30 years on a beautiful coast

Thirty years ago, Luis Alvarez and his devoted wife Merceditas Borromeo, fondly called Sitoy and Ditas, built a boutique resort hotel on the scenic coastline of Mactan Island. They named it simply Costabella, translated in English as “beautiful coast.”

The resort started with only 16 rooms.  Though simple and unpretentious, the accommodations were not devoid of the finer details that make a holiday memorable.

Through sheer determination, perseverance and hard work, Costabella has grown into a triple AAA resort with 156 guestrooms that feature contemporary amenities, which reflect the warmth and creativity of the property.  

Ricca Arambulo Pimentel, Ken Pimentel, Merche Castro and Hazel Alvarez

The much-anticipated 30th anniversary celebration had for its theme “The Pirates of the Caribbean.” Expectedly, new treasures and discoveries of Costabella awaited the invitees.

Upon arrival guests were ushered to the first of three food stations. The Mediterranean-inspired area served refreshing sangrias and appetizers such as Moroccan beef pie, fish souvlaki, polenta muffins, caramelized red onion, feta and caviar crostini. Flamenco dancers in flounce dresses awed the spectators with their percussive footwork and intricate hand and body movements. The graceful belly dancers in sheer harem pants and richly decorated beaded tops simply mesmerized the onlookers.   

Moving on to the next location was the colorful Caribbean station. Fashionable yet traditional mojitos were served with crab cakes with coriander avocado, empanada Cubana, pollo adobado quesadillas, and Cuban shrimps and banana tostones.

The beachfront, which carried the Asian Pacific theme, had passion mango for its welcome drink. Filipino, Japanese and Chinese dishes such as

Lui Alvarez with sister Marisse Sy

tandoori prawns, satay, tuna sashimi, Asian pork asado parcels took center stage. A colorful lion dance and popular Filipino folk dances provided the lively entertainment.

Before the evening ended, Marita Arambulo, general manager of Costabella, paid tribute to her parents Sitoy and Ditas whose vision, commitment, dedication and relentless hard work have made Costabella a gem of a paradise. Special thanks and citations were also given to top hotel producers and loyal guests.

Quietly refined, delightfully stylish, Costabella with its premier deluxe and seafront suites dotted among acres of landscaped gardens fully deserves its popularity with both honeymooners and families alike. 

Agnes Gupalor, Hembler Mendoza, Cenelyn Manguilimotan