place adorned with huge crawly creatures on the walls and at the buffet tables. Guarded by a ghoulish figure centerpiece, the dishes included “bloody” beets accented by a tombstone, goat skull greeting each diner in the “caldereta” chaffing dish and a weird-looking black concoction aptly called “black wriggling snakes,” which turned out to be spaghetti in squid ink! On the other side were red-nailed “fingers” – breadstick w/a red almond sliver – all in a row, beside the “bloodstained” mini burgers. Of course, the desserts were a feast to the eyes of a Halloween fanatic, like my son Allen, who told the staff: “This is like Disneyland! And I mean that as a big compliment!” He so wanted to congratulate the chef and kitchen staff, were it not for the heavy rain that started pouring midway through the meal.

There was a wide screen showing “Casper the Friendly Ghost” movie, before the live magic show that entertained everyone, young and old. Although we went home soaking wet, we have lovely memories of our Maribago Bluewater Halloween, especially since the little ones thoroughly enjoyed every minute! Not to mention the delicious food served during lunch and dinner.

Our appreciation to the Maribago Bluewater Management for a well-planned event, as well as to the Kitchen Brigade for such a savory repast at noon and at dinner. Well done, indeed!