The Misibis experience: Be cool in Bicol

If you left it to the promotional literature one is besieged by, highlighting this or that new tourist destination, one would be impressed by the multitude of options available for the one seeking a well-appointed, high-end, luxury weekend here in the Philippines. But unfortunately, there have been instances when I’ve been cursed, finding out there’s a world of difference between the dandy literature and what one finds in real situations. Ambiance, location (the getting to and from), food, the facilities, the activities, the “comfort zone” created — these are all major considerations when one is asking to spend two to three days, and a pocketful of moolah in one particular spot. Roughing it and doing the Lonely Planet bit are fine for others, but at this stage of my life, forgive me, but I’m a relatively spoiled traveler. My barest of minimums: give me hot and cold running water, meals I can look forward to, clean towels and sheets, a massage in the room at night, and a chance to tan! Well, the Misibis Bay Raintree resort at Cagraray Island, Albay, Bicol made true on its brochure and more; so much so that traveling with my three sons, my youngest, Luca, exclaimed that we had to plan our return — and this was before we had even left!

Misibis Bay Raintree is a 30-minute boat ride (or an hour’s drive) from Legaspi, Albay. Its 38 suites spread over a cove that faces the Pacific Ocean — there are beachfront or poolside villas, suites and deluxe bedrooms, all equipped with sun decks, and designed in a style similar to what we find at Discovery Shores, Boracay. There are three pools spread over the grounds — a lagoon pool, an infinity pool and a kiddie pool. At one end of the beach, there are inflatables set up, a virtual aquatic playground! My two older boys (Quintin and Matteo) had their very first intro dives during the weekend, and the “quick fix” encounter with scuba equipment and going down 10 meters had them “hooked,” and they’re seriously considering taking up diving. An hour of jet-skiing, and two hours on the ATV’s (All Terrain Vehicles) made up the rest of the day. Be forewarned, the moment we took the ATV’s off the concrete roads, globs of mud would fly off the front wheels and adhere to every part of our bodies and faces. Luca diligently kept his mouth shut throughout — for a change; and the two older boys joked how riding the ATV’s would have to be the highlight of the day, if only for keeping our resident Motormouth quiet!

Nestled above the resort is an Ecopark that promises one of the longest ziplines, and elevated obstacle courses. An amphitheater is also in the works; and it augurs well for how the whole island is being developed to provide practically all types of recreational activities. The resort is buying a glass bottom submersible; and presently, there’s kayaking, aqua biking, windsurfing and bottom fishing. And I did get my massage that night, a relaxing Shiatsu/Swedish combination that had the four of us asleep like logs before the hour was over.

As for the meals, how best to explain? Medium-rare ribeye, either grilled or done teppan style, lamb chops, linguini with an excellent shiitake sauce, smoked salmon and customized omelets for breakfast, lechon kawali and excellent burgers — will explaining via a contented pat on the stomach suffice? Put another way, during the first meal, Quintin and Matteo were perusing the menu with selections already being made for the meals to come. And by the end of the trip, the boys were on first name basis with Cesar Fernandez (the Misibis general manager), Blue, Arnel, Bridge, Joie, and Mack (at the Venezia in Legaspi, where we would be billeted before heading to the airport). A friendlier and more efficient staff would be hard to find, and I salute Mrs. W and Gemma for helping make the weekend happen. So, other than the absent sunshine on the first day, my list of minimums were addressed in an excellent manner; and if all the activities and options laid out by Misibis Raintree became part of a revised minimums list, not many resorts would get my nod. When the mud (or a fly) wasn’t flying around Luca’s mouth, he said it best by asking (even pleading) as to when we could go back to Misibis. For me, that’s the best recommendation the resort could earn!