A walk in the park with Gilbert

MANILA, Philippines - Local televiewers will remember Gilbert Remulla as the no-nonsense anchor/host of such ABS-CBN shows as Alas Singko Y Medya, Money Wise and Balitang K from 1993 to 2000. Back then, he also produced for shows like The Inside Story and Usapang Business.

His career took a 180-degree turn when he ran for Congress and eventually represented Cavite’s second district during the 12th to 13th Congress from 2001 to 2007. During his tenure, he was chairperson of the Committee on Public Information which spearheaded the five-committee panel which probed the “Hello, Garci!” wiretapping controversy.

Despite his achievements as journalist and lawmaker, Gilbert — now married with two kids — seems more fulfilled and exudes a more serene disposition with his new role as managing director of Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park.

The 36-hectare facility features the 3,000 sqm. Oceania Swim and Splash Park; Animal Island (a wildlife sanctuary); Adventure Zone (paintball arena/airsoft game site); Island Cove Maze Challenge, on top of the venue’s other outdoor/indoor sports, dining and other leisure activities. Just a short drive from Mall of Asia, Island Cove is touted as the perfect family destination and weekend getaway.

Asked about his most memorable stint as broadcast journalist, Gilbert reminisces, “At the top of my list is the Ozone Disco tragedy (March 1996) which aged me a few years and taught me valuable lessons — that a combination of shortcuts in safety procedures, corruption in local government permitting sections and greed kills.”

As for his political career, he wistfully sums up, “I treasure that experience. My years as spokesman for the Nacionalista Party taught me much about the media industry and that it is, in the end, a business for many practitioners as much as it is for the owners.”

Despite literally having grown up amidst the scenic family-owned leisure park, Gilbert never thought that the day would come when he would eventually running it himself.

He narrates, “My father built the Island in the early ’70s and opened it as Covelandia in 1976. It closed down in 1986 and reopened as Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park in 1997.”

It was in 2007 when he stepped in as Island Cove’s managing director. Gilbert adds, “I was out of politics, out of a job and the (property) needed someone to manage it. I didn’t know much about hotel and restaurant management but lucky enough, I’m a fast learner.”

Aside from reliving his unforgettable childhood memories and reconnecting with nature, Gilbert is also excited about playing a big role in boosting the tourism scene. He enthuses, “The family is committed to continually improve our offerings and be a significant player in the tourism scene in Cavite and Mega Manila. Eventually, I see the Island transforming into a mixed use development with both leisure and residential components.”

These days, Gilbert also gets a natural high from his personal victories as a triathlete.

He proudly recalls the beginnings of his journey to better health, “I was a runner first before a triathlete. I was 37, my knees were shot and I was putting on the pounds. It was 2007 and I started running on a treadmill in the gym and was convinced by some friends to join a 10km race. The next was a 16km race and then a couple of half-marathons. Next thing I knew I signed up, ran and finished a full marathon. Then, in 2011, I ran into an old friend named Kim Atienza and he convinced me — without much prodding — to get into triathlon. I bought a bike, got a swim coach to teach me how to swim and I was instantly hooked. Last I looked I’ve lost 25 pounds since I started and I feel stronger than when I was in my 20s and 30s.”

Asked if he misses the broadcast industry and has any plans of coming back, Gilbert muses, “I have to admit that there are times that I wish I were back there, knowing what I know, and giving perspective to news and current events. At the same time, knowing what I know, having gone through all those experiences, it would be difficult for me to go back and be an unbiased observer of current events.”